I think Kevin Smith has a hit on his hands. The bad boy director is here with “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” which contains no hard-core sex but is wall to wall with hard-core language. Smith begins with your basic four-letter words, and supplements them with an astonishing vocabulary and verbal images. The director of “Clerks” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” once told me he’s a mediocre director but a great writer. Wrong. His films are not so much about his visual style as about words; he is a perfectly capable director who, as the author, respects his script.

The words in “Zack and Miri” are potty mouth taken to the buddy-movie version of Shakespeare. The audience was roaring with laughter at its sheer audacity and outrageousness. It’s so lively, the movie was initially rated NC-17, but got an R on appeal. Then the plot pulls ahead like two engines on a short train. Seth Rogen, the emerging superstar of raunchy comedy, is Zack, whose best buddy is Miri (Elizabeth Banks). They’ve known each other since first grade, are roommates, have never had sex, are broke and can’t pay the bills.

In desperation, they decide to make a porno film and enlist a mixed bag of cast and crew, including onetime porn star Traci Lords. Zack and Miri are co-producers and co-stars; will they have sex for the first time, out of duty to the movie? The answer to that question somehow creates a poignant love story in the midst of flying words and bodily fluids. Prediction: “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” will set box-office records if the audience is able to fasten its seat belts for the turbulence of the dialogue.

A film that can please both critics AND audiences? Go figure! We love what we’re hearing as far as reaction on this one, it certainly sounds like a crowd pleaser. October 31st is starting to feel like a slow crawl!

Kevin Smith’s controversial Zack and Miri Make a Porno is already getting good reviews and Smith tells Variety at the Toronto Film Festival (video below) that he’d love to be the man who saves The Weinstein Company.

“I’d love to be Quentin version two,” he says. Because Miramax was always known as the house that Quentin built and under The Weinstein Company, they don’t have that yet. It would be nice if this [movie] would be it.”

And hey, while you’re watching video, why not also check out this non-spoiler video clip from E! Online where Kev discusses the new flick while at the Toronto Film Festival. This one just goes for a couple of minutes. He talks about porn, working with Rogen, and blogs.

TIFF 08: Play that funky music


By W. Andrew Powell

Zack and Miri Make a PornoIf I go through some of my all-time favorite songs, most of them have one thing in common: they’re featured in a movie I also love.

Shaun of the Dead reminded me how much I loved Queen with the song “Don’t Stop Me Now.” Damien Rice’s “The Blower’s Daughter” leaps off the screen in Closer. Counting Crows had the wickedly addictive opening song “Accidentally in Love” in Shrek 2. Donnie Darko blew me away with the classic Echo & the Bunnymen song “The Killing Moon.” And those are just a few songs that jump to mind.

It just amazes me how a song can have such an important part in a movie, perhaps most dramatically represented by Gary Jules’ emotionally charged remake of “Mad World,” also from Donnie Darko.

So, what does this have to do with the Toronto International Film Festival? Well, I’ve seen a lot of films this past week that made great use of music. JCVD, Afterwards, and even Stone of Destiny, but none blew me away like Zack and Miri Make a Porno.

One single song reminded me how important it is to have great music in a film, and how often it’s the unknown songs that have the greatest effect.

I don’t want to ruin the film for anyone, but during an emotional scene between Zack and Miri, who are played by Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks, the band Live has a song that fits so perfectly, it actually made my jaw drop.

With frontman Ed Kowalczyk’s intense vocals, layered on top of the band’s heavy guitar rhythms, the scene is about as perfect as it could be.

Looking through the press notes I found out that the song was called “Hold Me Up,” but as a devout Live fan I can definitely say I’ve never heard the song before.

Thankfully, director Kevin Smith was able to give a little insight into the song. Here’s what he had to say:

It’s an old song that I first heard in ‘95, when we were putting together the Mallrats soundtrack. It was actually in the film for the first test screening, but Live decided they wanted to hold onto it as a potential single off their next album (which would follow Throwing Copper). When I was editing Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, the song had still never surfaced or been released, so I put in a request for it again. Again, I was denied.

Third time, apparently, was the charm. Needed a song for that sequence in Zack and Miri and remembered the Live track. This time, the band signed off on us using the track. Took 13 years, but was worth the wait.

I’m still a big fan of Live, but I have to admit, there’s an intensity to the song that doesn’t seem to exist in any of the band’s recent material. Hearing it in the film, I had a good idea it was from their Throwing Copper days, but now we just have to wait and see if the studio can get the rights to use the song on the soundtrack too. If the band is smart though, they’ll consent and promote the hell out of this song – it’s one of the most memorable scenes I’ve seen all week at TIFF, and I give nearly half of that credit to the song.

From “Clerks” and son, Kevin has always shown a great talent and picking fantastic tunes for his flicks (which in turn build remarkably listenable soundtracks). No word on an actual soundtrack for this flick just yet, but from the sound of it, we’re in for another great round of selections to go along with a hilarious film. Be sure to crank it up, theater owners.

Let’s start with the spoiler-free first. Elizabeth Banks, Jason Mewes, and of course Kevin were on hand for the premiere, and the TIFF’s website caught the arrivals and snapped a few nice photos as well.

Now, onto the juicy stuff. Once again, we warn you, MAJOR SPOILERS FOR THE FILM ARE CONTAINED IN THESE VIDEOS! After the world premiere, Kevin and the cast took to the stage for some audience Q&A, and it’s all available to you thanks to the miracle that is YouTube. Total of around 15 minutes total. Watch only if you’ve seen the film, or don’t mind having some of the best jokes spoiled for ya (we’re debating watching right now).

