Judd Apatow has made a killing lately by churning out crass comedies with a hefty dose of heart, but it's cult filmmaker Kevin Smith who introduced viewers to such a style. However, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Smith's latest picture, isn't an attempt to reclaim this thematic territory. Instead, it represents Smith merely doing what he does best, creating a comedy that's easy to figure out but even easier to laugh along with.   

Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks play Zack and Miri, current roomies and lifelong friends who've danced around taking their relationship to the next level. The two return home after their high school reunion only to find themselves stripped of power and basic utilities. But thanks to an embarrassing video of the pair that's become an Internet hit, Zack comes up with an idea to make some quick cash: create their own pornographic film. It's not quite what Miri had in mind, but seeing the dynamic duo's lack of other options, she agrees to participate. In just a few days, Zack and Miri gather all the ingredients they need for their project, from a particularly well-endowed star (Jason Mewes) to a script giving an erotic spin to George Lucas' Star Wars. Of course, the time eventually comes for Zack and Miri to be intimate with one another, an event that will change the course of their friendship for better or for worse.

Zack and Miri proves Smith hasn't lost his touch.  Key to his success is a realistic knack for capturing characters. These are the sort of people you'd love to make friends with (and yep, that includes the sex-starved dim bulb Mewes plays) and, God forbid, actually care about. But more importantly, Zack and Miri doesn't lose its head in the clouds when it comes to plot. Smith acknowledges the outrageousness of the story, especially when the turn of events forces the titular duo into a rather awkward position. The film's life lessons aren't learned with as much difficulty as those in Chasing Amy, nor is the ending that hard to surmise. But while the umpteen American Pie sequels are content rehashing old sex comedy cliches, Smith is actually trying to do something sweet and even a little profound with the formula. 

Still, while making Zack and Miri deeper than the average sex farce, Smith never loses sight of his other top goal: making viewers laugh. Smith is the Da Vinci of foul language, and with Zack and Miri, he paints a portrait of profanity the likes of which few filmmakers are willing to try replicating. I dare not recount some of the events taking place here, but even the most cynical of viewers will get a few chuckles shocked out of them. The picture ends up as a charming and hilarious experience, partially due to Smith's script but also because of its stars. At this point, Rogen can play a disheveled schlub in his sleep, but in this movie he delivers an endearing performance, turning Zack into the type of slacker you end up rooting for. I don't think Banks was the best choice for Miri (Smith's original pick of Rosario Dawson would've fit much better), though I'll admit her cheery performance grew on me. 

There's been quite a bit of brouhaha stirred up about Zack and Miri Make a Porno, particularly surrounding its scandalous title. But I think this is a film with more soul than the dreadful dreck Hollywood shoves into multiplexes on a regular basis. Smith's movie is a well-meaning romp with the best of intentions and even better jokes.

MY RATING: *** (out of ****)

(Released by The Weinstein Company and rated “R” on appeal for strong crude sexual content including dialogue, graphic nudity and pervasive language.)