Anaconda

 

    

       Starting the year off with a silly comedy sounded like a good idea but writer/director Tom Gormican surprises us with not just a comedy but an action adventure story with more depth than expected.

        The film stars Paul Rudd and Jack Black as Doug and "Griff", two life long friends, who along with their other two long time buddies, Kenny (Steve Zahn) and Claire (Thandiwe Newton) decide to remake the 1997 horror film, "Anaconda". You expect laughs from Mr. Rudd, Mr. Black, and Mr. Zahn but the real surprise is Ms. Newton (not normally known for comedy) holding her own with her co-stars. The film also co-stars Daniela Melchior, Selton Mello, Ione Skye and John Billingsley.

        Mr. Gormican's script puts adventure first and fills it in with laughs along the way. Are parts silly? Sure, but it's also pretty exciting with twists and surprises you don't expect. The CGI snake is not perfect but appropriately just the right amount for this film.

         If you are looking for counterprogramming from all the dramas and foreign films out now, this is the perfect ticket to see on a big screen. And props to Sony, the studio behind the film, for being a good sport and poking fun at itself.