Anaconda 2025: A Hilarious Meta Reboot That Delivers Laughs
Anaconda returns with a tongue-in-cheek reboot, poking fun at '90s monster flicks and itself. Find out why this absurd comedy is the kind of film studios rarely make anymore.
Coming up with something truly new is always a win, but sometimes it’s even trickier to borrow from the past and make it feel fresh. That’s exactly what the new Anaconda manages to pull off—a cheeky, self-aware take on the cult favourite from the late ‘90s, which originally featured Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, and a barely conscious Eric Stoltz trying to dodge a massive snake.
When originality runs dry, slapping “meta” on a genre seems to be the go-to move for studios these days. Still, this Anaconda leans into the absurdity, turning a flawed but memorable film into something genuinely funny and surprisingly inventive. It’s the sort of flick that sticks in your head, probably thanks to endless streaming options keeping the old one alive.
Plot: A Group of Mates Remake a Cult Classic
Since the days of Siskel & Ebert, critics have been urging studios to remake duds instead of tampering with classics. At last, someone’s listened—sort of. This time, we get a group of four childhood mates who decide to head off to the Amazon to shoot their own version of the 1997 Anaconda. If Steven Soderbergh can film a whole feature on his phone, why can’t these blokes have a crack?
Paul Rudd leads as Griff, a background actor who never quite made it big. His best mate Doug, played by Jack Black, is a wedding videographer with delusions of grandeur, convinced he’s the next big thing in film. For Doug’s birthday, Griff surprises him with the rights to the original Anaconda. No word yet on whether they’ll tackle Sniper or The Specialist next, but you never know.
Joining the adventure are Kenny (Steve Zahn), who’s just been sacked by Doug, and Claire (Thandiwe Newton), recently divorced and keen to help out. Together, they form a tight-knit group, ready to turn their film fantasy into reality—more like a mates’ camp than a professional shoot.
Review: Comedy, Chaos, and ’90s Nostalgia
Tom Gormican, known for his work on The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, directs this outing, co-writing with Kevin Etten. Compared to their last Eddie Murphy project, this is a big step up. Where the Cage film thrived on ego, Anaconda runs on self-deprecation and slapstick chaos.
At its core, it’s a buddy action comedy that takes the mickey out of ‘90s monster films, making the genre itself the punchline. The opening act sets the tone, stacking up gags and tension as things inevitably go off the rails. Jack Black stands out, his over-the-top bravado providing the biggest laughs. There’s something about a cocky bloke getting in over his head that never gets old. Selton Mello, as the snake handler, plays it straight, grounding the group and sneaking in a few laughs of his own.
Should You Give It a Go?
As a throwback to broad ‘90s comedies, the female characters—especially Newton and Ione Skye—don’t get much to do beyond playing supportive roles and ticking off a few clichés. The script isn’t packed with witty one-liners, but that’s not really the point. This is all about physical comedy, big personalities, and a rhythm that keeps the laughs coming.
Some punters might turn their noses up, especially if they’re after something deep or artsy. But if you’re after a star-studded, R-rated comedy that’s not afraid to be silly, this is the ticket. It’s the kind of popcorn entertainment that’s become rare—unashamedly goofy and all about the laughs.
The new Anaconda hits cinemas on December 25th—catch it on the big screen for the full experience.