Zack and Miri has been one of my favourite comedies since it was first released in 2008 but in my opinion it doesn’t get the appreciation it deserves so when it was recently added to Netflix I figured it was the perfect time to review it as my next Hidden Gem.

Director: Kevin Smith

Starring: Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Robinson, Jason Mewes, Jeff Anderson

Zack And Miri Make A Porno is pretty much exactly what it says on the tin. Zack and Miri have been friends since childhood but when their water and electricity gets shut off, they need a way to make money. At their ten year High School reunion, a chance encounter with the boyfriend of one of their old classmates gives them the answer they need – make a porno.

With money loaned from Zack’s co-worker they buy a camera, write a script and pull together a ragtag group of people to star in the film. All of that is the easy part, Zack and Miri’s biggest problem is to figure out how to have sex with each other without complicating their friendship.

I have to say that this film is bloody hilarious, Mark and I have seen this film like ten times and it still has us in stitches, in fact it gets funnier every time. If you haven’t guessed already, the humour is not for everybody but if you don’t mind a lot of profanity, innuendos and dirty jokes then this should be right up your street.

The character of Zack was written specifically with Seth Rogen in mind and it’s not difficult to see why as he absolutely nails it (pun intended!). The personality he brings to the role with his trademark laugh and goofy energy is what really brings the character to life. But he doesn’t carry the film alone, the rest of the characters were PERFECTLY cast.

Elizabeth Banks delights as Miri, bringing her own energy to the film that complements Rogen’s style without undermining her position as the female lead or relegating her to the role of ‘romantic interest’. Craig Robinson’s deadpan deliveries are a joy to behold and adds an extra layer to the humour.

Kevin Smith also recruits the talents of his long term friends Jason Mewes and Jeff Anderson. Mewes is great fun as the sweet but rather simple Lester and although he doesn’t have a huge amount of dialogue, Anderson delivers some of the best one-liners in his role as the porno’s videographer.

I can’t talk about casting without giving a shout out to two minor characters that, for me, very nearly steal the show. First off, is Justin Long as the deep-voiced charming porn actor who first puts the idea of making a porno in Zack’s head. And secondly, we have Tyler Labine who is only on screen for about 2 minutes but he delivers one of cinema’s best bit-part performances.

Overall, Zack and Miri is a side-splitting comedy with a whole lot of heart and jokes to spare. The strength of the script is supported by a brilliant cast, excellent pacing and a banging soundtrack. So if you’re looking for something to take you away from the humdrum of the everyday then give it a watch this weekend.

Zack And Miri Make A Porno is now available to stream on Netflix or purchase on Amazon.