Rating: 3.5 Pulses
Starring Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Traci Lords
Directed by Kevin Smith
Rated R
Kevin Smith is a fine role model for young, independent filmmakers. He proved that it is possible to become a respected cinematic voice by maxing out his credit cards and making films about weed, slackers and dick and fart jokes. Five films and one marriage later, Smith seemed jaded with his own cynical View Askewniverse, churning out the heartfelt and smaltzy Jersey Girl.
Smith’s follow-up was the uninspired Clerks II, coming off as a soul-sucking service to those demanding fans who can’t leave great alone, effectively turning Smith into his own worst enemy: George Lucas. Whether of the studio’s volition or his own, the absence of Smith’s name from this film’s ad campaign seems an attempt to distance Smith’s latest from his past repertoire.
And were it not for his authorial stamp in the opening credits, one might confuse Zack and Miri for one of the many sweet yet vulgar slacker comedies of late that owe much to Smith himself. First off, Smith cast the poster child of the Apatow crew, scruffy and unstoppable Seth Rogen, as Zack, a coffeeshop employee who can’t make rent due to his proclivity for sex toys. The ubiquitous Elizabeth Banks plays Miri, Smith’s ideal lady type: a sensible though slightly slutty bundle of crazy (but not too crazy).
When funds and garbage fires both prove insufficient, lifelong friends and roommates Zack and Miri do as the title suggests, hiring a retinue of rascals to aid them in their carnal quest. Porn stars Traci Lords (retired) and Katie Morgan, the always hilarious Craig Robinson of “The Office” and Jason Mewes (bringing to mind what it would be like if Christopher Reeves had made a Superman film post-accident), along with Rogan and Banks, take part in the most inspired and honest scene of the film: a dress rehearsal shoot for the planned film, Star Whores.
Smith’s passion for his subject matter is palpable as the characters wield neon dildo lightsabers and blasters with vigor and panache. Unfortunately, the fun wanes as Smith gives in to his mushier side. I’m glad he’s found love, but it’s like my girlfriend always says, “I can’t be creative when I’m happy.” Subtext is not Smith’s strongsuit. Thankfully, however, gratuitous cock jokes are, and no one delivers them better than Rogen.
