The announcement of a reboot often triggers an instinctive groan. Why revisit something already done, especially when the original wasn’t exactly a masterpiece? Consider “Anaconda,” the 1997 film featuring Jennifer Lopez and a truly enormous snake. Critics weren’t kind, and Razzie nominations piled up, yet it somehow burrowed its way into cult status.
Sony Pictures, however, operates on a different principle. It’s not about responding to demand, but about recognizing potential in forgotten properties. They’ve successfully resurrected “21 Jump Street” and “Jumanji,” breathing new life into familiar titles. Now, they’ve done it again, surprisingly, with “Anaconda.”
The story centers on Griff and Doug, two friends whose dreams of Hollywood glory faded long ago. Griff managed a brief stint on a television show, while Doug resigned himself to filming weddings, a “B, maybe a B+ life” as he describes it. Everything shifts when Griff acquires the rights to “Anaconda,” their shared childhood favorite.
He proposes a low-budget reboot, a chance to recapture the joy of making movies with their friends Claire and Kenny. They embark on a journey to Brazil, grappling with whether their project is a reimagining or a spiritual sequel to the original. Joining them are Santiago, an eccentric snake handler, and Ana, a mysterious woman seemingly in charge of their riverboat.
Filming begins, and initial progress is smooth. Chaos erupts when Griff accidentally kills Santiago’s snake with the boat’s propeller. A desperate search for a replacement leads them to a creature of truly monstrous proportions – a snake that dwarfs even the original. “We came here to make ‘Anaconda,’” Doug realizes with growing dread, “And now we are in it.”
The film’s brilliance lies in its self-awareness. It’s a meta-commentary on filmmaking itself, a source of amusement for anyone familiar with the process, regardless of their feelings toward the 1997 original. The characters’ passionate debates over the “theme” of their movie are particularly hilarious.
Director Tom Gormican, alongside co-writer Kevin Enten, demonstrates a talent for this type of meta-humor, previously showcased in “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.” Like “21 Jump Street” and “Jumanji” before it, this “Anaconda” thrives on its refusal to take itself seriously.
Paul Rudd and Jack Black deliver reliably strong comedic performances. Thandiwe Newton, known for more dramatic roles, capably portrays Claire, Griff’s former love interest. However, Steve Zahn steals the show as Kenny, the bumbling cameraman and recovering alcoholic, providing consistent laughs.
“Anaconda” isn’t a film anyone necessarily *asked* for, but it fulfills its purpose. It’s a solid, entertaining reboot, offering a much-needed dose of laughter. However, those with a genuine fear of snakes might want to steer clear.
The film is rated PG-13 for violence, strong language, some drug use, and suggestive content. It runs for 1 hour and 39 minutes and is currently playing in theaters.
