Revisiting the Anaconda: A Surprisingly Charming Reboot That Understands Its Roots
The 1997 cult classic Anaconda wasn’t exactly high art, but it was a thrillingly cheesy ride. Now, over two decades later, a reboot slithers into theaters, starring Paul Rudd and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (with a cameo from Jennifer coolidge and Thandiwe Newton). Does it recapture the original’s B-movie magic? Surprisingly, yes – though not in the way you might expect.
Director Alex Gormican (of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent fame) doesn’t attempt a straight-up horror remake. Rather, he delivers a meta-comedy about making a reboot, focusing on two washed-up screenwriters, Griff (Rudd) and Kevin (Johnson), desperate to revive their careers with a new take on the giant snake saga.
initially, the premise feels a little…deflated. Seeing Rudd and Johnson, both comedic powerhouses, play self-deprecating underdogs feels off-key. Shouldn’t they be skewering Hollywood’s reboot obsession? However, Anaconda cleverly subverts expectations. The film’s genuine sweetness, coupled with the actors’ undeniable chemistry, quickly wins you over.
Gormican excels at showcasing the creative process. Montage sequences of brainstorming, scriptwriting, and pre-production are genuinely funny, particularly as Rudd and Johnson earnestly debate the nuances of “themes” and whether this is a reimagining or a “spiritual sequel.” Rudd’s subtle affectations – like attempting cool with a toothpick – are comedic gold, while Johnson, though more restrained than usual, delivers his lines with convincing passion.
The supporting cast, including Selton Mello as an eccentric snake handler and Daniela Melchior as a mysterious boat captain, adds to the film’s quirky charm. Though, Melchior’s character feels underdeveloped, her motivations and relationships frustratingly vague. This is a recurring issue: the film often prioritizes self-awareness over solid storytelling, particularly when attempting to raise the stakes with genuine danger.
While the CGI snake is an betterment over the 1997 version, it lacks the practical, animatronic charm of the original. Those slightly janky effects, in retrospect, added to the first film’s unique appeal.Here, the reliance on digital effects feels…safe.
ultimately, Anaconda succeeds as a lighthearted comedy with a dash of creature-feature thrills. You don’t need to be a die-hard fan of the original to enjoy it. Gormican deserves credit for sneaking a classic studio comedy experience into theaters amidst the current IP frenzy – a phenomenon the film itself playfully acknowledges.
It doesn’t reach the comedic heights of Steve Martin’s Bowfinger, but Anaconda shares its DNA: a knowing wink at the absurdity of Hollywood and a genuine affection for the movies we love, even the gloriously silly ones. This reboot isn’t about conquering fear; it’s about embracing the fun. And in that, it succeeds admirably.
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