Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Starring: Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Robinson, Jason Mewes, Traci Lords, Brandon Routh, Justin Long
Directed by: Kevin Smith
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama
2008

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Longtime platonic friends Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) have reached a new low when their water and gets shut off. As the bills start to pile up and no hope to get out of their massive debt, they realize they have only one option left- to make a porno.

Review:

Tim: I am really not a big Kevin Smith fan. I love his passion, but I don't really love any of his movies. That is, until now. I absolutely loved Zack and Miri Make a Porno. I thought this was a funny, heartwarming, crazy, gross, sex-filled movie that was extremely entertaining. The movie is ridiculous and beyond belief, but none of that matters. Smith does have a knack for dialogue, and he goes all out here.

This movie is just hilarious. The dialogue is so foul and nasty and shocking that this is definitely not a movie for the very young or very old. However, it is surprisingly believable. It made these characters come to life, making it hard not to like anyone in the film. All the characters are enjoyable, likeable, and you find yourself rooting for them. Kevin Smith did good work here. In regards to writing, there are a few scenes that standout. The comment about Rosie O'Donnell is hilarious. I love the musings about various aspects of life Zack and Miri have. There are just so many great moments.

Seth Rogen is terrific in this movie. He is typically good in these kind of movies, but this is one of my favorite performances. He is such a foul mouthed by likeable guy. Rogen can pull this off better than anyone else is Hollywood. I also love the casting of Elizabeth Banks. I know she wasn't Kevin Smith's first choice, but she is terrific. She is pretty and kind, and yet every bit as foul and vulgar as Rogen. She holds her own in that department. Rogen and Banks get along wonderfully- and perhaps in the most brilliant aspect of the movie, their relationship truly seems platonic. They really feel like two people who have been lifelong friends. They work extremely well together.

The supporting cast is great, too. I love Craig Robinson- he makes every movie better, and he does so here. Jason Mewes is surprisingly effective, and not annoying like he usually tends to be. Justin Long and Brandon Routh were very well cast. Long is hilarious in nearly every line he utters. While Routh might give a wooden, weak performance, he still has a few good moments. They interacted well together.

The reason why I think Zack and Miri Make a Porno is a great movie is because it brilliantly manages to be both sweet and nasty at the same time. I have never seen a movie be more heartwarming and beautiful while also being vile and filthy. This makes for a truly entertaining experience. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and think it is one of the best comedies I've seen in years.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Chasing Amy, Clerks, Clerks II, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Role Models, Pineapple Express