Zack and Miri Make a Porno: A review

On Thursday, October 23, Kevin Smith’s newest film Zack and Miri Make a Porno debuted in New York City at Regal Cinema Union Square.  A Q&A with Smith followed the screening and during the hour and a half conversation with audience members, he touched on, among other things, why he chose the movie's music ,how he became a slave to marijuana for five months, the food he ate while shooting in Pittsburgh (marijuana coincidence?), why he got so fat (see previous parenthetical question) and Jason Mewes’, er, not so little scene in the movie.

Zack and Miri Make a Porno is, in true Kevin Smith fashion, very one dimensional, but clever. In fact, Smith discussed the steps he went through to overturn the NC-17 rating the film had originally been given in order to acheive his ” …single-handed mission to keep the poop scene.” The raunch factor is very much alive throughout; however, Zack and Miri create a diversion when their relationship proves itself to be tangible and realistic.

Smith has made a name for himself with his hilarious characters, down-to-earth humor, and relentless "ball jokes." True to the title, the story is about best friends Zack and Miri, who opt one day to make a porno movie. The pair find themselves in a Pittsburgh winter, their power cut off, and no reliable income in sight. Zack, played by Seth Rogen, uses his charm to convince best friend Miri, played by Elizabeth Banks, and co-worker Delany (Craig Robinson), to pull together a motley crew for their homemade porno. Very convincing iconic porn stars Katie Morgan  and Traci Lords play Stacy and Bubbles respectively.

Throughout the movie it’s apparent Zack and Miri, best friends since sixth grade, are head over heels for each other.   But it's not until they begin the project, which goes through various over-the-top name changes and sets, that they are forced to have sex. And of course, despite all promises to the contrary, sex changes everything.

The movie had the audience rolling. Brian Switay, junior communication studies major, said, “The movie was hilarious! I couldn’t believe some of the scenes could be played in the theatres.”  

Smith answered all the questions asked by the packed audience in a very personal way, offering anecdotes and at one point acknowledging, “This sounds horribly name droppy but it’s actually going somewhere.”

But, as Smith himself would likely prefer, the Q&A turned to the toilet and then sat there for an hour.   Many things that were discussed cannot be included in this article because well, on paper there is no bleep button. When asked where he came up with the concept for this movie Smith said, “I’ve kind of been researching this movie since I was twelve. Sometimes three, four times a day, sometimes right into a gym sock.”  

The NYC Premiere of Zack and Miri Make a Porno was part of CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival ‘O8. The festival ran from October 21 to October 25.

When asked about any new material Smith might be working on. Smith said, “There’s this movie I want to do in March or April called Red State which is 180 degree turn from this movie. It’s this little political horror movie, not to be confused with the political horror W. movie playing across the road.”  Wonder if there will be a toilet scene?