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Parents' Guide to

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

By James Rocchi, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 18+

Explicit Kevin Smith comedy isn't sexy or funny.

Movie R 2008 101 minutes
Zack and Miri Make a Porno Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 16+

Based on 14 parent reviews

age 15+

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
age 15+

Don't be an idiot parent.

This movie isn't for your 12 year old... It's for your 15 year old and up. It's quite tame considering what the movie is about. If you go into it with a clear understanding of what you're watching (which you SHOULD because THE TITLE OF THE DAMN MOVIE!!!) then you'll have a blast. Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks are always fun to watch. Katie Morgan actually acting? I love it! Also who can forget how lovable Jason Mewes always is. Don't go into it expecting Oscar winning shit. Go into it for a laugh.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (14 ):
Kids say (23 ):

Zack and Miri Make a Porno is a prime example of what happens when a filmmaker creates a movie based solely on a premise without thinking about plot or plausibility or personality. As Zack and Miri strive and struggle to film their money-making porno, they tackle their feelings for each other; at the same time, we're not given much reason to care about them. Kevin Smith's films (Clerks, Chasing Amy, and more) have always wrapped personal connection in potty talk and pop-culture references, but the mix feels off in Zack and Miri Make a Porno. It's as if he felt that throwing around more graphic sex and explicit language would make up for a paper-thin plot. (If Zack and Miri really need money, why not just get better jobs, or a loan? If Zack and Miri are directing and creating the film with other actors, why do they have to have sex at all?)

There are a few high points in the movie -- or at least points higher than the sex scenes and scatological humor. Rogen is still a likeable screen presence, and he manages to convey how Zack's filmmaking adventure brings out a sense of ambition and personal effort that his normal life working as a coffee barista lacked. Banks doesn't get as interesting a character arc -- we're never even told what Miri does for a living -- but her natural charm still shines through. But moments aren't movies, and Zack and Miri Make a Porno seems awfully self-satisfied; Smith has never filmed a script he didn't write, and -- like many writer-directors -- it's possible he may not be the best judge of his own work. Zack and Miri may be selling itself as a sexy, crazy, controversial comedy, but there's no steak to go along with the sizzle.

Movie Details

  • In theaters: October 31, 2008
  • On DVD or streaming: February 3, 2009
  • Cast: Elizabeth Banks , Jason Mewes , Seth Rogen
  • Director: Kevin Smith
  • Inclusion Information: Female actors
  • Studio: Weinstein Co.
  • Genre: Comedy
  • Run time: 101 minutes
  • MPAA rating: R
  • MPAA explanation: strong crude sexual content including dialogue, graphic nudity and pervasive language.
  • Last updated: June 22, 2023

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