Anaconda (2025) Movie Review

Anaconda (2025) Movie Review: A Snake Without a Bite

Coming in blind to Anaconda, we weren’t quite sure what to expect from the seventh installment in the franchise. But with Paul Rudd and Jack Black leading the cast, it was clear this entry would take a very different tonal direction. And unsurprisingly, it does leaning heavily into comedy while attempting to deliver a meta-commentary on filmmaking. It’s a concept that sounds great on paper but unfortunately the execution doesn’t quite land. While the film has genuinely hilarious moments, it’s weighed down by stretches that feel generic and uninspired.

Doug (Jack Black) and Griff (Paul Rudd) have been best friends since childhood, both sharing the same dream of making it big in Hollywood. Years later, that dream remains unrealized. Facing a midlife crisis, the two decide to take matters into their own hands by heading deep into the Amazon to create their own remake of the ‘90s hit Anaconda. But what starts as a chaotic passion project quickly turns into a fight for survival when a real giant anaconda enters the picture.

There are moments in Anaconda that feel reminiscent of Tropic Thunder which is another film that blends satire with outrageous comedy. Unfortunately, while this film borrows some of that spirit, it falls far short of achieving the same level of greatness. That’s not to say it isn’t funny. In fact, the chemistry between Paul Rudd and Jack Black is easily the film’s biggest strength,carrying many of its comedic beats with unhinged energy.

However, the film struggles where it matters most. The writing often feels generic as the story lacks both heart and originality. Even for a deliberately silly film, some of its more outrageous moments feel excessive rather than entertaining. Character development is practically nonexistent and scenes often feeling like they exist solely to push the plot forward. The visual effects, particularly the anaconda itself, also leave much to be desired. Whether intentional or not, the snake’s cheap looks becomes a distraction. In the end, Anaconda works best as a mindless kind of watch. If you’re just looking for something light and silly, it gets the job done.

Rating: 3 reels