Quickcard Review Zack and Miri Make a Porno Directed by: Kevin Smith Cast: Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Robinson, Jason Mewes, Katie Morgan Running Time: 1 hr 41 mins Rating: R
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Plot: Friends forever ... Zack (Rogen) and Miri (Banks) hit hard financial times and they look for any option to make money for the rent. Zack suggests they make a porn flick, and a group of friends are willing to help. But as the cameras role, the two begin to have feeling for one another and of course, that complicates things.
Who’s It For? It's easy to say this is for the younger crowd. Those under 40 seem to have a different appreciation for porn, it's something that can be talked about instead of hid in the locked drawer. The key to the film is, under the "porno" facade, it's just a romantic comedy ... with one or two gross out, over-the-top moments.
OVERALL
Kevin Smith is back. I wasn't blown away like the first time I saw Chasing Amy, but I was constantly entertained. There is nothing subtle about Porno ... from the clear camera shot of paid versus unpaid bills to former porn star Traci Lords' nickname (Bubbles) ... it's basic story telling. But that's not what is going to put butts in the seats; it's the title, the consistently good Rogen and the adorable Banks. Though I'm sure some will see it for Jason Mewes and his ass, and Smith also got porn actress Katie Morgan.
it's the moments that will give this film a long DVD shelf life. Like when Zack sees two gay men fighting and says "They fight just like real people" and the conversation between Zack and Miri before their uncomfortable sex scene ... rambling about Julia Roberts in Sleeping with the Enemy. Smith has always been good at the pointless conversation. It always helps when you toss in songs like "Let Me Clear my Throat" by DJ Kool and "Up in Here" by DMX.
The real reason to see the film though? Craig Robinson as Delaney. He's good in "The Office," he's great here. As Zack's other sidekick, he has the angry wife, and gets to awkwardly explain to women what his role as a producer of the porn means. The infomercial at the end clinches it. Zack and Miri is lighter than you think given the title, there's a nice sweet romance and most importantly, Smith has made another solid comedy.
Final Score: 7/10