Product Info

Studio

Sony Pictures

Director

Tom Gormican

Genre

Comedy

Rated

PG-13

Theatrical Release Date (NA)

Dec 25, 2025

Film Length

1hr 39min

Purchase From

The 2025 film Anaconda is a meta-comedy about remaking the 1997 horror film of the same name. It is not meant to be taken seriously, but rather enjoyed for its humor, a jump-scare, comedy-filled way to close out the year 2025.

Let’s Make a Movie!

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A group of friends from Buffalo, New York, get together for Doug’s birthday. Doug, played by Jack Black (Minecraft, The Super Mario Bros. Movie), along with his best friend Ronald, played by Paul Rudd (Ant-Man, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire), Kenny, played by Steve Zahn (War for the Planet of the Apes, Rescue Dawn), and Clair, played by Thandie Newton (The Pursuit of Happyness, Mission: Impossible II), are all going through a mid-life crisis. Doug creates uninspiring wedding videos, Ronald lost acting opportunities in show business in Los Angeles, Kenny lost his job due to alcoholism, and Clair went through a divorce.

After reminiscing about the time they made a home movie, Ronald says he has the rights to the 1997 film Anaconda and proposes the idea of filming a remake down in the Amazon in Brazil. Initially hesitant, the group eventually agrees to take the plunge. The concept of a movie about making a movie adds a unique twist to the story.

The original Anaconda film was not well-received by critics but became a cult classic and a guilty pleasure for the public. Sony’s decision to take a different approach by creating a film about remaking a film is commendable. This is also the first time Jack Black and Paul Rudd work together in a film, adding to the interest. Paul Rudd, while not his best work, delivers a believable performance in his dual roles as a friend and an actor in their remake. Jack Black is as entertaining as ever in his role. While the other cast members have their moments to shine, there are times when their performances fall flat. Overall, fans are likely to watch the film due to the appeal of Jack Black and Paul Rudd working together.

When Snakes Hit the Fan

© 2025 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The process of figuring out the budget, applying for a loan, and traveling to the Amazon is filled with amusing scenes. For example, the bank only approved a small budget when they were hoping for hundreds of thousands. As the team travels through the Amazon for their remake, the situations become increasingly hilarious. They hire a snake specialist, played by Selton Mello (I’m Still Here, The Clown), to help with bringing a tamed anaconda, who has a peculiar relationship with his snake. Simultaneously, a local woman named Ana, played by Daniela Melchior (The Suicide Squad, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), is on the run from a group of men. She pretends to be the captain of the local riverboat that Doug and his crew are set to ride on. The build-up hints at the impending catastrophe. Another threat emerges, emphasizing the terrifying man-eating snake approaching. Despite being a comedy film, fans should expect jump scares throughout and plenty of foreshadowing.

Watching the characters navigate the Amazon at night adds to the tension, with the film incorporating action into these scenes. The daytime action scenes are comical yet maintain a level of seriousness, such as Doug fleeing from the man-eating anaconda with a wild boar duct-taped to his back. Jack Black shines in his role, evident in the chase sequence where the large snake slowly approaches him. While the CGI for the anaconda may not be top-notch and could have been better, it adds to the charm of the film for how over-the-top the movie is.

Some of the best comedic moments involve Sony Pictures poking fun at itself and the movie industry within the fictional film. For instance, the film satirizes the lack of originality in modern cinema and the prevalence of remakes. For a movie that’s only one hour and forty minutes long, it doesn’t stretch the storyline and keeps it compact enough to where it does not wear down the audience’s attention.

The film also features cameos that pay homage to the original movie, appealing to fans of the franchise. The movie industry needs more crafty storylines like this but hopefully not becoming saturated. Overall, Anaconda (2025) feels like another cult classic for fans of the original but this time with big laughs.

The Final Bite

Anaconda (2025) follows a group of middle-aged friends who venture into the Amazon to remake the 1997 cult classic. Led by Jack Black and Paul Rudd, the movie delivers over-the-top snake mayhem and big laughs. It’s an entertaining watch to kick back, relax, and enjoy with some jump scares.

An early screening was provided for this review. Anaconda (2025) arrives in theaters on December 25, 2025. Fans can visit the movie’s official website for tickets and information.