Rating: 2 out of 4
Running Time: 96 minutes
This feature from Sony pictures is currently playing in theaters.
While many critics like myself bemoan all of the sequels and reboots coming down the pipeline, occasionally there is a feature with the potential to offer something new on an overly familiar theme. Anyone who saw the original 1997 horror film Anaconda will probably remember it as quality cinema, but delivering some enjoyment as a campy B-movie featuring a memorably over-the-top performance from its central villain. This story involves a group of film fans who remember and admire the original movie from their college days and set out to reboot the franchise. It’s a fresh take on the concept, but one wishes that the tone and focus of the story had more bite.
Officially designated as a meta-reboot, the story begins with Buffalo-based movie-lover and professional wedding videographer Doug McCallister (Jack Black) feeling disappointed with his career. As a child, he used to shoot films with his friends, and now feels creatively stifled. His childhood best friend Ronald “Griff” Griffin (Paul Rudd) has attempted to make his acting dreams come true in Los Angeles, but hasn’t met with a great deal of success. The two reunite during a birthday celebration along with childhood pals Kenny (Steve Zahn) and Claire (Thandiwe Newton).
Griff reveals that, by charming the descendants of the writer of the source material, he now owns the Anaconda remake rights. The four all agree to fly down to the Amazon River in Brazil and shoot an extremely low-budget reboot. To help them, they hire local snake wrangler Carlos Braga (Stelton Mello) and boat captain Ana Almeida (Daniela Mehchior), who may also be a fugitive. Things get dangerous when a real, enormous snake appears on set.
There are several subplots in the story that don’t mesh particularly well. Early moments present action beats with Ana near the Amazon. Then, the story introduces the good-natured but downtrodden leads who are all disappointed by their lot in life. The characters are exaggerated, but Doug’s and Griff’s work struggles are heartfelt and it is relatable to see horror enthusiast Doug and his best friend reconnect while watching home movies. However, the problem is that while these early scenes are sweet, they aren’t particularly funny. An offhanded comment here and there amuses, but the film doesn’t build any comedic tension or momentum early on.
When the group arrive in Brazil, the movie juggles their narrative with Ana’s story, who is trying to evade capture by pretending to be a boat captain. This major subplot does eventually come to the forefront of the story, but is quickly dismissed in a clumsy manner. And, while shooting the film we witness Griff and Claire (who once dated as teenagers) begin to rekindle feelings for each other. Once again, the screenplay doesn’t do much with the idea. At least one character that does raise a smile with his unusual behavior is snake-wrangler Carlos. A few of his contradictory notes and facts about the habits of the title reptile do land.
Truth be told, it’s only midway into the picture that the giant anaconda becomes a central to the story. This is certainly an issue when the serpent is the title character. And since the movie is primarily played for laughs, there aren’t many thrills to be had watching the snake hunt its prey. If that weren’t troubling enough, after trying to set up these characters as lifelong friends, the selfish behavior of the pals doesn’t play well. The leads come across as almost blasé when those around them are devoured.
Yes, there are a few effective moments in the movie. A scene featured in the promos involving the use of Doug as a diversionary tactic, racing around in a panic with a boar strapped to his head, is very funny. And there are a couple of welcome cameos late in the film that earn a smile. But besides these moments and a handful of offhanded comments from the talented cast, nothing else makes a lasting impression.
Anaconda has an interesting idea at its core, but it never settles on a specific tone and ends up feeling muted, lacking both humor and heart. Personally, I would have gone all-in on the outrageousness and further aggrandized the excessive elements even more. In the end, this film can’t squeeze out enough laughs to earn a recommendation.
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