This is an appropriate title for a movie that revels in its obscenity-laced dialogue and sexually-oriented plot. It is certainly not a film for everyone because of its blatant lewdness but the title should keep the morally pure away. The writer-director, Kevin Smith, has built a career on taking cinematic chances with his films, living on the fringe of mainstream culture. “Zack and Miri” should be judged as a comedy since the situations are meant to be comedic in nature. As a comedy more profanity does not often equal more laughs. While there were enough humorous moments to make the experience enjoyable, “Zack and Miri” with its controversial plot is a missed opportunity.
In some ways, “Zack and Miri” is a traditional story about two friends who may have feelings for each other. The perverse idea of making a low-budget adult film with a bunch of strangers to earn some much needed cash, gives the story its controversial angle. Zack (Seth Rogan; “Pineapple Express”) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks; “Fred Claus”) are life-long friends who share an apartment. Their relationship has never moved beyond platonic despite the fact they share their most intimate thoughts with each other. They run into money problems allowing several utility bills to lapse. The situation has become dire - a matter of survival in their cold weather climate - and it is at that point Zack has an idea.
Smith successfully establishes the situation where making a porno is a real option. While it may seem outlandish, it is kept within the realm of possibility because of Zack and Miri’s attitudes about sex and how desperate their lives have become. Rogan is his usual man-boy self but with a streak of self-awareness and emotional availability. The real star of the film is Banks, who is given the opportunity to be a friend and a vixen while also coming across as a vulnerable potential love interest. Her comic and dramatic delivery allows her to blend in with her mostly male co-stars. She proves to be the right choice to make Miri believable without the role being demeaning. There is an unexpected sweetness between Zack and Miri‘s interactions, creating an unlikely romance.
The supporting cast is strong with Smith’s frequent cohort Jason Mewes in a dim lothario role, Craig Robinson (“Pineapple Express”) as the eager financier, and Justin Long (“Live Free or Die Hard”) playing against type as an experienced gay porn star. The search for a cast in the porno and a premise mid-way through the movie, are the funniest aspects of the story. There is a sitcom feel to the scenes with how the music is used and the way scenes are shot, giving normalcy to an unusual situation. “Zack and Miri” is ultimately too raunchy to operate as an effective romantic comedy though some of these elements do work. The use of innuendo is dropped almost entirely basically because everything can be seen on-screen. The plot of the film is unique but the humor is unable to rise to the level of the premise.
Rated R on appeal for strong crude sexual content including dialogue, graphic nudity and pervasive language.
