Anaconda Review
As a child, Doug McCallister loved making horror movies with his friends Ronald ‘Griff’ Griffen Jr., Kenny Trent, and Claire Simons. But as he got older, real-world responsibilities became more important, and he let his dreams of becoming a Hollywood director drift away.
Likewise, reality took its toll on his friends. Kenny became an alcoholic, and Claire went through a bad divorce. And Griff, the only one who went to Hollywood, failed to become the success he hoped to be.
But at a surprise birthday party for Doug, Griff comes up with a wild proposition. He had secured the rights to Anaconda and wants to reboot the horror franchise. Initially skeptical, Doug eventually relents and sees an opportunity to chase his dreams once more.
With a new script, a shoestring budget, and his lifelong friends, Doug heads into the Brazilian Amazon rainforest to shoot his film. Unbeknownst to Doug and his friends, dangers lurk in the forest that not only threaten to derail his Hollywood dreams but kill them all!
Oddly enough, Anaconda is a movie for fans of movies. If you have ever made a home movie with your friends, talked about movies with friends on a regular basis, or simply dreamed of working in film, then “Anaconda” is aimed right at you.
Jack Black and Paul Rudd are perfect as two friends who are passionate about film, and many audiences may see themselves in the characters. That immediately endears you to our heroes and pulls you into their misadventures.
Jack Black 110% throws himself into any movie he does, and it’s no different in Anaconda. Here, he’s a strange mix of Dewey Finn in School of Rock and Carl Denham in King Kong. Doug is deeply passionate about film and encourages everyone around him to share that enthusiasm.
He’s well paired with Paul Rudd as his best friend, Griff. Griff is a failure, a liar, and completely misguided, yet Rudd still manages to make him likable. You totally believe he and Black were making homemade horror movies together as kids.
While Black and Rudd steal the spotlight, they are well supported by Steve Zahn as Kenny Trent and Thandiwe Newton as Claire Simons. Zahn has always been a lovable loser sidekick, and he continues to be here.
Newton isn’t really known as a comedic actress, but she holds her own here with the boys. She’s funny, and you believe she’d enjoy hanging around these movie nerds to relive her childhood.
Anaconda ticks all the boxes you would expect from a film like this. There are gory snake kills and fun comedic action scenes. There are the musical cues you’d look for, along with the cameos you’d want to see.
And believe it or not, you do not have to have seen the 1997 film Anaconda to follow this film, but you will probably want to watch it after viewing this comedy.
When I saw the trailer for Anaconda, I was expecting a film like Tropic Thunder. I thought there would be a lot of jokes about Hollywood mixed with comedic kills and over-the-top action. And Anaconda does have that, but in smaller doses.
The first ¾ of the movie is a light, sweet comedy with only the last quarter being more of what I was expecting. Fortunately, that last little bit makes it worth seeing.
Unfortunately, the trailer spoils the film’s biggest laugh. When Doug wakes up to find himself being used as bait for the snake, the movie hits its high point. Even though it is spoiled, it is still funny. But I do wonder if it would have been even funnier if it were a surprise.
Anaconda is a great film to see at the theater with a big crowd. The audience’s reaction is a big part of the fun as they scream and laugh. If you’re a fan of Jack Black or Paul Rudd, this is one you’ll want to check out.
ANACONDA REVIEW RATING: 6.5 OUT OF 10
Sony Pictures will release Anaconda in theaters on Thursday, December 25, 2025. The film has been rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) for violence/action, strong language, some drug use, and suggestive references.
