Anaconda 2025 Delivers Outrageous Laughs in a Wild Meta Reboot
Anaconda returns with a hilarious meta twist, reimagining the cult '90s monster flick for a new era. Dive into this wild ride as a group of friends sets out to remake their childhood favorite, only to find themselves in over their heads. Discover why this absurd comedy is the escapist fun you didn't know you needed.
Coming up with something truly new is always impressive, but sometimes, taking inspiration from the past and making it your own can be even more challenging. That’s exactly what the new Anaconda manages to pull off—a meta reboot of the beloved '90s film that once featured Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, and a barely conscious Eric Stoltz, all trying to survive a giant snake in the Amazon.
When originality runs dry, slapping the word “meta” onto a genre can be a clever way to breathe new life into old material. This latest Anaconda leans into that idea, turning a flawed but memorable movie into a fresh, laugh-out-loud experience. It’s a wild, self-aware ride that pokes fun at itself and the legacy of the original, all while delivering a brand-new kind of comedy.
Plot: A Nostalgic Adventure Gone Off the Rails
Since the days of Siskel & Ebert, critics have begged studios to remake bad movies instead of classics. At last, someone listened—sort of. This time, four childhood friends decide to travel to the Amazon to shoot their own version of the 1997 Anaconda. Griff, played by Paul Rudd, is a background actor who never quite made it big. He’s joined by Doug (Jack Black), a wedding videographer with delusions of grandeur, Kenny (Steve Zahn), who just lost his job, and Claire (Thandiwe Newton), recently divorced and looking for a fresh start.
Griff surprises Doug on his birthday with the ultimate gift: the rights to remake Anaconda. The group sets out on a shoestring adventure, determined to recreate their favorite childhood film. Their journey quickly spirals into chaos, with each friend bringing their own baggage and quirks to the table. The result is a hilarious, disaster-prone attempt at filmmaking that’s as much about their friendship as it is about the movie itself.
Review: Comedy, Chaos, and ’90s Monster Movie Nostalgia
Director Tom Gormican, known for The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, teams up with writer Kevin Etten to deliver a comedy that thrives on self-deprecation and slapstick. If their previous work was fueled by ego, this one runs on panic and incompetence. The film is a buddy action comedy that both celebrates and mocks the over-the-top legend of '90s monster movies.
The first act sets the stage with a steady stream of jokes and mounting tension. Jack Black steals the show, turning his character’s arrogance into some of the film’s biggest laughs. Selton Mello, as the snake handler, plays the straight man, grounding the group’s antics and adding his own subtle humor. The movie’s energy comes from its physical comedy, quick pacing, and the chemistry between its stars.
Should You See It? A Throwback Worth the Ticket
As a throwback to big, broad comedies of the '90s, Anaconda doesn’t give its female characters much to do beyond supporting the male leads, with Newton and Ione Skye playing roles that feel thin and underwritten. The dialogue isn’t packed with witty one-liners, but the film makes up for it with physical gags and comedic timing.
Some critics may dismiss Anaconda as mindless fun, especially compared to more serious films about grief or artistic closure. But for those craving a star-studded, R-rated comedy that delivers pure, shameless entertainment, this movie is a rare treat. It’s the kind of popcorn flick that’s all about the laughs, and it’s hitting theaters December 25th.