When debt mounts up for housemates Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) they decide the best way of making some money is to shoot a home-grown porn movie as everyone wants to watch them, or anybody, fuck. Zack promises that the relations won't change his and Miri's friendship, it's just a means to make money. They assemble a cast but before they can begin shooting the first sex scenes of their porn-spoof "Star Whores" they're building is destroyed and with it their dreams. That is until Zack decides they don't need a story, they just need the sex, but things change after Zack and Miri make their porno.
Fans of Kevin Smith may find this movie hard to take. Sure it's still full of the ear chomping dialogue that Smith is famous for, there are a couple of familiar faces in Jason Mewes and Jeff Anderson but there is something that just doesn't sit right. The story lacks a certain something or perhaps its because it is essentially a romantic comedy with a pornographic twist. At its heart, and there is more heart in this than you expect from Smith, that's what it is. He's taken a step away from the indy and one towards commercial.
That's not a bad thing per say, but the structure is so stereotypically rom-com you could be watching any directors movie. It's is really only the dialogue that keeps it Smithesq, and there are some real classics in here. But for those who couldn't care less about Silent Bob then you're in for a fun packed ride. The chemistry between Rogen and Banks is spot on, both as foul mouthed as each other but still loveable enough to want to cuddle with. The supporting cast do enough to provide the laughs especially from Craig Robinson (of American Office fame) who bounces off Rogen delightfully. The inclusion of Brandon Routh and Justin Long as Hollywood's gay couple really is the standout cameo joy of the movie.
Smith has had to live in the shadow lately of Judd Apatow who has taken over Hollywood with his unique comedy but Zack and Miri sets out to prove that Smith is still here and he can match Apatow blow for blow. The trademark dialogue can't be faulted and the shock, sick jokes are here, one that'll make you squirm in your chair. Be warned that the jokes are the only thing that may make you squirm as Jason Mewes goes above and beyond the call of duty when he goes full frontal.
Away from the View Askewniverse this firmly holds its own. It straps you in and takes you on a filthy journey that we want to watch. The language is foul, the jokes push boundaries and casting is spot on. It may follow conventions a little too closely for many expecting something more risque from the man who bought us Clerks but ignoring that, Zack and Miri give us an entertaining couple of hours that is hilarious, memorable and re-watchable.
