Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lightweight but funny meta-remake of killer snake movie.
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Why Age 13+?
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Anaconda
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a mix of ridiculousness and humor, appealing especially to pre-teens despite some flaws and moments of stylized violence. While some found it delightfully entertaining and funny, others criticized it for being overly silly and predictable, yet many recommended it for a fun viewing experience with kids.
- amusing moments
- pre-teen appeals
- predictable jumpscares
- silly humor
- mild violence
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In ANACONDA, Griff (Paul Rudd) isn't doing so well at making his dreams of becoming an actor come true. When he goes home to Buffalo for his best friend, Doug's (Jack Black), surprise birthday party, Griff brings along a tape of a monster movie they made together as kids: The Quatch. Griff also announces that he has secured the rights for the movie Anaconda and suggests that he, Doug, and the rest of their group—Claire (Thandiwe Newton) and Kenny (Steve Zahn)—head to the Amazon to make a "spiritual sequel" to the slithery cult fave. They raise enough for a low-budget feature, and off they go. They meet snake handler Santiago (Selton Mello) and his pet anaconda, Heitor, while Ana (Daniela Melchior) captains their boat. At first there's a great energy on the set, but soon bad luck takes over, and it's not long before the friends are stalked by an actual giant anaconda.
Is It Any Good?
This meta-remake feels a bit thin and dashed off, but it has an undeniable energy; the four main characters seem to be having lots of fun, and the jokes, both lowbrow and satire, tend to land. Anaconda is actually a really good idea, spoofing the concept of remakes and sequels while being a sort of remake/sequel itself. At one point, the team runs into another team of filmmakers who are also making an Anaconda movie, and a PA (Renee Herbert) remarks, "I know ... no new ideas!" Doug and Griff are constantly rewriting their script as they go, trying to find a reason for the story. ("Themes..." they muse.)
Maybe their movie has themes, but this one has none; its only aim is to make viewers laugh. Yet it honestly feels as if Black, Rudd, Newton, and Zahn forged a bond of friendship, probably enjoying themselves immensely on set. And, who knows? Maybe—as one character jokes—they made up a lot of stuff as they went along, too. At least the snake visual effects are far superior to those of the 1997 movie. Even if it will never achieve the cult status of that film, Anaconda is a lightweight, diverting comedy that tips the "scales" with its zippy humor.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Anaconda's violence. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
How does the movie depict drinking and drugs use? Are they glamorized? Are there consequences? Why does that matter?
What do you think the movie is trying to say about the trend of remakes and sequels in Hollywood?
What does the movie have to say about environmental harmony, i.e., people disrupting ecosystems for profit?
Do you think moviemakers typically "make it up as they go along"? Or is there a more specific plan in place?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 25, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : January 27, 2026
- Cast : Paul Rudd , Jack Black , Steve Zahn , Thandiwe Newton
- Director : Tom Gormican
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Friendship , Travel
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence/action, strong language, some drug use and suggestive references
- Last updated : February 15, 2026
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