Whose bright idea was it to resurrect the nearly forgotten 1997 creature feature Anaconda? Remakes, reboots, and legacy sequels have become the lifeblood of Hollywood, churning out offerings like candy from a vending machine. But the 2025 Anaconda reboot is not your typical creature horror flick: it’s a meta-action-adventure buddy comedy featuring the dynamic duo of Jack Black and Paul Rudd. Directed by Tom Gormican, who co-wrote the film with Kevin Etten, this curious transformation of a once-thrilling franchise into a dark comedy leaves me pondering the intentions behind the revival. While the film raked in $134 million at the box office against a $45 million budget—definitely not a flop—it certainly failed to knock it out of the park. A Christmas Day release probably didn’t do it any favors; it would have likely thrived better in the early spring or late summer months. Now available for Digital rental or purchase [*], Anaconda is set to hit physical media on March 17th, released on 4K UHD (+ Digital) [*], Blu-ray (+ Digital) [*], and DVD [*] by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.
The plot refreshingly pivots: Doug (Paul Rudd) and Griff (Jack Black), best friends since childhood, have long dreamed of remaking the original Anaconda. Finally spurred by a midlife crisis, they venture into the depths of the Amazon to bring their vision to life. However, their comedic escapade quickly spirals into chaos once they encounter a real giant anaconda, turning what was meant to be a jovial film set into a deadly nightmare. The very project they were eager to pursue could very well be their undoing. The cast also features Thandiwe Newton, Steve Zahn, Selton Mello, and Daniela Melchior, with cameos from original cast members: Ice Cube and an uncredited Jennifer Lopez.
While the 1997 original may be rife with campiness and lacks genuine scares, I still find joy in its B-monster charm, despite its dated CGI. I’ve penned my thoughts on the film twice on this blog—check out my reviews from 2014 and 2019. I vividly remember when news of the reboot surfaced at the end of 2024, though I completely lost track of it until the trailer dropped last year. I'm a fan of both Rudd and Black, yet felt no inclination to brave the theater on Christmas Day for its release—honestly, who chooses to watch a horror-comedy on one of the most family-focused days of the year?
Ultimately, I opted for the Digital release, which comes packed with a trove of special features: A Ride into Chaos with Jack and Paul, Hiss-Terical Outtakes and Bloopers, Friends in the Wild: The Cast, The Snake Charmer: Tom Gormican, Reinventing the Legend: Anaconda, Deleted and Extended Scenes (Intro with Tom Gormican), Griff Go Apologize, Rewriting Montage, and Wedding Video Announcement.
I initially thought this reboot was destined to be an R-rated romp. Yet, what we received instead was a PG-13 film. Horror fans craved blood and guts from this genre! Given its comedic roots, the expectation for more carnage and snake mayhem could have elevated the film's reception. The pacing drags before any real action begins, and despite advancements in CGI, the giant anaconda somehow feels less convincing than its '90s counterpart.
At its core, Anaconda is a comedy, and while there are moments deserving a chuckle—Jack Black hilariously maneuvering around with a fake wild hog on his shoulders while a massive anaconda pursues him stands out. However, the other character-driven humor often falls short, saved only by the undeniable charm of its cast. The film's climax, or what I refer to as the "snake fight scene," feels chaotically hurried, leaving viewers wishing for more intricate chase sequences—or at the very least, more screen time for the titular serpent. After all, it is called Anaconda, and I wanted to see that CGI snake in action!
In the end, Anaconda is a moderately entertaining diversion; offering some laughs but regrettably fading from memory once Jennifer Lopez makes her uncredited appearance and the credits roll. Don’t misunderstand me; watching it was a fun experience, and I might even say I enjoyed it. Ultimately, Anaconda strikes me as a lazy weekend rental, a mindless comedy designed to whisk one away from the mundane worries of everyday life. ╌★★★✰✰
⁓B.J. Burgess
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“The plot thickens… especially when you comment.” 〜B.J. Burgess