“Matt” says:

I got a chance to catch the World Premire of Zack and Miri Make a Porno last night at the Toronto Film Fest, so I thought I’d check in to share my thoughts, but keep it spoiler free.

The film played at the Ryerson Theater in Downtown Toronto. I was lucky enough to snag tickets online, as even as I arrived some 2 hours early, the non-ticket holding or “rush” line was already easily 100 people. The ticket holders line-up went all the way around the block by the time doors opened.

In attendance were Kevin, Elizabeth Banks, Katie Morgan, Ricky Mabe, and Mewes, who got to his seat by making a daring, MacGyver-esque roll and run across the stage, as the film was bring introduced by the festival presenter. Seth Rogan unfortunately couldn’t make it, as he’s filming “Funny People” with Judd Apatow, to which Kevin quipped “I asked him ‘C’mon! Whats Judd Apatow ever done for YOU?'”.

Afterwards, Kevin and the 4 stars who were in attendance did a very brief Q&A, with the festival presenter providing many laughs due to her uncomfortable reactions to Kevin and the Cast’s cuss laden responses.

As for the movie itself…

This is a dirty, dirty movie. Bad language that boarders on Aristocrats level, and like the Aristocrats, about half way through you’re so desensitized to the vulgarity that you don’t even blink when hearing beautiful women casually discussing filthy things. Clerks 2’s Ass-to-Mouth conversation was like the tip of the iceberg in contrast to this film, but I never thought it went over the edge to the point where it was for shock.

But for all the dirty mouths and hilarious imagery, there actually is a very sweet, very relatable love story between the two titular characters.

Craig Robinson is the absolute comedic stand out of the movie. His brilliant subtle delivery raises the bar of kevin’s already clever dialogue. Another big surprise for me was just how funny Justin Long was, as gay porn actor “Brandon St. Randy”. Banks totally lights up the screen with great chemistry between her and Seth Rogan, who is his usual lovable geek self. Also easy on the eyes and fun to watch was the mainstream debut of real life porn star Katie Morgan (whom I imagine some may be familiar with from her other works). Also very cool was the brief cameo from Kenny Hotz, of “Kenny vs. Spenny” fame.

Overall, I don’t think anyone who’s a fan of Kevin’s will be disappointed. The comedy is wackier and the romanticism is less subtle than in (the easiest comparison) an Apatow sex-comedy, but I feel it works just as well, and still definitely in keeping with Kevin’s style (the Star Wars and Hockey references are still intact).

For me personally, it now ranks high in the Smith filmography. Well done, sir.

“Corey” writes:

I was lucky to attend the World Premiere of Zack and Miri last night at TIFF08 (Toronto International Film Festival) and it was amazing. No spoilers here but needless to say there is one scene that elicited an extended response and laughter. Being a loyal Kevin Smith fan, I am happy that the film was so well received and hope this movie makes some mad bank for Kevin at the box office. Of note question wise, somebody asked why Seth Rogen wasn’t able to show up and in a hilarious response Kevin mentioned that he was currently filming another Judd Apatow movie out West, to which he quipped, “What the f_ck has Judd Apatow ever done for Seth?” Very funny to be sure. When asked whether he would consider doing a movie again with Rogen, Kevin responded, “maybe if he showed up tonight…..”

Seth embodied the clever and never clean work of Kevin and I can’t wait to see this flick again in the theatre.