Anaconda Movie Review

​In “Anaconda,” we go along with some failed amateur filmmakers, who most have long given up the craft, in an attempt to remake the 1997 movie of the same name. Doug (Jack Black) calls this a “spiritual sequel.”  

There is Tropic Thunder,” a film featuring Jack Black vibes all over this, not a bad thing if you’re a fan. If you haven’t seen that movie, do. Anyway, Black, with his quirky facial expressions, is a much-needed Christmas gift for a year not drowning in comedic films.

What Doug is currently doing, since the indie filmmaking went nowhere, is making short films of happy couples’ wedding videos. He’s overbearing in that charming Jack Black way, so when they see he has made a short horror, or action film of their wedding memories, they aren’t happy but are talked into taking them as being unique clips they can enjoy for the rest of their lives.

Doug’s friend Griff (Rudd) is not doing well in Hollywood. He sells Doug on the idea that his videos and filmmaking prowess make him the white Jordan Peele. This is incentive enough to get Doug back into filmmaking with Griff and running with an idea he has in particular. He decides to remake their favorite movie. With enough backing, their childhood dreams can come true. He wants to remake Anaconda. Soup to nuts, it’ll cost about 2 million dollars… they have $43,000. Wait until you see what they can do with that amount. The “they” is Griff, Kenny (Zahn), and Claire (Newton), along with a few others. They all get on board when a snake is produced.

This movie is ridiculous, but in a good way. Goofy and insane, which works in its favor. Doug is thought to be dead at one point, and there’s a scene where his body is used as bait to distract the enemy so that others may survive… the scene is outright crazy, but you’ll enjoy the hell out of it.

Actors from the original film are mentioned. This dialogue is very amusing. Ice Cube makes an appearance. He’s not in it much, but what he does do and say carries a lot of weight. I want to suggest that he almost carries the film. His character is essential to the success of this silly yet somehow clever, odd reimagining.

The movie cliches that are said and done, the slow-motion with the snake, and the point-of-view shots of the snake work very well. The idea of running into another film crew is brilliant. It’s a funny movie. I want to tell you why, but you need to find out for yourself. This is not a flick you’ll be disappointed in. The soundtrack is excellent, the cast is a riot, and overall, I liked its essence. It’s campy but not unreasonable, so. I will go as far as to suggest that it’s the best comedy of 2025.