5Q Movie Review: Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Q: This has to be Kevin Smith's raunchiest movie yet, right? Just how "porno" is it?
A: Actually, though there is nudity, there isn't as much of it as you might expect, and the most important sex scene in the movie is "tastefully done." There is of course lots of hardcore dialogue, but nothing any more shocking than, say, what's in the "Clerks" flicks.

Q: Is there anything in this movie to appeal to someone who's not a fan of Kevin Smith movies?
A: In some ways, this is his tightest, most "mainstream" movie yet. As in "Jersey Girl," there's a strong sentimentality and a fairly conventional relationship story...except the couple makes a porno. There's a great concept in here: Best friends make an adult film and explore their own sexual feelings towards each other. What happens? How do they feel about it? Unfortunately, these issues are rushed and that story doesn't really go anywhere apart from the predictable conflict that puts them apart. So the relationship stuff that might appeal to non-Smith fans, though it has its moments, falls short.

Surprisingly, the humor isn't quite on the mark, either. It's as if the shock of making a porno is supposed to be enough to carry the comedy, but in 2008/2009, it's not such a big deal. An extended gag about coming up with adult titles of popular movies feels 15 years old. There is some funny stuff here, but not as much as you'd expect--OK, not as much as _I_ expected.

Overall, it's a solid movie, but if you don't like Kevin Smith, this won't win you over.

Q: How does the casting--a mix of new faces and familiar Smith players--work?
A: Quite well, actually. Stars Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks share a decent chemistry that isn't fully utilized, but Rogen is a natural for Smith's dialogue, and Banks plays her part well. The gals in Smith's films sometimes don't seem to fit, but this lead actress blends in without a hitch.

Jason Mewes and Jeff Anderson are reliable laugh getters and make the fans happy.

Q: What's the deal with Rogen getting all these hot chicks in his movies?
A: Haven't I mentioned enough times who wrote and directed this one? The guys that look like Brad Pitt don't write and direct because they're being Brad Pitt. And don't worry, you don't see full-on explicit Rogen or anything, though you do see a lot more of Jason Mewes than you've ever seen before, unless you travel in way different circles than I do.

Q: Why isn't there a commentary on the DVD?
A: A highlight of any Kevin Smith DVD is at least one raucous, fun-filled audio commentary track. That ain't here, as he stuns his fans by offering no commentary track at all. I read that he was too bummed out by the movie's disappointing opening to do one and that he explained it all in a podcast on his site. Well, the podcast consisted of vague references to being let down by The Powers That Be in the marketing and Smith getting high. Suffice to say a commentary track would be better, and though there are lots of extras in this 2-disc set (including a ton of deleted scenes that could well add depth to the story), you'll probably get one in an upgraded edition down the road.