I’ve always wanted to go to The States, but as yet, have never been. In every aspect of American society it is a country that doesn’t know where it’s going but is determined to set a speed record getting there. And for that, it is awesome. However, America is afflicted with a Religious Right that fucks things up for everyone. Case in point: Zack & Miri Make A Porno. The movie’s original poster was deemed too explicit by the MPAA and was banned in the US. Philadelphia refused to allow the revised poster at bus stops because of the word ‘porno’. When Kevin Smith agreed to have the word taken out and just have the title ‘Zack & Miri’ the city still refused. Several cinemas in the US have refused to even screen the film. Thankfully, back here in good ol’ Blasphemous Blighty, such things don’t concern us - we get to see tits on TV, for fucks sake. Channel Five was practically the “soft-core” channel when it first started, before it went all “up-market”...damn and blast their eyes!

Zack & Miri tells the story of housemates and lifelong friends Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) who fall on hard times and look to solve their cash-flow problems by making an adult film together. As the cameras roll, however, the 30-something duo begin to sense they may have more feelings for each other than they previously thought.

Kevin Smith’s last couple films (Jersey Girl, Clerks II) were howling shit. In fact, he was so rooted in gash films, he started to look like a yeast infection. Needless to say, my expectations of this one weren’t particularly high. I fucking love Mallrats and Dogma so I was willing to give this one a chance. Thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed.

It’s back to basics with Zack & Miri. It’s brash, bawdy and satisfyingly foul-mouthed. If you like you’re comedy lacking in subtlety with deliciously depraved overtones then this is the film for you. Seth Rogen strolls through this film like Fozzy Bear in a weird Muppets porn film. Elizabeth Banks is just fucking hot, and in an odd geek type of way. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone in big period pants that is quite as attractive as Banks. It actually worries me slightly. Most of all, this movie is fucking hilarious. From the myriad of quotable one-liners to the sexual Star Wars innuendo, Zack & Miri is ball-aching funny pretty much throughout. Combine that with a shed-full of shit jokes and tits and you'll probably spend a load.

It’s not all good though. Kevin Smith’s directing has always lacked a certain amount of style and this film is no different. Being a Hollywood rom-com, even from the ex master of indie, Zack & Miri was only ever gonna end one way but fuck me, did this ending suck! This film is a bit like a comedy fondue: there are some very sizable nuggets of comedy gold which you’re invited to chow-down on heartily. Thing is, once you’ve finished, all you’re left with is a shit-load of cheese. Luckily, it’s funny enough that you don’t care, and if nothing else, you may get a few ideas on how to wank yourself off.

A “Dutch Ruddering” threesome out of 5