The 1997 creature feature Anaconda was the definition of a so-bad-it's-good B-movie, and now it's been given a clever, nostalgic reboot for a new generation. The new film, simply titled Anaconda, slithered into Australian cinemas on Boxing Day, December 26.
A Meta Take on a Cult Classic
Instead of a straight remake, the 2025 revival takes a smart, self-referential approach. It stars Jack Black and Paul Rudd as childhood best friends Doug and Griff, who never quite achieved their Hollywood dreams. When Griff secures the rights to their favourite adolescent film – the original Anaconda – they rally friends Claire (Thandiwe Newton) and Kenny (Steve Zahn) to shoot a low-budget remake in Brazil.
Their passion project takes a terrifying turn when a real anaconda, of similarly ridiculous proportions to the 1997 movie's serpent, enters the scene. This meta-narrative allows the film to both honour and poke fun at the schlocky charm of the original, which starred Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube.
Nostalgia Meets Queensland Jungle
The film successfully taps into the warm nostalgia for the 1997 original, a movie reviled by critics but adored by audiences for its sheer ridiculousness. That film's cast, including Eric Stoltz, Owen Wilson, Danny Trejo, and a famously bizarre Jon Voight, helped cement its status alongside other '90s cult favourites like Hackers and Starship Troopers.
For the reboot, the Amazon was brought to life much closer to home. The movie was filmed in Queensland, which serves as a convincing stand-in for the South American rainforest. While the location work is effective, the production's modest budget shows in some of the larger set pieces.
Verdict: A Fun, If Unspectacular, Popcorn Flick
Jack Black delivers a relatable performance as a man worn down by adult responsibilities, while Paul Rudd brings his reliably charming and comedic presence. Fans of Black's work in the recent Jumanji films will find similar enjoyment here.
Ultimately, this Anaconda doesn't quite reach the so-bad-it's-good heights of its predecessor. Instead, it settles into being a good-not-great summer popcorn movie. It's a canny, entertaining option for those seeking a dose of nostalgia and light-hearted adventure in an air-conditioned cinema.
Rated M, the film offers a mix of humour, in-jokes for fans of the original, and, of course, one very large snake.
