Paul's View - Zack and Miri Make A Porno

[Paul Heath]

Kevin Smith's latest film ZACK AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO hit cinema screens in the UK this past Friday. The film has one of those titles that literally says it all. Two old high-school friends, Zack (played by Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) find themselves behind on their rent, and bills coming out of their ears in the middle of winter in cold-ass Pittsburgh. So, to get rich quick, and get their water and electricity switched back on, the duo set about making their own 'porn' film. Hilarity ensues. Whenever I write that, hilarity rarely does, but this is a Kevin Smith movie, and I am perhaps one of the biggest Kevin Smith fans. I have seen all of the man's movies, multiple times, read all of his books (bar the comic books), and got all of his Q+A dvd's (which now totals three), so my anticipation and expection of ZACK AND MIRI was high. So, does it deliver CLERKS style or is it another JERSEY GIRL. Well, this film I would slot in between them both. It's a great low-budget comedy and a perfect vehicle for Rogen who plays stoner coffee barista Zack. Banks also shines as the cool best friend and room buddy Miri who you can't help but fall for. The same can be said about the movie. You can't help but like it. Between all of the dick and fart jokes, the gay porn jibes, the anal porn scenes, the hardcore sex action and the infamous dutch rudder explanation from Smith regular Jason Mewes (who yes, does get his piece out), is quite a touching love story. Believe it or not.

While it's not a film for the easily offended, my girlfriend, who hates the toilet humour of LITTLE BRITAIN and the like, couldn't help but smile in places, and I myself was uncontrollable following one gag towards the end of the movie - so much so that I missed most of the scene that followed through lack of oxygen due to laughing so hard.

Rogen fans will dif what's on offer. Smith fans have to go see this and folks who just was a good time with and open mind at the movies may want to check this out too. Not a perfect movie, but a film doesn't have to perfect to be laugh out loud hilarious. Another ample filmic-notch to that near perfect cinematic bedpost of flicks Mr Smith. We won't count JERSEY GIRL - even though I still kinda have a soft spot for that too.

Watch The Preview