Paul Rudd’s Anaconda Reboot Scores Higher Than Original Film

The latest entry in the Anaconda franchise, featuring Paul Rudd and Jack Black, has generated a mixed response from critics. Despite struggling to impress, the new film surpasses the original 1997 movie in terms of critical ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. While reviews highlight it as a mediocre attempt at humor and storytelling, it has still achieved a higher Tomatometer score than the earlier installment.

Directed by Tom Gormican, the reboot takes a meta approach, focusing on two lifelong friends, Griff and Doug, who set out to remake Anaconda, their favorite film. Their ambitious plan quickly spirals out of control when they encounter a giant snake. This comedic reinvention attempts to blend humor with horror but has not resonated strongly with many reviewers.

Critics have noted the film’s shortcomings, with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com describing it as “weirdly introspective enough to work,” but ultimately lacking the comedic punch needed to stand out. He stated that it “took the combined powers of Black, Rudd, and Zahn to keep something going,” acknowledging the star power while recognizing the film’s limitations.

Similarly, Jonathon Sim from ComingSoon rated the film a modest 5/10, indicating a lack of consistency in its humor. “While Anaconda has its moments where it can really ratchet up the over-the-top humor and deliver on the entertaining experience you’re hoping for, it ultimately misses the mark,” he noted, reflecting a common sentiment among critics.

Jeffrey Harris of 411mania expressed disappointment over the film’s comedic attempts, stating, “Anaconda fails most at being funny. The movie tries to position itself as a clever parody riffing on Hollywood’s IP obsession, but instead, pathetically falls flat on its face.” This highlights the struggle many viewers may face in connecting with the film’s humor.

In contrast, M.N. Miller from FandomWire offered a more favorable perspective, suggesting that the film succeeds through its absurdity. He remarked that it “works by being absurdly funny, creating something fresh and new by reinventing a flawed film that has somehow stuck in our minds for decades, probably because of streaming.”

Rotten Tomatoes Scores Reveal Mixed Reception

Despite its mixed-to-negative reviews, Rudd’s Anaconda has achieved a Tomatometer score of 51% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 84 reviews. This score surpasses the original Anaconda’s score of 40%. In terms of audience reception, the reboot boasts a significantly higher approval rating with a 79% score on the Popcornmeter, while the original film languishes with a mere 24% audience score.

This contrast in ratings underscores a shifting perception of the franchise, as the new film attempts to breathe new life into a story that has captivated audiences since the late 1990s. While it may not have captivated critics, its higher ratings among viewers suggest that it may resonate more with general audiences looking for a light-hearted take on a beloved classic.

The reboot of Anaconda stands as a testament to the complexities of modern filmmaking, where nostalgia and innovation collide. As audiences continue to engage with this franchise, it will be interesting to see how future entries may evolve in response to both critical and viewer feedback.