Having already starred in Oliver Stone's highly controversial biopic W., Elizabeth Banks has set a precedent for her career. However, taking that precedent another step further, the up and coming actress trades political jabs for sexual innuendos in Kevin Smith's sex-comedy, Zack and Miri Make a Porno.
In the film, Banks and co-star Seth Rogan star as Miri and Zack, two unsuccessful friends who venture into the amateur porn business in order to combat their growing debt. With the casting complete and the location set, the film is ready to go into production. But as sexual tensions rise to the surface; both Zack and Miri begin to realize that their feelings for one another mean more than a simple friendship. As a result, their planned sex turns into a moment of awkward attraction, sending both into a spiral of emotion as they try to sort out their new found feelings.
While the synopsis sounds innocent enough; let me first say that Kevin Smith took the story to the extreme, pushing the envelope in every scene and ultimately giving fans exactly what they have come to expect out of the Clerks director. There is no censoring with this picture, and very little is left to the imagination; a feat that I applaud Smith for accomplishing. And while comedies are rarely known for their adequate directing; I can honestly say that I no other director could have pulled off the near NC-17 flick that displays itself on theater screens for over 100 minutes.
However, the story would not have worked without the performance from either Banks or Rogan. Separately, the actors were funny; but when brought together, the two light up the screen as a pair of struggling nut-cases. From their innocent jokes to their unnecessary bickering; everything is in line to prove their friendship valid. Not to mention their ability to feed off of one another, using the others energy to create truly priceless moments of awkward discoveries and innocent encounters. Together, the duo is priceless, especially in terms of friendships, work and mixing it with the adventures of taped sex.
One of the many highlights in the film comes when Zack and Miri venture back to their high school, working the room in order to convince their fellow classmates that they are successful and happy. However, throughout the evening, both are forced to stick their foot in the mouth as they make complete fools of themselves. For Miri, the highlight is when she forces herself on her high school crush, a man who has ventured far beyond the likes of Miri and high school. But Zack handles things a little differently as his dry humor and sarcastic tone cause for numerous moments of pure comedic genius. The scene is classic as it sets the tone for the remainder of the film, giving audiences a small taste of what is to come.
But you can't forget the highly important co-stars, all of which take part in the porn making process. From a gay-porn star played by Justin Long to bachelor party extraordinaire Tracy Labine, every type is covered with full access, giving all those watching a fair glimpse into the rigorous steps that go into making a successful porn movie. Hell, even 'The Office' star Craig Robinson makes an appearance as Delaney, the film's all-important producer.
Though simple when looked at separately, the numerous components of Zack and Miri come together with seamless precision. As a result, Kevin Smith and company have effectively created one of the most original and humorous takes on friendship, and the effects that sex can have on it. For we all know, in the ways of life, sex only complicates things.
