Go see this movie. It was the most fun I’ve had at a movie in a long time. What makes it is Jack Black and Paul Rudd. They are 110% into this movie. It had jump scares and laugh out loud silliness. I thought the pee scene should get an Academy Award;)
You can't duplicate the sheer goofy energy of an earnest, but failed, swing for the fences by making an intentionally goofy "homage" that keeps its distance by winking at the audience. That honest attempt to exceed your abilities--and then fail!--is what makes these movies lovable, and those qualities also seem to be what movie studios avoid at all costs.
Also, I always appreciate a good Rorschach reference. If you figure out how to work "human bean juice" into an article I'll be very happy.
Sometimes I wonder if Oscar-winner Nic Cage attended a viewing of Anaconda in 1997. And like the rest of us who happened to be blessed with a sense of humor and affectation for creature features, watched Oscar-winner Jon Voight in utter awe.
He's since spent the latter 2/3 of his career trying to recreate that magic. Lamentably, I don't think he's ever quite gotten there. I'm not sure anyone could.
I'm not arguing to immortalize Paul Serone in the Louvre, but...he should get a statue outside Disney's Jungle Cruise or some shit.
The fact that Voight garnered a Razzie nomination for that turn is a crime against humanity.
I got a brilliant idea for recycling IP - redo Yojimbo/A Fistful of Dollars with some up-and-comer in the Toshiro Mifune/Clint Eastwood role. BUT for the two rival gang leaders, have the studio throw a zillion dollars at Meryl Streep and Helen Mirren. Box office gold, I tell ya.
I suppose Alligator will be the next victim of this recycling effort. Though not an Academy Award winner, Henry Silva deserves a mention for all the sleazy, but quirky, bad guys he played. Besides Alligator, a fine example is The Bronx Warriors 2. Also called Escape From the Bronx. Just don’t put sugar in his coffee!!
Seems like a streamer and do appreciate your takes. Another unique data nugget here might be Snakes on a Plane … was “young enough” then to be more online behind the build-up and the marketing and figured that in no way might that movie would bomb relatively as it did.
It’s just tough to hit gold on such films - and like you said you can’t “engineer a Voight” performance like the first one did.
Never saw Snakes on a Plane, though I remember the hype, which turned out to be an internet-only phenomenon based on the campy title. The problem was the title really did say it all, to the point where you didn't even need to see the film.
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@Sonny apropos of nothing:
Sorkin: The West Wing
Reality: The Trump East Wing
Sorkin: A Few Good Men
Reality: The Department of War Crimes
Sorkin: Newsroom
Reality: Fox/new CBS
....
I am worried what else Sorkin has done. If he writes a show about a hospital we might need to put Jonathan Cohn on watch.
Go see this movie. It was the most fun I’ve had at a movie in a long time. What makes it is Jack Black and Paul Rudd. They are 110% into this movie. It had jump scares and laugh out loud silliness. I thought the pee scene should get an Academy Award;)
Best Eric Stoltz (sort of cameo) is the movie, Kicking and Screaming.
Directed by a young upstart named Noah Baumbach.
Mr. Stoltz plays the local bartender who is several years older than the college kids he imparts wisdom to, who is still ‘finishing’ his degree.
At one point when he is imparting his ‘wisdom,’ he says ‘I am paraphrasing myself when I say…’
I use that line sometimes because it’s just funny.
Also stars a young actress named Parker Posey. Among others….
If you are an aficionado of indie 90’s movies, this is a must see.
You forgot Kari Wuhrer (aka Kari Salin). She was a gorgeous, fun 1990s actress that definitely helped make the original Anaconda worth watching.
“The world is a poorer place without movies like Mimic, Congo, Relic, and Deep Blue Sea popping up in multiplexes on a regular basis.“
Amen and amen! Don’t forget Bats, the Y2K Lou Diamond Phillips vehicle!
You can't duplicate the sheer goofy energy of an earnest, but failed, swing for the fences by making an intentionally goofy "homage" that keeps its distance by winking at the audience. That honest attempt to exceed your abilities--and then fail!--is what makes these movies lovable, and those qualities also seem to be what movie studios avoid at all costs.
Also, I always appreciate a good Rorschach reference. If you figure out how to work "human bean juice" into an article I'll be very happy.
(📣🎁 Copy, paste, screenshot—GO! 🕯️ Boost your comments so TRUTH can grow! 🌱)
🎩📜🇺🇸 “The Emergency Hat Trick”
In Washington town, where the marble walls gleam,
A President shouted, “I’ve got a BIG scheme!”
