Anaconda (2025)

Four old friends borrow money to remake their favorite creature feature in the actual Amazon, and the funniest thing about this Anaconda is that it’s kind of doing the same thing. It can’t pick a lane. One minute it’s a goofy buddy comedy about grown-ups with stalled lives, the next it wants real jungle scares, and the jumps between the two land with a thud. The giant snake never looks convincing either. When it works, it’s the setup. Jack Black’s Doug shoots wedding videos and finally gets to direct, and Paul Rudd’s Griff is an actor still waiting on his big break, two childhood friends chasing one last shot. Steve Zahn and Thandiwe Newton fill out the crew. Big laughs do show up, just not often enough. It made $135.4 million worldwide on a reported $45M. A 4.3 because the friendship is fun and the movie keeps biting its own tail. $4,144 says a coiled garden hose in the yard makes you jump this week, and you never tell anyone.

What works: The idea of broke childhood friends shooting a homemade remake in the jungle is a great setup, and it lands some big laughs.

What doesn’t: The movie lurches between buddy comedy and creature horror without committing to either, and the snake effects never look real.

Who it’s for: People who grew up on the 1997 original and want a goofy night in with friends.