“Matt” says:

I got a chance to catch the World Premire of Zack and Miri Make a Porno last night at the Toronto Film Fest, so I thought I’d check in to share my thoughts, but keep it spoiler free.

The film played at the Ryerson Theater in Downtown Toronto. I was lucky enough to snag tickets online, as even as I arrived some 2 hours early, the non-ticket holding or “rush” line was already easily 100 people. The ticket holders line-up went all the way around the block by the time doors opened.

In attendance were Kevin, Elizabeth Banks, Katie Morgan, Ricky Mabe, and Mewes, who got to his seat by making a daring, MacGyver-esque roll and run across the stage, as the film was bring introduced by the festival presenter. Seth Rogan unfortunately couldn’t make it, as he’s filming “Funny People” with Judd Apatow, to which Kevin quipped “I asked him ‘C’mon! Whats Judd Apatow ever done for YOU?’”.

Afterwards, Kevin and the 4 stars who were in attendance did a very brief Q&A, with the festival presenter providing many laughs due to her uncomfortable reactions to Kevin and the Cast’s cuss laden responses.

As for the movie itself…

This is a dirty, dirty movie. Bad language that boarders on Aristocrats level, and like the Aristocrats, about half way through you’re so desensitized to the vulgarity that you don’t even blink when hearing beautiful women casually discussing filthy things. Clerks 2’s Ass-to-Mouth conversation was like the tip of the iceberg in contrast to this film, but I never thought it went over the edge to the point where it was for shock.

But for all the dirty mouths and hilarious imagery, there actually is a very sweet, very relatable love story between the two titular characters.

Craig Robinson is the absolute comedic stand out of the movie. His brilliant subtle delivery raises the bar of kevin’s already clever dialogue. Another big surprise for me was just how funny Justin Long was, as gay porn actor “Brandon St. Randy”. Banks totally lights up the screen with great chemistry between her and Seth Rogan, who is his usual lovable geek self. Also easy on the eyes and fun to watch was the mainstream debut of real life porn star Katie Morgan (whom I imagine some may be familiar with from her other works). Also very cool was the brief cameo from Kenny Hotz, of “Kenny vs. Spenny” fame.

Overall, I don’t think anyone who’s a fan of Kevin’s will be disappointed. The comedy is wackier and the romanticism is less subtle than in (the easiest comparison) an Apatow sex-comedy, but I feel it works just as well, and still definitely in keeping with Kevin’s style (the Star Wars and Hockey references are still intact).


For me personally, it now ranks high in the Smith filmography. Well done, sir.




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“Corey” writes:

I was lucky to attend the World Premiere of Zack and Miri last night at TIFF08 (Toronto International Film Festival) and it was amazing. No spoilers here but needless to say there is one scene that elicited an extended response and laughter. Being a loyal Kevin Smith fan, I am happy that the film was so well received and hope this movie makes some mad bank for Kevin at the box office. Of note question wise, somebody asked why Seth Rogen wasn’t able to show up and in a hilarious response Kevin mentioned that he was currently filming another Judd Apatow movie out West, to which he quipped, “What the f_ck has Judd Apatow ever done for Seth?” Very funny to be sure. When asked whether he would consider doing a movie again with Rogen, Kevin responded, “maybe if he showed up tonight…..”

Seth embodied the clever and never clean work of Kevin and I can’t wait to see this flick again in the theatre.

We’re not going to run complete reviews here, as they are numerous, but instead take select NON-SPOILER sections, so you can safely read on our page. Clicking through may result in spoilers, and we’ll warn where we can.

Screen Daily

“Kevin Smith is back and Seth Rogen’s got ‘em. Or at least that’s how the ad copy should read for Smith’s libidinous rom-com, Zack and Miri Make a Porno. While Elizabeth Banks is ostensibly knocking about the premises as Rogen’s unexpected love interest, it is the cozy marriage of sensibilities between the director of Clerks and the co-writer/star of Superbad that gives this movie its particular go-for-the-groin, land-on-the-heart chemistry.”

(General minor spoilers regarding over-arching plot)

Dark Horizons

“Smith’s latest script crackles with verbal and visual hilarity, taking risks in some areas, yet showing his sensitive side as well. In essence, Zack and Miri is a film about relationships, sex, love, the way we depend on each other, and amidst the film’s often raw, unbridled comedy, this is a very emotive love story.”

(spoiler-free)

Cinemablend

“Kevin Smith is known for his smart, edgy dialogue and there’s plenty of his brilliant, wordy style on display in Zack and Miri. He’s combined that with a great cast, maybe the most talented he’s ever worked with, and the result is one of Smith’s funniest, dirtiest, most gleefully offensive movies to date. “

(a few small spoilers in central paragraphs)

This being the first true raunchy R-rated comedy from Kevin and View Askew that’s a departure from the Askewniverse, to hear it being received so well can’t help but bring a smile to our face and a feeling of pride — Kevin has treated this one differently from the start, and continues to do so with the low key marketing, letting the film speak for itself. And with this big debut, it seems to be talking itself up QUITE well. Congrats to Kevin, the cast, and the crew on what looks to be the breakout hit of the Fall. Spread the word, and tell everyone you know to look for this one next month.

We highly suggest you be ready at that time and order your tickets right away. These screenings WILL both sell out. This is where it pays to be a News Askew reader, as these times have not yet been announced anywhere else — So, be ready with those credit cards and place your order, and take advantage of a rare chance to see a View Askew flick almost a full month early with the writer-director himself in the house. Good luck, and remember, This WEDNESDAY MORNING at the Woodstock Festival website.