Anaconda Review: Paul Rudd and Jack Black’s Latest Film Falls Short of Expectations

Anaconda: A New Take on a Classic Horror Film

In the landscape of modern cinema, reboots and remakes have become commonplace, with studios often seeking to capitalize on the nostalgia of past hits. The new incarnation of Anaconda—featuring stars such as Paul Rudd and Jack Black—attempts to meld the absurdity of the original 1997 film with contemporary meta-humor. While the 1997 version is regarded as a cult classic primarily for its unintentional hilarity and awkward performances, the 2025 reboot strives for a different kind of comedic energy. The premise follows two friends attempting to recreate their beloved film, only to find themselves trapped in a genuine horror situation with a deadly anaconda.

The film kicks off with Doug McCallister (played by Jack Black), a wedding videographer whose aspirations stretch far beyond his mundane projects. Meanwhile, his best friend Griff (Paul Rudd), an actor struggling to find his footing in Los Angeles, sees this project as his chance to break through. Their shared history with the original Anaconda film creates a solid backdrop for exploring themes of ambition, love for cinema, and the absurdity of pursuing artistic endeavors.

The Meta Commentary: Hits and Misses

One of the defining elements of the new Anaconda is its meta-narrative that pays homage to the original while poking fun at the film industry. Directed by Tom Gormican, known for his work in similar comedic realms, the movie frequently references the absurdity of movie-making itself. Gormican has previously directed projects like The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, which skillfully navigated similar waters. However, in Anaconda, while it does have its clever moments, it ultimately falls short of delivering a fully cohesive experience.

Some sequences cleverly mirror the outlandish plots typical of B-movies, but many of the film’s jokes feel forced or underdeveloped. For example, the duo’s interactions with the various characters they encounter, including Thandiwe Newton’s character, seem to lack the depth or nuance required to elevate the humor. Moments that should strike as comedic gold tend to feel like half-banked ideas, leaving audiences wanting more.

Character Dynamics: Rudd and Black’s Performances

The performances of Rudd and Black are certainly engaging. Their chemistry is palpable, bringing undeniable energy to the screen. However, much like the film itself, their characters often miss the mark, becoming caricatures rather than relatable figures. Rudd’s portrayal of Griff allows for glimpses of a deeper character, especially when hints surface about his less than admirable traits. Yet, these elements are left largely unexplored, making viewers feel detached from what could have been a richly layered experience.

Similarly, Black‘s role as Doug provides some of the funnier moments in the film, with his commitment to the ridiculousness of his character shining through. However, the absurdity of his antics—like running through the jungle with a pig on his shoulders while evading an enormous snake—draws attention away from any potential character development. The film also introduces a subplot about illegal miners in the jungle that seems extraneous and distracts from the main theme of filmmaking.

The Horror Element: Missed Opportunities

When aligned with its horror roots, one might expect Anaconda to deliver tension and thrilling moments alongside the comedic aspects. Unfortunately, the movie leans heavily toward lighthearted humor, opting to sacrifice genuine suspense to maintain the comedic tone. As the anaconda makes its slow debut, the film tends to tiptoe around creating actual in-the-moment thrills. While the CGI snake is visually impressive, it becomes predictable when it finally attacks, indicating a lack of commitment to the horror elements that could give weight to the story.

Moreover, the incorporation of jump scares fails to elevate the suspense, often coming across as clichéd and uninspired. Only a few moments manage to catch viewers off guard, which cannot compensate for the film’s overall lack of fear-inducing scenes. The missed opportunity to carve a niche between horror and comedy leaves the audience desiring a more balanced blend between the two.

Final Thoughts: A Film that Doesn’t Quite Deliver

The overall assessment of Anaconda leaves audiences with mixed feelings. While many aspects, including the comedic performances of Rudd and Black, shine, the film struggles to find its rhythm. Its ambition of presenting a self-aware take on classic horror misses many critical opportunities that could have made it a standout film. When it’s all said and done, Anaconda does present moments of humor, but unfortunately, many of them feel more like scattered bits of comedy than a cohesive narrative.

This lack of focus ultimately contributes to the film’s dissatisfaction among avid moviegoers, especially those who may have had high expectations given the cast’s history and the premise’s comedic potential. As such, Anaconda is not quite the success that audiences might hope for from a film featuring beloved actors like Rudd and Black. It becomes a cinematic effort that shines in moments but stumbles in execution, resulting in a film that, in the end, only fulfills some of the expectations placed upon it.

At the end of the day, Anaconda is more an opportunity missed than a triumph. IndieWire aptly describes it as an attempt that never quite resonates with the audience’s expectations. The film’s combination of humor and horror fails to coalesce into a satisfying viewing experience, making Anaconda a cinematic venture that leaves fans of the original version wanting more.