REVIEW: 2025’s ‘Anaconda’ is a “Spiritual Re-Imagining” of the 1997 Movie

The cult creature feature is back in Sony Pictures’ new movie, Anaconda, But, unlike the 1997 original, this new story adds a much-needed comedic element to the “spiritual re-imagining”. Led by Jack Black and Paul Rudd, Doug (Black) and Griff (Rudd) have been best friends since they were kids. Doug, an aspiring director, and Griff, an aspiring actor, always dreamed of moving to Los Angeles and making something of themselves. But as for many of us, it’s hard to make those childhood dreams, a reality. In this case, Doug is still an aspiring director, but spends his days filming wedding videos, while Griff is still an aspiring actor. Down on their dumps, Griff believes the only way to achieve their dreams is to reboot one of their favorite movies, Anaconda. Not a fan of the idea, Doug originally passes on the idea. However, with a little persuasion from Griff and his family, Doug decides to direct not a reboot of Anaconda, but a “spiritual re-imagining”. With the help of their friends, Claire (Thandiwe Newton) and Kenny (Steve Zahn), the foursome travel to the Amazon to film their “spiritual re-imagining.” As filming begins in the Amazon, strange things begin occurring around them and the group quickly find they are not only shooting an Anaconda movie, but their living it as well.

Directed by Tom Gormican, and written by Gormican and Kevin Etten, Anaconda is a comedy movie with splashes of horror. There are some jump scare moments, and delightful moments of eerie tension, but the story heavily relies on the comedy. Whether it is coming from the stars of the movie or the absurdity of the story, Gormican and Etten never shy away from poking fun at their story or the original movie. This mindset also makes for fun watching for those who aren’t too big of fans of the horror genre.

For Gormican and Etten to pull this type of comedy off, they needed actors who would buy into what they were selling, and they found it with Black and Rudd. Black and Rudd are beautifully ridiculous in this “reboot.” The two of them play off each other as if they have been doing it for years. Newton and Zahn are just as great. The four of them create a back and forth that is so enjoyable to watch. They each lean into the foolish acts of their characters with ease, creating an enjoyable ride for the audience. The foursome is joined in the movie by Selton Mello (Santiago Braga) and Daniela Melchior (Ana Almeida). Both do well in their respective roles, but it is Mello who steals the show. His character, Santiago, is the fake movie’s snake handler, and is quite the treat.

Anaconda is entertaining as to the fullest degree, if you understand the point of the movie is to make fun of itself. The foursome of Black, Rudd, Newton, and Zahn are comedic gold, there are fun callbacks to the original 1997 movie, and it provides many laugh out loud moments. If you are looking to see a movie this Holiday season that will take you out of reality for an hour and a half then this movie is for you. If you choose not to see it in theaters, make sure to check it out when it is out On Demand or streaming. It is well worth the watch.

Grade: A-