Anaconda Movie Review: Jack Black anchors a cautious creature film that isn’t loud or scary

anaconda movie review

‘Anaconda,’ directed by Tom Gormican, released in theatres on 25th December and stars Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Steven Zahn, and Thandiwe Newton.

Familiar title, handled carefully

‘Anaconda’ is sold as a horror comedy, and with Jack Black in the lead, it sets up the expectation of something loud and chaotic. What the film delivers instead is uneven. The humour rarely lands, and the horror never really hits hard. The title itself carries a lot of history, and director Tom Gormican treats it with caution. That careful approach works against the film, because it never fully commits to being funny or frightening. The original ‘Anaconda’ became a cult film unintentionally, and this version tries to tap into that legacy using parody and irony. But the energy never quite comes together. What could have been a sharp, entertaining update ends up feeling like a missed opportunity.

Born from a love of movies

The story centres on two childhood friends, Doug (Jack Black) and Griff (Paul Rudd), who bonded over their love for movies. Doug once wanted to make films but now earns a living as a wedding videographer. Griff, meanwhile, is still chasing his acting dream in Los Angeles, barely getting by. When they meet at Doug’s birthday, Griff reveals that he has secured the rights to remake ‘Anaconda.’ Excited by the idea, they decide to make the film on a shoestring budget. Along with their crew—Kenny (Steve Zahn), a recovering addict, and Claire (Thandiwe Newton), a divorced woman trying to reset her life—they travel to the Amazon. They are also joined by a snake handler and a woman with a troubled past. Once filming begins, problems pile up quickly, and things turn dangerous when a real giant anaconda appears.

Restraint slows the ride

The script struggles to find balance. Large parts of the film are spent on routine movement and quiet stretches. Sometimes this helps build a sense of isolation, but more often it slows the film down. The computer-generated anaconda looks convincing and intimidating, but it is used sparingly. The film prefers viewers to feel the tension and awe through the giant creature rather than actually showing it, which can feel frustrating, especially since there are very few direct encounters between the snake and the film crew. The focus stays on human behaviour rather than spectacle. This gives the film some depth, but it also drains urgency. The environmental angle is present but kept vague, never pushed far enough to leave an impact.

Black and Rudd hold the film

Jack Black is the film’s biggest gamble, and he largely delivers. He plays Doug as tired, insecure, and quietly disappointed with how his life turned out. There are moments where his presence feels slightly off, but he settles into the role as the film progresses. Paul Rudd moves away from his usual easy charm and plays Griff with restraint, letting the character open up slowly. Thandie Newton brings calm and stability to the film and helps ground it emotionally. The supporting cast does what is required, though some characters feel thinly written despite the time spent on them.

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A modest film

‘Anaconda’ delivers mixed results. It won’t satisfy viewers looking for nonstop thrills or playful nostalgia. Still, it offers a grounded take on familiar material and is supported by committed performances. The film’s biggest weakness is its reluctance to push further, either emotionally or visually. Even so, it feels sincere in its intentions. ‘Anaconda’ may not leave a strong aftertaste, but it avoids being forgettable.

Rating: 3/5