Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008)

4/5

Zack and Miri Make a Porno is essentially the dirty version of what every upstart indie filmmaker goes through. It stars Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks as two roommates who turn to making a certain type of adult movie to pay their bills. Despite being directed by Kevin Smith, the casting makes it feel like a Judd Apatow movie. Their acting, in concert with Smith's writing, give the film a realism you wouldn't think possible based on the plot. And their little arguments and amusing antics make it hilarious. But just like every Kevin Smith movie, there is one ridiculously gross moment that you don't expect and will never forget, even though it's on screen for less than a second.

But perhaps I appreciate this movie a bit more than most people might, because I know this kind of guerrilla filmmaking. I've lived it. I made my boom pole out of a golf club instead of a hockey stick and I shot at a grocery store instead of a coffee shop, but I've lived it. And I know what it's like when the people you work with become your best and closest friends. So I share a nostalgia with the movie that helps me love it. Still, I'm sure anyone who likes either Kevin Smith or Seth Rogen will love this movie too. Just be prepared for nudity and sex, because there's a lot of it.

IMDb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1007028/

Chasing Amy (1997)

4.9/5

Chasing Amy is definitely Kevin Smith's best movie. It effortlessly mixes comedy, drama, and romance into something with a serious thematic message that both tugs your heartstrings and tickles your funny bone. It is so fulfilling on every one of those levels, a seeming elusive task that so many other hybrid films cannot manage. The acting by all parties is spot-on, especially Ben Affleck in what may be his finest performance. The jokes are non-stop. (The "snoochie boochie" line had me cracking up for over a minute straight.) The emotional aspect reminded me of Casablanca--our emotions are played with at every evolution of the character through exposing their pasts and motivations. Overall, it was an exhilarating experience.

Technically, the film is somewhat lacking. The cinematography and editing are merely adequate--he points the camera at people and lets them work. This is pretty disappointing given the high quality acting and dialogue. And at only ten years old, it's starting to feel a bit dated already, which doesn't speak well for its longevity. Still, a movie I hope to return to time and time again.

IMDb link: http://imdb.com/title/tt0118842/