Kevin Smith Makes An Excellent Film (Zack And Miri Make A Porno (DVD))

Member Name: Splend42

Product:	Zack And Miri Make A Porno (DVD)
Date:	03/08/09 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good raunchy fun, very well written, Good for Kevin Smith fans

Disadvantages: One or two scenes are a bit over-the-top, not for the squeamish or the prudish

As a big fan of Kevin Smith's films, I had certain expectations before watching this film. I'm glad to say it met and surpassed nearly every one.

Let's get one thing clear from the very beginning: this film is not for everyone. People who are prudish, squeamish, find swearing or references to sex offensive or who have watched Smith's previous films and found them distasteful should probably avoid this. While not pornographic in and of itself, 'Zach and Miri' features scenes of simulated graphic sex and one or two scenes that made even me, a seasoned Smith fan, squirm uncomfortably. That aside, anyone of the right mindset should find this film enjoyable.

Zach (Seth Rogan, who appears to be in everything nowadays) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks, who is a joy to watch) are two losers who have known each other since early childhood and are struggling to pay the bills. After a chance run-in at their High School Reunion, Zach hits on the idea of making a porno film to raise the money for their rent and bills. They assemble a motley crew of actors, actresses and a cameraman and begin filming after hours in the coffeeshop where Zach works. Before long, emotions come into play, and the film follows the typical romantic comedy formula. A tad predictable, yes, but it works, and is great fun.

There's a host of familiar faces to spot, most notably for Smith fans are Jason Mewes (aka Jay from Smith's previous films) as the porno film's lead star and Jeff Anderson (aka Clerks' Randall) as the cameraman. The eclectic cast seem to have a great time with Smith's script, which sparkles with his trademark wit.

As always with Smith's films, there is a reward for being able to accept and embrace the smut and the puerile jokes; at the heart of the story is the very touching friendship between Zach and Miri themselves. There are many surprisingly tender moments that really make the characters believable and almost loveable.

Sadly the disc does not have any special features. I found this surprising, as Smith's previous films have almost all come with a host of special-feature-treasures, but perhaps a 2-Disc Edition is in the making?

In all, if you don't mind a bit of sex and a lot of swearing, you could do a lot worse than to give this film a try. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments in this light-hearted romp, and though it's certainly not for the under-age, Kevin Smith fans shouldn't be disappointed.

Be sure to watch the credits, there's an extra scene or two afterwards!

Summary: Zach and Miri Make a Porno - excellent film, very immature but very tender, good fun to watch.