The announcement of a reboot often triggers an instinctive groan. Why revisit something that already exists, especially when the original wasn’t exactly a masterpiece? Consider “Anaconda,” the 1997 thriller with Jennifer Lopez and a giant snake. Critics weren’t kind, but somehow, it became a beloved cult classic.
Yet, a new “Anaconda” emerged, not because anyone demanded it, but because Sony Pictures has a knack for resurrecting dormant properties. They’ve successfully breathed new life into “21 Jump Street” and “Jumanji,” proving they can deliver fresh takes on familiar material.
This time, the story centers on Griff and Doug, two friends whose dreams of Hollywood glory faded long ago. Griff had a fleeting moment on television, while Doug resigned himself to filming weddings, admitting to a life that’s “B, maybe a B+.” Their fortunes change when Griff acquires the rights to reboot “Anaconda,” their childhood favorite.
He convinces Doug, along with their friends Claire and Kenny, to recapture the magic of their youthful filmmaking adventures. The plan: a low-budget, indie-style “Anaconda” reboot, though they debate whether it should be a reimagining or a spiritual sequel. Their journey takes them to Brazil, armed with a shoestring budget and a shared sense of faded ambition.
They enlist the help of Santiago, an eccentric snake handler, and Ana, a mysterious woman they believe is their riverboat captain, but who is actually fleeing dangerous criminals. Filming begins, and initially, everything proceeds as planned. That is, until a disastrous accident involving Santiago’s snake and the boat’s propeller.
A desperate search for a replacement snake leads Griff and Santiago deep into the jungle, where they encounter a creature of truly monstrous proportions – a snake that dwarfs anything imaginable. Doug, staring into the face of real danger, realizes the terrifying truth: “We came here to make ‘Anaconda.’ And now we are in it.”
The film’s brilliance lies in its self-awareness. It’s a meta-commentary on filmmaking itself, poking fun at the creative process and the obsession with finding a compelling “theme.” Anyone with even a passing interest in movies will appreciate the humor woven into Doug and Griff’s struggles.
Director Tom Gormican, fresh off the hilarious “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” demonstrates a talent for this kind of meta-humor. Like “21 Jump Street” and “Jumanji” before it, this “Anaconda” succeeds by refusing to take itself seriously, embracing its absurdity with open arms.
Paul Rudd and Jack Black deliver reliably funny performances, anchoring the film with their comedic chemistry. Thandiwe Newton handles the role of Claire with understated grace, but Steve Zahn steals every scene as Kenny, the perpetually flustered cameraman and recovering alcoholic.
“Anaconda” isn’t a film anyone necessarily *asked* for, but it’s a surprisingly entertaining one. It’s a solid choice for a good laugh and a welcome diversion. 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.
