depravity and gravity have always got a grasp on me.

Having lived in Kevin Smith territory for some time, I have often been able to recognize nearly all of the filming locations he uses for his movies (except, of course, the ones he films out-of-state and tries to pawn off as the native land, a la Mallrats and Clerks II). Holden and Banky’s apartment in Chasing Amy is also known as the local record store Jack’s, and the cigarette-butt-laden boardwalks seen in Dogma are where Boyfriend and I jaunt off to on date night.  The famed Quik Stop was where I’d stop for a soda when en route to work (and yes, it is as funky-smelling as one would assume). Local celebrities grace the insides of Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash, and even Smith himself comes by every now and again to visit the local haunts or promote some new schtick.  So when I learned that his latest foray didn’t even pretend to take place in America’s armpit, I was simply stunned.

Perhaps it’s because Zack and Miri Make a Porno doesn’t overtly attempt to brand itself with Smith-esque qualities; there are no recurring characters (actors, sure, but what else is Jason Mewes supposed to do?), the general smut level dips to an all-time low (or would it be an all-time high?), and it employs a great number of the usual Apatow crew, making it at times nearly indistinguishable from a run-of-the-mill Seth Rogen vehicle.  However, for all its foibles, it has a lot of charm, most of which is mass-produced by platonic pals Zack and Miriam (Rogen and an adorably self-deprecating Elizabeth Banks).  The jokes are forgettable, but they get you while they’ve gotten you.  The script isn’t stellar, but it’s endearing, nonetheless.  The motley crew of characters is unlikely, but it works.  The film isn’t Kevin Smith, but it’s entertaining in the long run.  It’s a sell-out that hasn’t jumped the shark, even if it has moved to Pittsburgh.  

My final assessment?  Sure, it’s worth the jaunt to the cinema.  If nothing else, it’s a stellar chance to see a woman blow a bubble with her who-si-whats-it.