Anaconda

Review

Anaconda (2025) is a not-horror comedy and the newest entry in the Anaconda franchise. When I first heard about the film, I was intrigued because I liked the first two movies but absolutely hated the direct-to-TV entries. However, after watching the first trailer, I lost some interest since it looked shallow and dumb. After finally deciding to see it, I can say that while the comedy works very well, the horror is completely nonexistent.

The biggest pro of the film lies in the characters, particularly the core four: Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Steve Zahn, and Thandiwe Newton. They play four friends who love the movie Anaconda and filmmaking in general. Throughout the film, you can tell they genuinely care about each other, especially Thandiwe Newton’s and Paul Rudd’s characters, who share romantic feelings. The biggest highlight is easily Steve Zahn’s character, Kenny, a dimwitted yet lovable friend who delivers some of the funniest quotes and scenes in the movie.

Another positive is that the plot actually makes sense for what the film is trying to do. The entire movie is a meta take on the original 1997 film and openly acknowledges that it’s making fun of itself, the reboot process, and the lack of originality in Hollywood—specifically studios constantly rebooting old films for new audiences. The cameo appearances by Ice Cube and Jennifer Lopez in a post-credits scene were a nice touch and serve as respectful references without letting nostalgia dominate this entry.

Unfortunately, the cons are hard to ignore. The most obvious issue is the complete lack of horror in a movie marketed as a “horror comedy.” The jump scares are predictable, few, and far between. There’s also a subplot involving gold-mining thieves and a woman named Ana, played by Daniela Melchior, that is rushed so heavily it leaves no impact.

Another downside is how predictable the outcomes are for the main characters, with the exception of Kenny, who exists purely for comic relief. Griffin (Rudd) is a struggling actor, Doug (Black) is a wedding videographer who insists on calling his work “films,” and Claire (Newton) is a divorcee reconnecting with Griffin. Their arcs unfold exactly as expected.

The biggest complaint, though, is the snake itself. While the idea isn’t bad, the execution is lacking. Shaky camerawork, blink-and-you-miss-it editing, and lighting that’s far too dark during night scenes prevent the creature from ever feeling threatening. The kills are few and largely forgettable.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Anaconda (2025) is an enjoyable watch if you’re a fan of comedy and self-aware reboots. However, horror fans—especially those who enjoy creature features—will likely walk away disappointed.

What Worked

• Strong chemistry among the main cast
• Steve Zahn’s performance as Kenny
• Self-aware, meta humor that mostly lands

What Didn’t

• Almost no horror despite the marketing
• Rushed and underdeveloped subplot
• Snake action undermined by shaky camera and dark lighting

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Agree or disagree? Email me at ross@nobodycritics.com