Anaconda (2025) – A Meta, Monstrously Fun Ride
The latest attempt to revive Anaconda skips the straight-faced reboot route, opting instead for a knowingly meta take that mixes creature-feature chaos with reflections on nostalgia and unrealized dreams.
There is a mid-credit scene.
doug McCallister (Jack Black) and Ronald “Griff” Griffin Jr. (Paul Rudd) have been best friends as childhood, bonded by a shared affection for the 1997 creature feature Anaconda. Confronted by a creeping midlife crisis and a nagging sense of unrealized ambition,they decide to remake the film that once fueled their filmmaking dreams. Recruiting friends Kenny (Steve Zahn) and Claire (Thandiwe Newton), they head into the Amazon to bring their passion project to life. What starts as a knowingly chaotic production takes a perilous turn when a real giant anaconda appears, blurring the line between affectionate homage and genuine survival story.
Only upon reaching brazil do they meet snake wrangler Santiago (Selton Mello) and his own veteran performing anaconda, a snake named Heitor. With Griff having numerous scenes with Heitor, it’s no surprise that he’s on edge and ends up derailing the entire production. I’d be freaking out, too, if I were in his position.Who wouldn’t?!
While it is not required that audiences be familiar with the original Anaconda, it helps to understand the references throughout the film’s 99-minute runtime. Thankfully, there’s nobody here choosing to be the Jon Voight of the movie-not so much in a villain kind of way, but more so about the accent.
The thing that surprises me about the new take on Anaconda is that it marks the first time Paul Rudd and Jack Black are leading a film together. Prior to this, the only film involving both actors had been Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. You wouldn’t know that they hadn’t realy worked together given the chemistry of their characters. But where the film goes massively wrong is taking them out of their archetypes. Paul Rudd is better at playing the straight man. Here, it’s jack Black in that role.You never want Jack black playing it straight!
“Anaconda” Review: A Self-Aware, Chaotic Reboot That Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously
Tom Gormican’s Anaconda, released on December 25, 2025, isn’t striving to be a faithful remake of the 1997 cult classic. Instead, it embraces meta-humor and absurdity, delivering a slightly entertaining adventure fueled by the chemistry of Paul Rudd and Jack Black. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Gormican’s previous work, the film offers a self-aware commentary on Hollywood’s reliance on reboots and revivals.
The film echoes a similar sentiment to Phil lord and Christopher Miller’s 21 Jump Street, which directly addressed the lack of originality in the industry through Nick Offerman’s character, Deputy Chief Hardy, who pointed out the recycling of old ideas. The irony of Ice Cube appearing in both films isn’t lost on the reviewer.
Anaconda doesn’t shy away from outlandish scenarios, introducing Daniela Melchior as Ana, a reluctant boat captain navigating a treacherous river. The narrative also incorporates a subplot concerning the environmental impact of gold mining, adding a layer of social commentary.
The review notes some unexpected plot twists, though Ice Cube’s cameo was previously teased by the actor himself.However, fans hoping for an appearance by Jon Voight will be disappointed. Gormican and co-writer Kevin Etten initially received the assignment to create a straightforward reboot, but wisely opted for a more playful approach.
Ultimately, Anaconda prioritizes enjoyment over strict adherence to the original. It’s a chaotic, occasionally silly, and self-aware ride that leans into its own absurdity.
DIRECTOR: Tom Gormican
SCREENWRITERS: Tom Gormican & kevin Etten
CAST: jack Black,Paul Rudd,Steve Zahn,Thandiwe Newton,Daniela Melchior,Selton Mello,and Ice Cube
Grade: 3/5
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