Anaconda movie review by Movie Review Mom

This adventure comedy/horror is now playing in theaters (December 25, 2025)

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour, 39 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE:
B-

SPONSOR of Today’s movie review:

To watch the original 1997 Anaconda, click here to find it on Amazon!

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IN A NUTSHELL:

Jack Black brings his signature humor and chaotic energy to Anaconda, a jungle survival thriller that blends suspense, adventure, and lots of goofy comedy. This silly reboot leans more into action-adventure than straight horror, making it more accessible to teens and adults who enjoy creature features without nonstop scares.

The film is a comedy remake of the 1997 Anaconda. The characters, themselves, describe it as a re-imagining. Tom Gormican directed the film. He also co-wrote it with Kevin Etten and Hans Bauer.

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TIPS FOR PARENTS:

While not excessively gory, Anaconda includes intense peril, jump scares, and moments of animal attack that may be frightening for younger viewers. There is some mild language and crude humor typical of Jack Black’s comedic style. Parents of sensitive viewers should be aware of suspenseful scenes involving danger, death, and survival situations.

• • Portuguese is often spoken with subtitles.

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• • We see some blood and guts.

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• • Weapons

• • Criminals

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THEMES:

• Living your dream
• Fear

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• Friendship

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• Teamwork in the face of danger
  • Respect for nature
  • Courage under pressure
  • Greed versus responsibility
  
  

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THINGS I LIKED:

Jack Black’s comedic timing brings levity and incredible passion. I love his over-the-top goofiness, and when he sings in movies. The rock soundtrack sounded like something Jack would have put together himself. Nicholas Cage was going to be the lead originally, but I think Jack Black took it to another whole level.

Starring with Jack Black is Paul Rudd. Both were born in 1969. This is their 4th movie together.

Daniela Melchior has actually starred in another remake of Anaconda!

I get a kick out of Steve Zahn in all of his flicks. He always plays goofball characters, and this movie is no exception. He also starred in the original 1997 Anaconda.

The fun cast also includes Thandiwe Newton and Ione Skye. Everyone looked like they were having a ball.

We get two fun cameos from the stars of the original Anaconda: Ice Cube and Jennifer Lopez! Jon Voight and Eric Stoltz, who also starred in the 1997 Anaconda, are mentioned in the movie but don’t appear in the film.

Selton Mello used his own voice to dub the Spanish and Portuguese versions of the movie.

I love little Easter eggs in movies. For example, in Act 1, we see Paul Rudd walk past the original Anaconda’s movie poster.

The movie has stunning jungle cinematography and runs at a faster pace than the original Anaconda film. There is an entertaining balance of thrills and laughs and a strong message about respecting nature instead of exploiting it.

Locations in Australia were actually used to represent the Amazon rainforest. I always thought of the Land Down Under as being drier and not very green, but the Springbrook National Park was green and lush!

The film is very self-aware, which provides some of the genuine humor. It pokes fun at Hollywood over and over.

Some of the lines are so ridiculous that they’re hilarious.

Keep watching until the end of the rolling credits for another scene.

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THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Movies that are released on Christmas Day are usually HUGE and often Oscar contenders. This movie is neither. The characters start talking about the film they’re making as one that could actually win awards. Steve Zahn’s character states, “The Academy loves social horror.”

I expect to laugh when Jack Black is in a movie, but there were very few laugh-out-loud moments.

The pee scene lasted way too long, and there were some predictable plot points.

The supporting characters could have been more developed. The CGI snake looks impressive, but not always realistic.

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FUNNY LINES:

• “I knew I should’ve stayed home and watched the documentary instead!”

• • “My life is shxx.” – (Thandiwe Newton) “I’m so happy to hear that.” – (Paul Rudd)

• • “Who doesn’t love intergenerational trauma?” – (Jack Black)

• • “I have urinary stage fright.” – (Steve Zahn)

• • “Keep it gangster.” (Ice T)

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INTERESTING LINES:

“Nature doesn’t need a villain. It just needs us to stop being careless.”

“Every film needs a good twist.” – Anna

“The snake is a metaphor for the monsters that come for all of us if our dreams are not realized.” – (Jack Black)

 

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MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE:

• Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (with Jack Black): https://moviereviewmom.com/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle-offers-a-classic-reboot-for-the-video-game-generation/
• Kong: Skull Island: https://moviereviewmom.com/kong-skull-island-showcases-a-new-scary-kong-and-other-imaginative-monsters/
• The Lost City: https://moviereviewmom.com/the-lost-city-movie-review/

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