With a name like Zack and Miri Make a Porno, you’re pretty sure you know what you’re in for. It can’t get any more blunt then that, yet Kevin Smith’s latest movie is more then what you’d expect. And it’s all for the better. Undeniably raunchy, the R-rated film, which was originally rated NC-17 and miraculously passed through the appeal process untouched, is at its core a love story. Don’t let this deter you though because it’s coated with plenty of F-bombs, bare breasts and simulated sex to give you the impression that you’re watching some sophmore comedy. Thankfully Smith is able to stir in just enough sweetness to lighten the cynicism.
The story focuses on platonic roommates Zack, played by Seth Rogen, and Miri, Elizabeth Banks, as they struggle to keep up with their mounting bills. Unfortunately working at Boscov’s and a local coffee shop can’t pay their bills to their dingy Pittsburgh apartment. Faced with losing their electricity and water, and the ever present threat of eviction the duo are forced to come up with a solution to their problem. After attending their 10 year High School reunion, and running into former classmate Bobby Long, played by Brandon Routh, and his gay lover who happens to be a gay porn star, Zack comes up with the idea of filming a home made porn to pay off their debt.
After convincing Miri to go along with the project, the duo start cobbling together the cast and crew. The brainstorming sessions and casting calls all produce non-stop laughs as the team of misfits come together to complete their dream. All the while we get to watch Zack and Miri as they slowly comes to grips with their true feelings towards each other, making the completion of the film all the more difficult.
While Rogan and Banks shine, the supporting cast also deserves a lot of praise for their inspired performances. Craig Robinson’s performance as Delany kept the entire production grounded, while Jason Mewes’ performance as Lester, a tattooed sex freak who’ll do anything on camera, was something you’d come to expect from Smith’s long time friend. Adult actress Katie Morgan and former porn star Traci Lords put in excellent performances as well, and how can we forget Jeff Anderson’s performance as Deacon, the cameraman.
Kevin Smith has proved that he has what it takes to make a film outside of the “Clerks Universe”. Zack and Miri Make a Porno is funny, raunchy and surprisingly tender. This is probably one of Kevin Smiths best work to date.