Runtime: 89 minutes
Directed by: Luis Llosa
Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, Kari Wuhrer, Eric Stoltz, Jon Voight
From: Columbia
Hi, my name is Blair Russell, and I saw Anaconda when it debuted theatrically in 1997. It was probably watched on home video once in the late 90's but that was it for me. As it was on Prime, about damn time I finally slithered my way back to a movie where Jon Voight's performance for the ages stood out as it likely did for everyone else.
In this schlock, J-Lo leads an expedition into deepest darkest Brazil to capture footage of a mysterious tribe. Of course, some may argue that it isn't ethically great to intrude upon a tribe that probably prefers isolation from the rest of the world but in any event, those plans are scuttled anyhow after they rescue “Paraguayan” Voight (although that accent can't be from Paraguay, or is decipherable as being from any country) and he turns out to be a madman that manipulates his way into trying and capture a gigantic version of the titular creature.
The film is dopey crap which does have the benefit of having quite a few famous faces in the cast. Of course, the acting talent of each does vary but Voight devouring the scenery with his dialogue & squinty stares like he was a serpent himself was the true highlight. The Brazilian scenery does look nice and it's a wacky mix of talent between J-Lo, Ice Cube, Voight, Kari Wuhrer, and Owen Wilson. I definitely did not remember Danny Trejo's cameo in the beginning. What I DID remember: the serpentine villain looked better practical than it did when it was animated w/ the CG of its time. Ooof, like most CG of the time it has aged poorly.
It is flawed crap yet there are some alright setpieces, is goofy fun if in the right mood and if you love OOT characters, then Anaconda could be something to put on your watchlist. I haven't experienced any of the apparent campier sequels; perhaps that will change one day.
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