Those expecting raunchy sex and nudity in Kevin Smith’s Zack and Miri Make a Porno (Weinstein Co. – October 31) shouldn’t be disappointed, although there’s also a touching relationship comedy at the heart of it between the two main characters, played by Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks, who really elevate what might be seen as a fairly high concept premise. Fans of Smith should love it as much as his previous films, and except for one particular gross-out scene, it’s surprisingly classy despite all the usual swearing. (We have a great interview with Smith we’ll be running sometime soon.)

Let’s start with the spoiler-free first. Elizabeth Banks, Jason Mewes, and of course Kevin were on hand for the premiere, and the TIFF’s website caught the arrivals and snapped a few nice photos as well.

Now, onto the juicy stuff. Once again, we warn you, MAJOR SPOILERS FOR THE FILM ARE CONTAINED IN THESE VIDEOS! After the world premiere, Kevin and the cast took to the stage for some audience Q&A, and it’s all available to you thanks to the miracle that is YouTube. Total of around 15 minutes total. Watch only if you’ve seen the film, or don’t mind having some of the best jokes spoiled for ya (we’re debating watching right now).

“First, I’m going to do a 180 turn and do a horror movie called ‘Red State,’ ” Smith said in an interview Sept. 7 at the Toronto International Film Festival. “It’s going to be a total horror-political-psychological movie without a funny line in it. Then I’m going to do the science-fiction superhero movie. It’s going to be an original superhero that I’ve created. It’s stewing right now. I want to do it, though, and, God willing, it will star Seth Rogen.”

See the full story over at the LA Times website. Kudos to Joblo as well for picking up on this scoop.

“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.

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“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.

We’re not going to run complete reviews here, as they are numerous, but instead take select NON-SPOILER sections, so you can safely read on our page. Clicking through may result in spoilers, and we’ll warn where we can.

Screen Daily

“Kevin Smith is back and Seth Rogen’s got ’em. Or at least that’s how the ad copy should read for Smith’s libidinous rom-com, Zack and Miri Make a Porno. While Elizabeth Banks is ostensibly knocking about the premises as Rogen’s unexpected love interest, it is the cozy marriage of sensibilities between the director of Clerks and the co-writer/star of Superbad that gives this movie its particular go-for-the-groin, land-on-the-heart chemistry.”

(General minor spoilers regarding over-arching plot)

Dark Horizons

“Smith’s latest script crackles with verbal and visual hilarity, taking risks in some areas, yet showing his sensitive side as well. In essence, Zack and Miri is a film about relationships, sex, love, the way we depend on each other, and amidst the film’s often raw, unbridled comedy, this is a very emotive love story.”

(spoiler-free)

Cinemablend

“Kevin Smith is known for his smart, edgy dialogue and there’s plenty of his brilliant, wordy style on display in Zack and Miri. He’s combined that with a great cast, maybe the most talented he’s ever worked with, and the result is one of Smith’s funniest, dirtiest, most gleefully offensive movies to date. “

(a few small spoilers in central paragraphs)

This being the first true raunchy R-rated comedy from Kevin and View Askew that’s a departure from the Askewniverse, to hear it being received so well can’t help but bring a smile to our face and a feeling of pride — Kevin has treated this one differently from the start, and continues to do so with the low key marketing, letting the film speak for itself. And with this big debut, it seems to be talking itself up QUITE well. Congrats to Kevin, the cast, and the crew on what looks to be the breakout hit of the Fall. Spread the word, and tell everyone you know to look for this one next month.

We highly suggest you be ready at that time and order your tickets right away. These screenings WILL both sell out. This is where it pays to be a News Askew reader, as these times have not yet been announced anywhere else — So, be ready with those credit cards and place your order, and take advantage of a rare chance to see a View Askew flick almost a full month early with the writer-director himself in the house. Good luck, and remember, This WEDNESDAY MORNING at the Woodstock Festival website.