Anaconda (English) Review {2.5/5} & Review Rating
Star Cast: Paul Rudd, Jack Black
Director: Tom Gormican
Anaconda Movie Review Synopsis:
ANACONDA is the story of a group of middle-aged friends in trouble while in a jungle. Ronald aka Griff (Paul Rudd) is a struggling actor in LA who is kicked out of a film after he fails to follow the directors' instructions. He returns to his hometown, Buffalo, and meets his childhood friends, Doug McCallister (Jack Black), Kenny Trent (Steve Zahn) and Claire Simons (Thandiwe Newton). Doug always dreamt to be a filmmaker and is not happy making wedding videos for a living. Griff claims to his pals that he has bought the remake rights to the novel, which was adapted as the 1997 film ANACONDA. Thus, he suggests that they should team up to remake it. Doug realizes that this is his chance to fulfill his dream. Hence, he agrees. Kenny comes on board as cinematographer while Claire agrees to finance as well as act in the film. Griff, meanwhile, is signed as the male lead. They head to the Amazon Rainforest, where they meet Carlos Santiago (Selton Mello), their snake handler. Ana (Daniela Melchior), who's on the run, joins their crew, claiming to be the owner of the boat named 'Benedita'. The idea is to complete the shoot in 3 weeks. Sadly, things take a bad turn when an actual anaconda attacks them. What happens next forms the rest of the film.
Anaconda Movie Story Review:
Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten's story is clever. Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten's screenplay is entertaining. Instead of remaking the original film, the makers have taken the meta-reboot route and it works. However, the writing leaves a lot to be desired. The dialogues are funny.
Tom Gormican's direction is light and does justice to the film’s spoof nature. The biggest strength of the film is humour and most of the scenes work very well in this space. A particular scene in the second half, where the characters try to bait the anaconda, is one of the funniest of the year (too bad that such a scene was given out in the trailer, due to which it might lose its novelty value for some audience). The references and digs at Hollywood and its personalities also work well. The finale is justified.
On the flipside, the director fails to add to the horror element in the scenes of the anaconda. The intro sequence, for instance, is underwhelming. Except for a few instances, none of the scenes of the reptile sends a chill down the spine. Maybe the makers wanted to keep the proceedings light, but a few more jumpscares would not have hurt anyone. The gold mine angle fails to entice, too. Lastly, the release timing is wrong, considering the competition.
Anaconda Movie Review Performances:
Paul Rudd is apt for the part, having done such goofy roles in the past, and he nails it. Jack Black is dependable as always and raises laughs. Steve Zahn is decent; though he has a strong role, he gets overpowered. The same goes for Thandiwe Newton. Selton Mello and Daniela Melchior leave a mark in supporting roles. Ione Skye (Malie) is okay. Ice Cube and Jennifer Lopez' cameos are quite good.
Anaconda movie music and other technical aspects:
David Fleming's music is subtle and decent. Nigel Bluck's cinematography is breathtaking. Steven Jones-Evans' production design is authentic, while Alice Babidge's costumes are realistic. VFX and action add to the grandeur. Craig Alpert and Gregory Plotkin's editing is slick.
Anaconda Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, ANACONDA tickles the funny bone and works as a playful, self-aware meta-reboot of the 1997 classic. However, at the box office, the road looks steep – the buzz is limited, the film has been (unfairly) met with mixed-to-negative word-of-mouth in the West, and the DHURANDHAR wave, combined with stiff festive competition, could further squeeze its screen space and footfalls.
