Zack And Miri Make A Porno, Film Review

Kevin Smith isn't stupid. By clutching wantonly at Seth Rogen's tight curls and nouveu riche credibility, he's going straight for the money shot. As accomplished an observationist as Smith is, his eye for deconstructing traditional relationships and establishments havn't always hit the mark, from either a critical standpoint or a financial one. Casting Seth Rogen alongside Elizabeth Banks in 'Zack And Miri Make A Porno' is a rare piece of opportunism that looks to address both caveats.

Rogen and Banks star as the afforementioned Zack and Miri, friends since school who are now flatmates working in low-level jobs. As their financial problems mount, culminating in their water and electricity being cut, Zack is inspired by a chance encounter at a high school reunion and an errant YouTube clip into directing and starring in a porn movie with Miri. Initially reluctant, Miri agrees to participate in the venture on the basis that it does not affect the platonic nature of their relationship. They subsequently assemble a cast and crew of friends and acquaintances to shoot the film that ends up affecting not only their attitude towards adult entertainment, but also eachother.

'Zack And Miri Make A Porno' revolves around what Smith does best; disseminating the complexities of male and female relationships with healthy slices of bassline humour. Of the supporting cast, Craig Robinson as Delaney is a revelation who relishes his significant screen time after minor cameos in 'Knocked Up' and 'Pineapple Express'. Justin Long plays
against type effectively as Brandon St Randy, the gay porn star that inspires Zack to forge a career in erotica. Despite bearing no relation to the 'View Askewniverse' that include the 'Dogma' and 'Chasing Amy' films, frequent Smith collaborators Jason Mewes and Jeff Anderson also appear.

There is of course a hearty dollop of convivial nudity, but there is a bumbling innocence in amongst all the penes and areolas and its to Smith's credit that it never becomes gratuitous. The set pieces in particular are well executed and genuinely funny. The same cannot be said for a script that ocassionally jarrs because of Smith's omnipotent approval of profanity. It hurts Rogen in particular since he doesn't seem to have as much room to flex his considerable improvisational muscle.

Having made only his second film outwith his 'View Askewniverse', Smith had a great opportunity to push the envelope. 'Zack And Miri Make A Porno' will satisfy most, but by playing it safe in too many aspects, he's....well, blown it.

3/5

'Zack And Miri Make A Porno' is now showing in cinemas nationwide.