by Rosa Parra
Anaconda is directed by Tom Gormican and stars Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Daniela Melchior, Thandiwe Newton, Steve Zahn, and Selton Mello. The film follows a group of friends who finally pursue their lifelong dream of remaking their favorite movie, Anaconda. However, they find themselves in a predicament when they realize that not only are they remaking a film, but they are also part of the film itself.
When I first heard about this movie, I was concerned about how it would turn out, especially given the current trend of remakes and sequels, which often don’t fare well. As a self-proclaimed fan of the 1997 film, I have many fond childhood memories of it, making it a staple of my upbringing. In this rare case, I’m thrilled to say I was proven wrong. Anaconda is easily the surprise hit of 2025.
The storyline, which follows childhood friends wanting to remake the original Anaconda, is a clever concept. It provides a self-aware perspective, unapologetically poking fun at itself while also throwing shade at other films that have struggled with reboots or remakes. As a result, I’m not entirely sure how to categorize this movie. It’s neither a direct sequel nor a reboot, so I’ll go with what they call it in the film: a “spiritual sequel.” I loved that!
Jack Black (Doug) and Paul Rudd (Griff) are fantastic together. Their chemistry reflects their lifelong friendship and is amplified by their shared love of filmmaking. In fact, the bond between all four friends feels very real.
The film has heart and conveys a thoughtful message about pursuing your dreams and valuing your friends. Don’t go into this movie expecting the next Academy Award Best Picture nominee; it’s not that kind of film. If anything, it’s the complete opposite—it doesn’t take itself seriously and is simply there to provide an enjoyable time during the holiday season. There are thrilling moments when the anaconda attacks, balanced with over-the-top comedic scenes that had me laughing out loud. There were also moments that evoked sympathy and compassion for certain characters. For a lighthearted film, it surprisingly made me feel quite a bit.
While some of the over-the-top jokes might feel redundant, they oddly worked for me. There were delightful surprises that I didn’t see coming as well.
Overall, I walked out of the screening of Anaconda feeling that I had a fun time and was pleased to see the 1997 film celebrated. The great chemistry between the leads, exciting adventure sequences, and a memorable ending make this movie the surprise hit of 2025.
Rating: 8/10