ARCHIVES

ARCHIVES

Movie review: Crude ‘Porno’ tells a genuinely funny story

By Jennifer Iverson/Contributor

Buy this photo now
Seth Rogen as Zack and Elizabeth Banks as Miri star in "Zack and Miri Make a Porno." / The Weinstein Company

The title says it all in this adult-themed comedy written and directed by Kevin Smith, the man responsible for the wildly popular “Clerks” and the not-so-well-received “Jersey Girl.” In the film, filled with intense sexual content and explicit language, Smith uses an enthusiastic cast to tell a crude but often genuinely funny story.

Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) are life-long platonic friends and roommates who find themselves in desperate, economically challenged times. With water and electricity being shut off and eviction just around the corner, they trudge off to their 10-year class reunion where in between reacquainting with catty classmates, they meet a wealthy male porn-star who gives them a “great idea.”

After contemplating the notion of being homeless, Zack and Miri decide it wouldn’t be too hard to make an adult movie, and Zack convinces his co-worker Delaney (Craig Robinson) to front the money for the project. Casting an odd group of uniquely talented “actors,” they begin shooting the film at night in the coffee shop where Zack works.

Amidst the vulgarity there is a love-story of sorts revealed in the dynamic bond between Zack and Miri, so when they cast themselves in roles they also decide to consummate their relationship on film, all while promising it won’t change what they have as “best buddies.” Of course, a needless misunderstanding forces them to finally come to terms with the fact that they have been madly in love with each other for years.

As in “Knocked Up,” Rogen somehow manages to exude a surprising mix of vulgarity and genuine sweetness, and he and Banks share appealing screen chemistry. The supporting roles include amusing performances by Robinson and Traci Lords.

Just as in “Sex Drive,” the offensive language and visually explicit content won’t sit well with some moviegoers, but the success of this picture will likely depend upon those fans who appreciate Rogen and Smith.

(Two and a half stars out of four.)