The phrase “a return to form,” gets thrown around too loosely, we’ve heard it a few times this year (i.e. everytime Woody Allen makes a movie it seems like someone says it), but I think in Kevin Smith’s instance, it may actually be true. ‘Zack and Miri Make A Porno,’ is an endearing, funny, fun film about two people down on their luck, and looking to take their fate into their own hands.
Two roommates, Zack Brown (Seth Rogen), and Miri Linky (Elizabeth Banks) have known each other since the first grade are facing a mountain of personal debt, and looking hard time in the face. Miri works at the local mall, and Zack in a Starbucks-like coffee shop. They both go to their 10th high school reunion, where they meet Miri’s High School crush Bobby Long (Brandon Routh), and Long’s gay porn actor boyfriend, Brandon St. Randy (Justin Long). The pair return home, and find their water, heat, and electricity turned off.
The two decide to capitalize on an embarrassing viral video of Miri that was filmed while she was getting ready, and together, make a porno. They grab their friends, and start casting.
The film is excellent, warm, funny, entertaining, and manages to not really gross out the viewer (despite many moments that could have). I’ve always thought Elizabeth Banks has had great charisma, and is great to watch, and as always, I’m a big fan of Rogen. A shining star here too is Craig Robinson (Darryl from NBC’s ‘The Office,’) it won’t be long before Robinson breaks out on his own.
The film is witty, and cries back to ‘Clerks,’ and ‘Chasing Amy.’ Smith himself cited his experiences while making ‘Clerks’ as the inspiration for the way the actors make their porn film.
All-in-all I really enjoyed this film, so if making light of porn is for you, don’t miss ‘Zack and Miri Make a Porno.’