‘Zack & Miri Make a Porno’ Review

Any good dog can bark, but only a real dog knows when to bite. Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith are undoubtedly two of the most accomplished directors in Hollywood today, as they have both built their own legacies up from the trenches of independent filmmaking. What separates them, however, is Kevin’s milder, yet equally effective, approach to pleasing his audience.

Quentin always likes to bite with his ultra-bloody techniques, but Kevin is one of those real dogs who can actually bark his way to a good treat, even if he has to do so explicitly. It’s one thing to just curse and be funny, but the graphic descriptions in Smith’s dialogue are usually, the kind of sexual images a lonely teenager would ponder with in a bathroom stall. The words still have the same power and vulgarity as always, but in ‘Zack & Miri Make a Porno,’ Smith finally takes a bite out of something a little more risqué than blood. It has a dirty mind but on top of that; it has a pure heart that makes it worth anyone’s while.

After seeing all their old classmates at a high school reunion, Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) realize that while all their friends have soared above and beyond in life, these two platonic soulmates have been living in lead shoes with crap jobs, and hardly any money to keep a roof over their heads. Just when it seems like they are out of options, the two of them decide to make a porno movie in order to garner some much needed cash. With a little help from their friends, and a few talented porn stars (including Katie Morgan), the duo get set for a raunchy road that could not only pay their rent, but bring them closer together in ways they never thought.

I’m sure that a lot of you are already asking yourselves the big question, so let me go ahead and assure you that while the title is certain to turn a few heads, this is NOT a porno movie! Yes, obviously there is nudity, and while you don’t actually see much, it is still perfectly clear by the other characters’ reactions what is going on off-screen in a couple of scenes. Like (going back to ‘Clerks II’) for instance, did anyone really need to see what was happening with that donkey? I think once all their heads started turning sideways, the rest was history.

Kevin may have a tendency to go overboard a little more than one should, but unlike most directors, he has a gift that enables him to create meaningfulness when he steps on the wrong side of the tracks. Even if his characters are making X-rated movies, they still have something to learn from the experience, and surprisingly enough, there are plenty of good lessons between blowing bubbles and making “special deliveries.” ‘Porno’ may not reflect Smith’s own personal life as his other films, but all the potential he had built in the hey day is still fresh as ever; proving, once again, why he is the comedic icon of our generation.

Before he stepped outside of the View Askewniverse he pioneered, Kevin Smith could always promise his fans two things before delivering another project: 1) there will be at least one conversation regarding Star Wars, and 2) no matter what happens, Silent Bob will eventually say the magic word(s) that seals the final deal. The first stipulation still applies in the tradition of porn movie parody, but if you include ‘Zack & Miri’ with his previous work, I guess Smith can now promise that whatever part he decides to play, Jason Mewes will inevitably talk about his private region at some point… maybe even show it if he gets the opportunity. Either way, he won’t be ashamed.

With most of the usual suspects crossing over with him, Smith obviously had no trouble convincing the big studios to let him bring his “family” out of the cult that made all of them famous, but the important addition he brings to the table is Judd Apatow-regular Seth Rogen. Rogen claims to have always wanted to work with Kevin, and as anyone would imagine, they are a dynamic duo of talent that we can trust to make us laugh ’till it hurts; which is only an understatement for the raunchy laugh-riot they have cooked up here.

Having been spoiled by the improvisation of the Apatow fraternity, Rogen does show a slight struggle at certain points in the film as he makes the adjustment to Smith’s “stick-to-the-script” routine, but Elizabeth Banks compliments his efforts very well. They’re not exactly what I would call a “cute couple” in terms of their looks, but going beyond the appearance (which everyone should do), it is quite obvious that these two are meant to be together; even if they don’t realize it yet.

Obviously wealth can’t buy true love, but when you’ve got two people who are dirt broke, and fed up with everything but each other, you know that it’s a connection beyond “real.” Especially when all they can give each other is the truth… which in this case, is enough (as it always should be).

According to the Motion Picture Association of America, there is a fine line between what filmmakers can and cannot put up on the big screen. Kevin Smith may not be the first director to tangle with the “restricted” border, but it is quite apparent by his work that in order to be successful, you have to find that line… and cross it. Coming off of another ‘NC-17′ threat from the MPAA, ‘Zack & Miri Make a Porno’ not only re-establishes Smith’s reputation as a comedic genius, but at this point, I’m pretty sure that he’s had more run-ins with the ratings officials than the number of trials given to O.J. Simpson. So is Mr. Smith guilty this time?… only of making a filthy masterpiece!

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Oct 31 2008. Filed under Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry