The 1997 Anaconda film stars Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube and while I thought I had seen most of the films that JLo has starred in, I honestly can’t remember all the details of that version of Anaconda. I will have to try to view it while I visit my out-of-town family that has many streaming platforms available. The remake stars Paul Rudd and Jack Black whose characters have been best friends since middle school (approximately) and both still like the entertainment world, making movies – acting, writing, directing and filming. The reality of life has challenged them both, but their dreams have not died. With Steve Zahn and Thandiwe Newton rounding out the main cast on this adventure, the film has just enough humor mixed in with the deep friendship they all share. It’s my guess that audience members will remember their younger days to when they had great dreams and plans to carry out with their best friends, maybe even catching up with those friends who they haven’t seen in a long time.
The film is directed by Tom Gormican (The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, 2022), Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, 2024), from a script he co-wrote with Kevin Etten, Hans Bauer, Jim Cash, and Jack Epps Jr.
Doug (Jack Black) and Griff (Paul Rudd) are passionate about making the film despite no financial backing and fully aware this is as amateur as it gets. Griff convinces Doug, Kenny (Zahn) and Claire (Newton) Zahn he has what they need to get the film done. While in Brazil though, there is a change in Griff’s story about filming – much to everyone’s surprise.
The film also stars Daniela Melchior (Roadhouse, 2024, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3) as Ana Almeida and Selton Mello (I’m Still Here, 2025 Winner Cinema Brazil Grand Prize Best Actor) as Santiago Braga, both characters who become part of the crew once the American filmmakers arrive in Brazil. The Americans in Brazil appear to believe anything they are told, as they accept that the Brazilian boat crew are all legit – certified and knowledgeable. It does not take long after learning a little about Kenny’s personality that he was not the right person to entrust with making all of those “arrangements” for international travel.
It is great to see the established comedic actors shine in this film, as well as see Selton Mello, an awarded actor for his dramatic work, take on a comedic role and do great work!
Once you have seen the film’s trailer, it should be clear some things are going to go wrong and thankfully, also go right. The spunky “kid” in all of them surfaces when they are in survival mode.
Rated PG 13.
Anaconda hits the big screen on Thursday, December 25 (with some limited theaters on the 24th). Check your local listings.
Source: Columbia Pictures
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