Not bills through the chambers, not votes, not debate—
He yanked a red lever and changed the whole gate.
He hollered “Emergency!” loud as a horn,
Again and again—new powers were born.
(Reports say nine new since January’s first day,
Plus old ones still active from back in the fray.)
Now emergencies—sure—can be handy and right
When storms hit at midnight or missiles take flight.
But when “crisis” is painted on regular stuff,
That’s when democracy’s guardrails get rough.
Then April rolled in with a show and a cheer:
“Liberation Day!” (with a tariff-y sneer).
He signed and he charged with a national-threat claim,
Though Congress has tariff power right in the frame.
And if Congress could challenge? Well, here’s the odd twist:
A rule got slid in with a sneaky-tight fist—
It said, for a while, days wouldn’t count as days,
So the “vote to end it” got trapped in a maze.
That’s “exception” talk—where the law gets bent,
So one loud decider can do what he meant.
Old theorist Schmitt (from a dark chapter’s school)
Said power shows up when you rewrite the rule.
And later the President bragged, bold and grand,
“I can do what I want—if danger’s at hand!”
That’s not how our founders designed the whole deal—
Democracy works when the checks are real.
So grandparents glow with the lantern-phone light,
We share what we learn—so the people stay bright.
Because “emergency” can’t be the everyday tune…
Or freedom gets swallowed by power-mad gloom. ✨🗽📣
#ResharingBrigade #GrandparentsForTruth #IndyMedia #ProDemocracy #SupportUkraine #SupportPalestine #SupportAfghanVets #PeoplePoweredPolicies
Sometimes I wonder if Oscar-winner Nic Cage attended a viewing of Anaconda in 1997. And like the rest of us who happened to be blessed with a sense of humor and affectation for creature features, watched Oscar-winner Jon Voight in utter awe.
He's since spent the latter 2/3 of his career trying to recreate that magic. Lamentably, I don't think he's ever quite gotten there. I'm not sure anyone could.
I'm not arguing to immortalize Paul Serone in the Louvre, but...he should get a statue outside Disney's Jungle Cruise or some shit.
The fact that Voight garnered a Razzie nomination for that turn is a crime against humanity.
Regarding a "a past-his-prime awards winner":
I got a brilliant idea for recycling IP - redo Yojimbo/A Fistful of Dollars with some up-and-comer in the Toshiro Mifune/Clint Eastwood role. BUT for the two rival gang leaders, have the studio throw a zillion dollars at Meryl Streep and Helen Mirren. Box office gold, I tell ya.
I would go to a movie theater to watch those two square off, showing their boss energy. Hollywood, ARE YOU LISTENING?
I saw the line up and thought what? No comparison to the original, which was good and worth watching over and over again.
Jon Voigt's performance in Anaconda is soooooooooooo good
I suppose Alligator will be the next victim of this recycling effort. Though not an Academy Award winner, Henry Silva deserves a mention for all the sleazy, but quirky, bad guys he played. Besides Alligator, a fine example is The Bronx Warriors 2. Also called Escape From the Bronx. Just don’t put sugar in his coffee!!
Or Lake Placid?
Ohhhh man!
Oliver Platt's character? 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
Seems like a streamer and do appreciate your takes. Another unique data nugget here might be Snakes on a Plane … was “young enough” then to be more online behind the build-up and the marketing and figured that in no way might that movie would bomb relatively as it did.
It’s just tough to hit gold on such films - and like you said you can’t “engineer a Voight” performance like the first one did.
Never saw Snakes on a Plane, though I remember the hype, which turned out to be an internet-only phenomenon based on the campy title. The problem was the title really did say it all, to the point where you didn't even need to see the film.
I saw Snakes on a Plane opening weekend because of the title and Mr. Samuel L. Jackson.
It was raucous. Popcorn was thrown.
This is why you throw a couple million at an Oscar winner in a B-movie and let them do their thing!
A former colleague and I used to break ourselves up by trying to mimic Voight's accent in thr original "Anaconda".
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It’s quick, free, and valid for all elections in 2026. Need help? Write to help@votefromabroad.org.
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I loved the original Anaconda because it is such a hoot, and it keeps you entertained.
I will probably love the new one for the same reason you mention. I love the actors involved.
I've been catching up on "Chad Powers," the TV show on Hulu starring Glen Powell, and Zahn is just delightful in it.