What Anaconda (2025) gets absolutely right is understanding why the original became a cult favorite… and then deliberately improving on it.
Unlike the 1997 film, which was unintentionally funny (sorry Jon Voight), this version knows exactly what it’s doing. The comedy is intentional, confident, and pitched perfectly for both kids and adults without ever feeling lazy or dumbed down.
The first half is pleasant but restrained – enjoyable, competent, and hovering around a 6.5/10. It sets the stage, introduces the characters, and establishes the tone, but doesn’t fully unleash the madness yet.
Then the second half arrives and the film completely commits. Once the chaos escalates, the movie becomes laugh-out-loud funny. The physical gags, animal chaos, and outrageous solutions are timed perfectly – especially the utterly deranged hog-and-squirrel gag and the peeing-on-venom sequence – both of which had us laughing uncontrollably and completely losing it.
Paul Rudd and Jack Black are inspired casting, bringing warmth, timing, and self-awareness that keep the film buoyant even at its most ridiculous. The Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube guest appearances are the cherry on top – affectionate, well-used callbacks that reward longtime fans without overstaying their welcome.
This isn’t trying to be great cinema. It’s trying to be great fun… and it succeeds. A legacy sequel that finally understands the joke.
