Renting “Zack and Miri Makes a Porno” offered a first time experience for me: the first time I’ve ever received a dirty look for renting a legitimate movie. I guess the cashier (a middle aged woman) was aghast that such an aptly titled film could sweep its way onto the shelves of a family oriented video store. (Come to think of it, I don’t even recall receiving a dirty look for renting an actual porno movie.)
I rented this movie because I am a Kevin Smith fan and I think all Judd Apatow fare is merely wanna-be Kevin Smith fare. Smith was the first (and best) to master the raunchy sex-comedy genre and his best films: Clerks, Chasing Amy, Dogma etc. are all better than anything Apatow has ever tried. Seth Rogan, star of ‘Zack and Miri,’ has even admitted his reverence for Smith in interviews, stating that he hopes to make comedies as great as Smith’s mid/latter 90’s output (hey, Superbad! came close).
Indeed, there is only one Kevin Smith, but there is also only one Seth Rogan and it’s a treat to see these two comedic geniuses sharing the same bill. The film is a showcase for Smith’s trademark repartee, acted masterfully by Rogan and angelic Elizabeth Banks, two characters you want to root for (maybe a little extra for Banks because she is undeniably gorgeous).
The title encapsulates the film; these are two roommates down on their luck, who in turn discover love through the making of a porno film. It’s vile, it’s crass, it’s Kevin Smith at his best and it’s the perfect rental if you’re looking for a good laugh (and don‘t mind a little nudity with your humor).
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