ANACONDA
Starring: Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Thandiwe Newton, Steve Zahn, Daniela Melchior, and Selton Mello
Director: Tom Gormican
AMARÚ
We know what to expect when Jack Black sings, Paul Rudd and Steve Zahn play awkward, and Thandiwe Newton says, “I know what movie I’m in and will still show you I’m a great actress.” Knowing is half the battle, right? Unfortunately for Anaconda, execution is the other half, and it couldn’t execute anything remotely coherent. It could’ve had something if it stuck with the meta stupidity that one scene hilariously showcased, but with so many structurally misplaced storylines, the film is often confused on whether it wants to be silly or sincere. It tried to find that Tropic Thunder magic and spectacularly failed.
ADRIANO
I had some fears going into Anaconda, like the meta-narrative schtick annoying me. It actually made me laugh, though, particularly as Jack Black felt more in control than he has in recent years. Oddly, the best part is how sincere the “let’s fulfill our long lost dream” narrative is. That said, when it goes all in as a monster flick, it's a mess. Narrative cohesion is gone, and its tone misses every mark it seeks out, both serious and silly. This is a weird one, and I didn’t come away feeling entertained despite what it has going for it.
