ANACONDA is a 2025 American action-adventure comedy horror film that serves as a meta-reboot of the original ‘Anaconda’ (1997) and is the seventh installment in the ‘Anaconda’ film series. Directed by Tom Gormican and co-written with Kevin Etten, the film stars Paul Rudd, Jack Black, Steve Zahn, Thandiwe Newton, Daniela Melchior, and Selton Mello. The storyline follows a group of childhood friends who attempt to remake the original 1997 film, only to be confronted by a giant, murderous anaconda.
I loved the original film, as it evokes many good memories. I vividly remember the character played by Jon Voight and his ultimate demise. This new film pays homage to the original in various ways, including a scene that resembles that iconic moment with Jon Voight.
Recently, it seems that Jack Black and Steve Zahn have appeared in some lackluster films. However, this one is surprisingly entertaining and adds a feather in the caps of these comedic geniuses.
A group of friends reuniting from their past comes together to remake and relaunch the classic film ‘Anaconda’. After spending time working on the screenplay, the group travels to South America to begin filming. What unfolds is more than they anticipated, resulting in a comedic thriller that takes audiences on an exhilarating rollercoaster ride.
The scenery and cinematography pay tribute to the film’s setting, and the special effects are impressive. The characters deliver enjoyable performances throughout. Although there are some twists, turns, and unresolved plotlines, the film remains enjoyable.
As a dreamer, I appreciated the theme of friends reuniting to pursue their long-lost dreams from their youth. All too often in life, circumstances lead us to abandon our dreams, leaving us with a sense of “what if.” This aspect plays out beautifully in the film. It shows that while honesty and integrity are important, mistakes along the way do not prevent one from getting back on track and persevering.
The value of friendship and making the most of one’s talents is also illustrated here. While situations may not always look positive, coming together and leveraging each other’s talents can lead to positive outcomes.
While this isn’t a perfect movie, it achieves its purpose and entertains. For that reason, I rate ‘Anaconda’ a satisfying 7 out of 10. Have fun, and if you’re afraid of snakes, be prepared!