DVD Review: Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Zack and Miri Make a Porno follows the story of best friends, Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks), who have failed to achievement financial/career greatness in the decade since graduating from high school.  When they realize that they can’t pay the rent and their power/water is turned off, they become desperate to make some quick cash.  After a very strange encounter at their high school reunion, they decide to make a porno to raise the funds.

image: imdb.com

Initially, I had braced myself for a far worse, dirtier film (especially when it was banned in Utah) but, for all of its’ raunch, there is tenderness.  We get to see friendship, camaraderie and perseverance as Zack, Miri and some of their friends pull together when their plans get derailed.  While it is true that this film is about making a pornographic film, the amount of nudity is contained to just a few scenes but the language and fully-clothed interactions might offend more sensitive viewers (for example, in one Star Wars-inspired scene, they use large floppy dildos instead of light sabers).   Aside from that, this is a fun movie to see since it’s a great hybrid of a guy’s movie and a romantic comedy. Things to watch for: Hockey fans (especially Pittsburgh Penguins fans) will love the fact that in the opening minutes of the movie, Miri gets out of bed and walks to the bathroom wearing a 2008 Winter Classic jersey and then a Stanley Cup banner is shown hanging on the wall in Zack’s room (both for Pittsburgh).  The icy sport is actually well-represented throughout the film. Justin Long makes a short appearance during the high school reunion and he’s sheer genius as a gay, male porn star.  His voice will have you on the floor laughing hysterically. Fans of the Canadian show, Kenny vs. Spenny, will crack up when they see Kenny Hotz show up for a few minutes (also at the reunion).  I was expecting him to do something more outrageous but he was still ridiculous. The film was written and directed by Kevin Smith (Silent Bob) but he doesn’t make an appearance.  You will recognize, however, his Clerks buddies, Jeff Anderson and a thinner-looking Jason Mewes

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