#REVIEW: “ANACONDA”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

This Film is for all the people who continue chasing their dreams.

When Griff (Paul Rudd) and Doug (Jack Black) were kids, they’d make their own Indie-Horror films with fellow friends Claire (Thandiwe Newton) and Kenny (Steve Zahn). They all thought they’d make movies together for the rest of their lives. But life happened: Claire’s a lawyer, Doug makes wedding videos, and Kenny’s just surviving. The only one who chased his dream was Griff; however, he’s struggling in LA as an actor.

When everyone travels back to Buffalo to celebrate Doug’s birthday, Griff ignites past hopes. See, Griff and Doug have always dreamed of remaking their all-time favourite movie, Anaconda. You remember, the 1997 cult classic starring Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, and Jon Voight. Well, Griff tells his friends he’s got the rights to the franchise, so the entire gang travels to the Amazon to shoot their “spiritual sequel”. However, life soon imitates art when a gigantic anaconda starts hunting them down.

Filmmaker Tom Gormican has created a film about friendship and never giving up on your dreams. Its Comedy comes from the familiarity of friendship and the intense love Filmmakers have for the art. That’s why it’s been able to cast comedic geniuses in its core roles. They know the anaconda-sized heart this comedy delivers. As Griff and Doug love to emphasize…”The THEMES!” That being said, some things don’t completely work. One fleeting storyline about gold mining in the Amazon is out of place within the primary narrative, particularly because it ends as quickly as it begins.

Rudd and Black are a match made in heaven. The two have specific brands of Comedy. Black is known for delivering more eccentric and physical characters, while Rudd is known for portraying more reserved and witty characters. They balanced each other out perfectly here. As always, Zahn is hilarious. He’s got impeccable timing, and his deadpan delivery is unparalleled. Out of the supporting cast, Selton Mello is a standout. He plays Santiago, a snake wrangler Kenny hires to help with the shoot. Any time Mello is on screen is comedic gold.

This Anaconda isn’t scary; it’s a hilarious slithering ride through the Amazon with a group of friends who want to make their dream a reality. It’s a feel-good film that will have you laughing and revisiting your dreams. Additionally, it pays homage to the 1997 original in some big ways. But I won’t ruin those for you!

Sony Pictures Canada release ANACONDA in cinemas on Thursday, December 25, 2025.