Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Kevin Smith certainly knows how to push buttons, he's been doing it for years, and ZACK AN MIRI MAKE A PORNO continues his tradition but with an interesting twist. He's managed to make a love story for a generation of social misfits and outcasts but he does in a conventional/unconventional fashion. Of course the crude nature of the humor here will not appeal to all and some have problems with the free form pacing Smith sometimes uses but I thought it was fantastic, both funny and endearing, a hard feat to pull off in earnest. Another aspect of this picture which I noticed is how Smith is advancing in his craft as a film maker. There is one scene in particular, and this might be a spoiler for some be feel warned, when Zack is heading to the bedroom with Stacey. The way Smith sets the shots up to cut between Miri and the hall, the lighting, the music, you would be honestly hard pressed to find anything better executed in Smith's work. This excites me of course as it leads me to beleive he may take on a more serious natured project and, more importantly, have the technical chops to smack the sucker right out of the park. Can you imagine he and Jason Mewes, who is looking to do more dramatic roles, accepting an Oscar?
There are so many other great things here, the fact it was shot in Monroeville, Pa., where DAWN OF THE DEAD was made and all of the jokes about the film and concerning Geroge A. Romero. They went so far as to bring Tom Savini in a super cameo and you just know I need a Monroeville Zombies jersey at some point. Seth Rogan and Elizabeth Banks are perfection is you like there style and once again Justin Long of JEEPRS CREEPERS and DRAG ME TO HELL fame damn near steals the show. Katie Morgan was damn impressive in this "straight" role and if I had one major complaint it would be with Traci Lords. She could have been used more and it's a shame here best bits were relegated to the extras section of the disc. To close, some will love it, others will be offended but any way you take the money shot here it is damn well funny.