Homemade Porn
I first heard of ‘Zack and Miri Make A Porno' about a week or so ago. Apparently one of the television networks (I'm looking at you Fox) refused to show ads for the upcoming film because it had the word PORN in the title. I knew nothing of the movie and actually never gave it another thought until earlier today. My wife asked me if I had seen the previews yet, when I answered that I had not she assured me that I had to -- as it looked like the kind of movie I would love. Love? Really?! I mean I love the thought of PORN but I'm not really what you would call a fan of the genre. So, I hesitatingly did (you can yourself by clicking the title above) and once again she was 100% correct - this movie looks awesome! Of course, all the TV ad controversy will assure this will have the exact effect that actually showing the ad would have -- only to a greater degree -- generate 'buzz' and put asses in the seats. In fact, I'm trying to use the word PORN as many times as possible for the exact same reason - I want to attract my target demographic to the site - the creepy, perverted one-handed keyboarders that bring value to any site just by visiting ... ah, I see you've arrived -- let's continue on then.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
In short, friends and roommates Zack and Miri are facing hard times and a mountain of debt. When the electricity and plumbing get cut off and the second or third eviction notices arrives, they seize upon the idea of making a homegrown PORNO movie for some quick cash, enlisting the help of their friends. I guess I should admit up front that I love Seth Rogan. He's a Canadian and a pothead, which doesn't lose him any cool points around these parts. I reluctantly watched 'Knocked Up' at my wife's request and thought he was great (as was the movie) and still maintain that if you didn't like 'Superbad' -- well, something is wrong with you. The film was written and directed by Kevin Smith (who I'll assume needs no introduction) and he actually wrote it with Seth in mind. The whole cast looks really good but the only other one I'll mention here is the former PORN star Traci Lords. I have nothing to say about her -- just that she's in the movie.
WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW
This is a raunchy movie: the film was submitted to the MPAA a total of three times. On each submission, it was slapped with an NC-17rating. Uncomfortable with cutting any further, Kevin Smith finally elected to take the film through the appeals process, where they eventually overturned the rating to an R. USA Today recently ran an article titled, "Will people go see this movie?" The idea I'm assuming that the PORNO word was going to somehow keep people away in droves. As to whether or not people will see this movie - the answer if of course is a resounding yes - a LOT of people will go to see this movie. At the end of the day, this movie will have a huge opening for two reasons:
1) The 'buzz' generated with the advertising controversy and the countless YouTube clips already available.
2) Those damn teenagers have all the disposable income!
Anyway, I won't be there on Halloween but you can be sure I'll see it shortly after that - well, it's at the very least a guaranteed rental for sure. Oh, I forgot to mention the word PORN lately - oh well, why try to say PORN when there is no reason to say PORN? I'll leave you with what was the 'clincher quote' for me - it comes from one of the actresses who is promoting the claim that the film really contains no PORN at all: "It's about two people who actually didn't know they loved each other and then find out they do," she says. "See, it's a good, happy movie. The boobs are just for, you know, looking at. A little bit extra."
See you at the theatre and save some popcorn for me. CHEERS!