Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008) - 18

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Kevin Smith's latest hits DVD this week, in the form of "Zack and Miri Make A Porno". Now this chunky ...

Kevin Smith's latest hits DVD this week, in the form of "Zack and Miri Make A Porno". Now this chunky cult filmmaker has ploughed a unique furrow through Hollywood for years, delivering films of variable quality, but never lacking in filthy laughs. However, that was pre "Jersey Girl" (PJG), the heartbreakingly dull and schmaltzy nadir of the tabloid phenomenon that was 'Bennifer'. After this disastrous attempt to grow up as a filmmaker, Smith went back to the very Quik Stop that had sealed his meteoric rise, to craft a solid sequel to the hilarious "Clerks". Complete with profanity, a donkey show and the return of Jay and Silent Bob, it was time to herald the second coming of the slackers' poster boy. Frustratingly, but perhaps unsurprisingly, "Zack and Miri" falls somewhere in between.The problem definitely isn't the casting, with Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks bringing a sweet and simple chemistry to the central pair, who decide that having sex on film is the only way to end their financial woes. Their solution to a familiar plight may be unconvincing, but they are always game for a smutty laugh and ably supported by the likes of the 'dutch ruddering' Jason Mewes and human bubble machine Traci Lords. Unfortunately, although the setup may be ripe with promise, Smith's script is often far too ribald, without consistently delivering the laughs to justify it.Perhaps, rather like another fanboy's favourite, George Lucas, Smith has got a little lost in his own mythology and forgotten what people used to love about him. There's nothing here to match the hilarity of Dwight Ewell's black rage rant in "Chasing Amy", or Tracey Morgan's unforgettable cameo in "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back", yet neither does it display a tenth of the ambition of "Dogma". The wit, invention and healthy dose of youthful cynicism that epitomised PJG Kevin Smith are all missing, the writer/director instead blowing his sentimental load all over a screenplay that is both comedically and emotionally flaccid. Sadly, it all feels rather forced, like a man approaching middle age trying to mix it with the Brat Pack.In short, it's a bit of a non-event, even for Smith fans. All mouth and (literally) no trousers.

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