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The premise is familiar: A man and a woman have been friends forever, but just friends. Neither has any interest in complicating their relationship with any sort of physical activity. Then, through a complicated set of circumstances, their relationship is changed forever. It’s a classic Hollywood storyline, mostly used in a one particular type of film: the chick flick.
What does this have to do with raunchmeister Kevin Smith’s latest movie, Zack and Miri Make a Porno? Despite it’s foul language, adult themes, and graphic nudity, Zack and Miri Make a Porno is a pretty conventional chick flick. A dirty, nasty, and incredibly funny chick flick.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno is the bastard child of Norah Ephron, John Hughes, and Peter North. The story reminds me of Pretty in Pink, only 10 years after Andie and Duckie graduate. It’s also easy to see a parallel with When Harry Met Sally. Add a Peter North twist and you get Pretty In Her Pink and When Harry Boned Sally, and that pretty much sums up the tone of the movie.
Smith’s writing is in top form here, and his filthily witty dialogue is delivered impeccably by a strange mix of a cast. Seth Rogan does a great job playing Seth Rogan Zack, and Elizabeth Banks is charming and beautiful as Miri (and her foul mouth makes her even more attractive, if that’s possible). But the biggest laugh’s come from The Office‘s Craig Robinson and Smith-mainstays Jason Mewes and Jeff Anderson. Anderson is the foil for the film’s biggest gag, which is also the grossest thing I’ve seen in a movie in years. Bravo sir!
Many people will find Zack and Miri Make a Porno an uncomfortable experience. It certainly was for me, though not for the reasons you may expect. I’m completely fine with the foul language, the toilet humor, and the porn. What makes me uncomfortable is so thoroughly enjoying a movie that shares so much in common with countless chick flicks that I wouldn’t be caught dead seeing.
Go read Roger Ebert’s review: he hits the bleeping nail on the motherbleeping head.
Rating: 
