Movie Review: Anaconda (2025)
Synopsis: When they were kids, Doug McAllister and Ronald "Griff" Griffin, Jr. dreamed of making movies together. However, as adults, Griff is a struggling actor, and Doug makes wedding videos for a living while their two friends, Kenny and Claire are also facing their own mid-life rut. When Griff tells them he has obtained the rights to remake their favorite film, Anaconda, they decide to go to Brazil and do it. Things start out well, but they soon find themselves in a real-life version of the film as a giant snake stalks them and they find additional danger after stumbling upon an illegal goldmining operation.
Who's in it? The movie stars Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Steve Zahn, Thandiwe Newton, Selton Mello and Daniela Melchior.
As it turns out, it ended up exceeding my expectations, and not just because of Black.
I think the thing that impressed me most about this film is it wasn't as predictable as it had the potential to be. Sure, based on the title, it was clear there would be a giant snake and I figured the four main protagonists would survive (though that theory was put in doubt for a few minutes) while others around them perished, but there was quite bit more as well.
For one, there was the mystery surrounding Ana (Melchoir) and who she really was. That, in fact, turned out to be a pleasant surprise I wasn't expecting and added a late plot twist that made the ending a bit more suspenseful.
There was also the question about if Doug (Black) and Griff's (Rudd) friendship would survive, especially as Doug changed the movie to give Griff less of a role and details about Griff's movie rights emerged. It wasn't anything unique or had any lasting impact on the plot, but it did add some entertaining moments.
The film does tend to drag a bit in the beginning, especially with all the exposition. Plus, as the movie progresses, there are times when it seems to lose its focus. An example of this would be the scene where Kenny (Zahn) needs to pee on Doug, which was funny but also unnecessary.
That said, I do also have to say I loved the tie-in with the original, including the extended Ice Cube cameo. It was unexpected and entertaining while leaving the door open for a sequel which, if it were to happen, I probably would take the time to watch.
Final Opinion: It wasn't as good as the original but proved to be funny and entertaining, especially when Jack Black was allowed to be Jack Black. It's probably not going to be a classic but it's worth watching.
My Grade: B+
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Here are some reviews of other movie remakes:
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