Some movies leave audiences scratching their heads, especially when it comes to reboots. The announcement of another take on a long-past film like “Anaconda” often meets a wave of skepticism. The original, released in 1997 and featuring Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, and Jon Voight, follows a documentary crew’s terrifying encounter in the Amazon as they contend with a colossal snake. Despite scathing reviews and Razzie nominations, it surprisingly struck gold at the box office and gained a cult following. But the question lingers: Was there really a demand for a reboot?
Sony Pictures has a knack for resurrecting forgotten properties in fresh ways. Their track record includes successful reboots like “21 Jump Street” and the modern “Jumanji” films. Their approach often seems to be one of confidence, believing audiences will appreciate their efforts to revive beloved films…even if many are left wondering why in the first place.
This latest iteration of “Anaconda” introduces us to childhood pals Griff and Doug, played by Paul Rudd and Jack Black. These two have always aimed for the stars, but reality has kept them grounded. Doug compares his life to a “B, maybe a B+,” illustrating a common plight among dreamers who find themselves stuck in monotonous routines. Their fortunes change when Griff reveals he’s secured the rights to their all-time favorite movie, “Anaconda,” and proposes to reboot it indie-style. This sparks an adventure that sees them, along with friends Claire (Thandiwe Newton) and Kenny (Steve Zahn), aiming to recapture the joy of their younger days by making this reboot a reality.
The crew’s journey leads them to Brazil, with a tight budget framing their exploits. The addition of quirky characters, like a snake handler named Santiago, enhances both the humor and chaos as they commence shooting. Yet, a fateful accident involving the boat’s propeller and a snake propels them into a real-life horror story, merging their film ambitions with genuine danger. “We came here to make ‘Anaconda.’ And now we are in it,” Doug exclaims in a moment of realization that blurs the lines between their project and actual peril.
What sets this “Anaconda” apart is its self-referential charm. This film revels in its absurdity, appealing to movie lovers, regardless of their feelings on the original. The script—crafted by director Tom Gormican and co-writer Kevin Enten—captures the essence of a film within a film. Their past work, notably “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” indicates a growing expertise in this genre. Like its predecessors, this reboot thrives on humor and a self-aware narrative that keeps audiences engaged.
The comedic pairing of Rudd and Black proves to be a winning formula once again. Newton, usually associated with more serious roles, delivers a competent performance as Claire, balancing the seasoned attorney’s life with the ludicrous events around her. Still, it’s Zahn’s character Kenny—a bumbling, recovering alcoholic acting as both cameraman and comic relief—that truly steals the show, showcasing a performance brimming with relatability and humor.
While “Anaconda” might not have been on anyone’s wish list, it fulfills its role as entertaining cinema. It’s not destined for cult classic status, but it delivers laughs when needed the most. Its existence reflects the current trend where the unexpected can become enjoyable with the right context. If you’re not one to shy away from serpents, this reboot could prove to be a humorous outing during the holiday season.
That being said, “Anaconda” isn’t a film that demands too much from its audience. It runs a brisk 1 hour and 39 minutes, rated PG-13 for some mild violence, strong language, and suggestive references. As it hits theaters this Christmas Day, it invites viewers to consider: Sometimes, movies don’t need to be asked for…they just have to entertain.
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