The Wasteland Reviewer

Anaconda (2025) Written Review

What would you expect from a remake of the cheesy, ridiculous, and subpar Anaconda film from the late 90s? It has been close to 30 years since this wild creature feature debuted in theaters to universally panning by critics. This film featured one of the weirdest performances from former award’s darling Jon Voight and starred a pair of music artists turned actors Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube. This film was known much more as a “so bad it is good” film and not one of actual substance of merit. But now Sony takes audiences back to this franchise with a big budgeted meta-remake starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd. 

What does writer/director Tom Gormican (of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent fame) have up his sleeve for this reimagining of Anaconda? There are a lot of things that work so well about this new story (and some that just don’t do the film many favors). The central story is strong as it is rooted in some organically constructed character dynamics. This is a story about a group of friends (all at crossroads in their lives) who come together and take a big risk to live out their childhood dream…to make a movie together. Their dynamics are the heart of the film and deliver in a satisfying way. There are some elements that just don’t add anything to the film like a subplot about illegal gold miners (which only adds some thematic layers and commentary to the film about themes). The third act dives headlong into some meta-contextual places as it explores the studio system, how it approaches sequels, and the pitfalls of modern filmmaking. There are a lot of clever elements in this film even if the film turns out to be overstuffed while trying to tackle too much. 

How does Gormican present this story on the big screen? This film certainly leans headlong into the ridiculousness of the situation while delivering a fun and entertaining vibe. But this is not just a silly tone throughout as Gormican plays around with others. There are some elements that feel a little too serious (especially with the unnecessary gold subplot) that feel like they just don’t understand the type of movie this is trying to be. But there are some moments that get a but emotional as Gormican injects some legitimate heart into Anaconda like he did to The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. There are even some light horror elements and some jump scares. It is important to remember this is still a creature feature even if the focus seems to be in satire and this charming “chasing your dreams” story. The four main characters all have some interesting and engaging dynamics with each other which gives the film some unexpected depth. Each of them is on this journey for a reason and gets an arc, to some extent. Most of the wacky and wild humor of the film works well even if a gag or two just takes things a bridge too far.

Where does the cast fit into the experience of Anaconda? The cast is certainly given some good material to work with, but the pitch perfect cast elevates the cinematic experience. Black brings that unique energy and personality of his and leverages it fully. He sells the creative mind of Doug so perfectly in the fun montage moments of his screenwriting. Throw in plenty of singing, physical comedy, and voice work and you have another hilarious turn from Black who even finds a few bits of humanity to sell the more dramatic moments. Rudd has impeccable comedic timing and bantering throughout the film. He also balances his character Griff well as he needs to be a jerk at times (which he makes just as believable as his charming moments) while also being warm and supportive. Thandiwe Newton gets to play against type here as a more reserved and smaller personality but bits of darker edge shine through as well does her chemistry with Rudd. Steve Zahn was bound a chunk of the film (he is that talented and underappreciated) and his specific brand of comedy with his sharp timing makes him the lovable screw up of the gang. The biggest surprise of the film is the scene-stealing turn from Brazilian actor Selton Mello who is the intense, quirky, and strange snake handler. His comedic timing and personality are quite impressive. It is a bit sad that Daniela Melchior (one of the true standouts of The Suicide Squad) doesn’t get much to do at all. And let’s just say…there are some fun actors who pop up in the film…but that is all to say about that here. 

Is Anaconda the surprising hit we needed at the end of the year? YES. This is one of the most consistently funny comedies of the year and it is a great experience in a theater. The cast is fun and has plenty of chemistry together. The heart of the film comes to life with this story of friendship and dreamers. Then you have the creature feature action which is good but not even the best part of them. We all love good movies about making movies too!