"Anaconda": A New Form of Filmmaking

Anaconda (2025) is a remake that is somehow not a remake of the original yet iconic 1997 movie. They decided to change this adventure/horror film into an action/comedy, completely changing the game and style of this piece. Having a movie about making a movie is a style that seems to be gaining traction in recent films. With two comedic actors, Jack Black and Paul Rudd, it truly adds another level of familiar, yet comical, acting. If you are looking for a genuine remake of the 1997 film, this is not the movie for you. This piece shows the "behind-the-scenes" of filmmaking, through the experience of a small group of friends hoping to make a newer version of the original film. However, once they go to the Amazon, things take a turn for the worse... which is ultimately better for their piece. When the small group of four friends meet a girl on the run (without knowing), it makes them all begin working together unintentionally. There is a wonderful boiling point in this movie, which is easily defused by the comedic timing of the events happening around them.

The film begins by showing two different perspectives: the two best friends, Doug (Jack Black) and Griffen (Paul Rudd), living lives they clearly are not enjoying. When everyone gathers for Doug's birthday, they reminisce about their childhood spent making films for fun. We are then introduced to two other friends, Claire (Thandiwe Newton) and Kenny (Steve Zahn), who also appeared in the films. The following day, while they are all grabbing breakfast, Griffen says he has the rights to the original Anaconda film and wants to remake it. This is the starting point that brings everyone together in the Amazon, where they are being stalked by a giant anaconda snake, and somehow, also in the middle of illegal gold digging. When a large spiral of events happens, we are stuck with the original group of friends trying to survive in this jungle.

Overall, I believe this movie is a great showcase of friendships growing with age, as well as the dreams people hold. This film is not a "sit on the edge of your seat" film, but rather one you can bring the family to for some laughs. Showing a witty group of friends going through life and friendship struggles, I believe, truly helped bring this movie together. The film's serious underlying themes stand in stark contrast to the on-screen comedy. Seeing this tension between the friends - specifically Doug and Griffen - really showcased the difficulties of working with friends, as well as what can happen when communication falls through. This plot truly is unique, being delightfully ridiculous. These more serious topics are perfectly covered by comedic timing and on-screen phenomena that capture the audience's attention.

Speaking of what happened on-screen, there were plenty of moments that made everyone in the theater laugh at once. The performances by everyone in the movie were handled just as comedians should: not taking anything too seriously. Also, the surprise appearances by Ice Cube and Jennifer Lopez were a beautiful way to tie the film up towards the end. It provides a nice flashback for older viewers of the original movie and an option to reminisce. Through and through, this movie was wonderfully done. Having a movie about making a movie really caught my attention; it shows the process and struggle of smaller filmmakers in today's industry.

If you and your family are looking for an action-packed comedy, Anaconda is the perfect film to go see. Having a hilarious group of friends adventure in a jungle with people they don't know is an experience everyone should see.