It's hard to know what to expect from such a title, other than two people are involved in making an adult movie with at least an X rating. The first few minutes of watching, the profanity is enough to get most people to give up. That would be unfortunate, though, since there is an extremely witty and funny movie beneath the filth.
Zack and Miri have known each other since they were kids, are best friends, and live together as platonic roommates. They are definite losers who don't pay their bills and share a rust bucket of a car. Zack, portrayed by Seth Rogan, is a scruffy guy, with a scruffier beard, who hates his job as a barista in a coffee shop. He and his co-worker, Delaney, complain in front of customers about how much they hate their jobs, and amazingly enough the customers don't seem to care.
Seth Rogan and Elizabeth Banks are a Mismatched Couple
Miri, wonderfully portrayed by the gorgeous Elizabeth Banks, seems blissfully ignorant of how much of a worthless slob Zack truly is. She sees him as her life-long friend and takes him as he is, warts and all. Due to his inability to control his spending instead of paying utility bills, they lose water and electricity in their apartment. Not knowing how they will get out of debt, they decide to make an adult themed video.
Traci Lords makes a funny addition to their cast as Bubbles, along with other remarkably strange would-be adult film stars. Though they encounter obstacles along the way, they do in fact begin filming. The key point of this movie is that Zack and Miri have never before had sex, so their first act for the video will be their first time together. While it is ridiculous and awkward, their love making is sweet and the pivotal point in the movie. It changes them from friends to lovers, even though neither of them wanted that change.
It Really is a Romantic Comedy!
There are many laugh out loud moments in Zack and Miri Make a Porno. Even the most disgusting scene, which is one of the worst things that can happen to anyone, has to be one of the biggest laughs. Of course, this movie is not for the easily offended, but then the title is enough warning to keep the faint of heart away. But if it's possible to look past the title, the numerous bad words and overuse of the F-bomb, as well as the sight of human excrement for entertainment, then this romantic comedy is for you.
No review would be complete without mentioning the seemingly off topic scenes thrown in for good measure. Seeing Brandon Routh (from Superman Returns) and Justin Long (from Live Free or Die Hard) playing a gay couple from L.A. was hilarious. Justin's scene with Seth about his acting in gay adult movies was very memorable. All this happened at their ten year high school reunion, where Miri discovers the guy she had a crush on is the gay character portrayed by Brandon.
Zack and Miri Grow up and Fall in Love
Though it seems it would be hard to figure out the point of this movie, it's actually the opposite. All the people involved in making the video become better people. Zack grows up and realizes he has motivation, and he finally tells Miri he loves her. After an awkward pause in the plot, she finally tells him she loves him, too. This does come slowly, since it's obvious early on that they have loved each other for a very long time.
So put the kids to bed and snuggle up with an open-minded significant other to enjoy this very dirty romantic comedy. Also, don't forget to fast forward through the end credits for bonus scenes about halfway through.
- Released October 31, 2008
- The Weinstein Company and Blue Askew
- 101 minutes
- Rated R
- My rating: 3/5
Judith Lee - Judith has been a writer for over two decades. She is also a blogger and book/movie reviewer.
