- ANACONDA (2025)
- Starring: Paul Rudd, Jack Black and Steve Zaun
- Directed by: Tom Gormican
- Rated: PG 13
- Running time: 1 hr 39 mins
- SONY Pictures
Our Score: 3.5 out of 5
In 1997, SONY released the film “Anaconda.” Starring Jon Voight, Ice Cube, Jennifer Lopez and others, it was a modest hit. My son was 13 when it came out, and he and his friends loved it. Apparently they weren’t the only ones. Other fans include Paul Rudd and Jack Black, who have set out to remake the film in their own way. They should be proud of what they’ve done.
We first meet Ronald Griffin – Griff for short – (Rudd) at work. Griff is an actor and the jobs are coming further and further apart. Back home, his childhood friend Doug (Black) has given up on his dreams of being a filmmaker and now spends his days working for his father’s wedding video company. When Griff surprises Doug by coming home for his birthday, he mentions that he has been given the rights to remake the film “Anaconda,” and wants to do it with his friends. All they need is a big snake.
Both seriously funny and thrilling at the same time, “Anaconda” works thanks to the chemistry of its cast. Doug and Griff are joined by pals Kenny (Zaun), their longtime cameraman, and Claire (Thandie Newton), Griff’s one time girlfriend who comes along to play the female lead. The four have a genuine friendship which translates well to the big screen. But the film is not just played for laughs. There are some pretty intense moments, quite understandable when you’re trying to deal with a 20-foot-long snake!
The visual effects are pretty solid and they keep the screams (and the laughs) coming.
If you see one Snake movie this year, make it “Anaconda!”
On a scale of zero to five stars, I give “Anaconda” ★★★½