Thu Dec 25 06:20:00 UTC 2025: News Article:
‘Anaconda’ Reboot Leans into Silliness, Showcases Rudd and Black’s Comedic Chemistry
LOS ANGELES – A self-aware reboot of the 1997 creature feature Anaconda has slithered into theaters, aiming for laughs rather than scares. This new iteration, directed and co-written by Tom Gormican, focuses on the comedic talents of Paul Rudd and Jack Black, offering a meta-take on Hollywood’s obsession with reboots.
The film follows Doug (Black), a wedding videographer, and Griff (Rudd), a struggling actor, as they decide to remake Anaconda on a shoestring budget. The duo enlists their friends, played by Steve Zahn and Thandiwe Newton, and head to the Amazon, where they encounter an eccentric snake handler (Selton Mello) and a mysterious boat captain (Daniela Melchior).
While the movie initially stumbles with forced sentimentality, it finds its footing when it allows Rudd and Black to shine. The film’s strength lies in the montage sequences showcasing the brainstorming and preparation for their version of the giant-snake movie. Rudd’s subtle comedic gestures and Black’s trademark mania provide consistent laughs.
However, the film falters when attempting genuine suspense, with tension-building moments feeling rushed and underdeveloped. The CGI snake, while larger and more polished than the original, lacks the retro charm of the 1997 film’s animatronics. Melchior’s character, in particular, suffers from inconsistent writing and unclear motivations.
Despite its flaws, Anaconda succeeds as a lighthearted comedy with a dash of creature action. Like Gormican’s previous film, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, it occasionally mistakes self-awareness for cleverness. While it may not reach the comedic heights of Bowfinger, it offers a similar blend of Hollywood satire and heart.
Anaconda is in US cinemas on 25 December and in UK and Australian cinemas on 26 December.
First Piper 