Spring Break
The good, the bad and the ugly
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
RJ Webb
Issue date: 11/6/08 Section: Features
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Synopsis
It is time for best friends Zack (Seth Rogan) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) to dress up and head to their high school reunion, where Miri runs into her high school crush Bobby Long (Brandon Routh, of Superman Returns fame). While Miri is trying to sweet talk her way into Long's good graces, Zack catches up with Brandon (Justin Long). Brandon just so happens to be Long's gay porn-star boyfriend.
This sparks a lengthy conversation between Brandon and Zack about the porn business, which continues between Zack and Miri later on at a bar. After discovering that their power and water has been shut off, Zack comes up with the idea of making a porno to pay the bills because Brandon claimed to have made $100,000 last year alone.
The Good
Craig Robinson's portrayal of Delaney, the producer of Zack and Miri's porno and Zack's friend, was almost too good to be true. One of the funniest scenes of the film involved Delaney (Robinson) dancing on camera. While his character of Darryl Philibin on NBC's The Office is exquisite, his comedic performance really shines in Zack and Miri.
The Bad
Long's portrayal of Brandon was OK, but it is hard to imagine him as something besides the Mac guy on the commercials. He tried to change his voice and his mannerisms for the film, and while the attempt didn't fail, his face is too familiar not to think of buying a Mac over a PC. Even an Apple iPod makes a cameo as Brandon's phone.
While his performance lacked a bit, Routh's was less than acceptable. While his character lacked any form of distinguishable personality, he also seemed to be vastly uncomfortable with the kiss that took place between him and Long.
The Ugly
The worst part of the film would have to be the actual making of the porno. Graphic and uncomfortable to watch at times, it is almost expected, especially when the title has the word porno in it. Looking back at Seth Rogan's resume, this film was more uncomfortable than Superbad and 40 Year-Old Virgin combined.
Verdict
A great comedy to watch with a group of friends, but don't take your parents or grandma to this one.
This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.
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