The film focuses on 4 different people who are all quite unsatisfied with their current lives. There is Doug McCallister, Ronald Griffin (or Griff), Kenny Trent, and Claire Simons.

Later, it’s Doug’s birthday – but he really doesn’t want to do anything. But then he comes home to a big surprise party with lots of friends and family.

And the crown jewel of the event is watching him and his friends as kids in film project on their TV. This really inspires Doug with what he wants to do next.

He and his pals decide that they want to shoot a reboot of Anaconda, which had originally come out in 1997. However, this time around, it will be an indie film, and on a much lower budget.

The friends travel to Brazil and into the rainforest. Doug writes the scripts and directs the film while the others act in it.

That evening, the group meets 2 people from the area. They are Ana Almeida and snake handler Carlos Santiago.

Dinner is somewhat awkward, but otherwise goes smoothly. But what happens late at night becomes a different story.

Griff is actually terrified of the semi-tame snake, Heitor – who is the anaconda in the movie. And he accidentally kills him.

Now he is absolutely mortified. He and Santiago even go into the jungle to find a new snake.

Unfortunately, when they find an anaconda, it kills Santiago. Stakes continue to rise from that point on.

Can the film still be completed?

The first several minutes were quite engaging and even funny at times. The old video everyone watched at Doug’s birthday party was hilarious – even to the characters.

Jack Black, who played Doug, really nailed the part with his memorable sense of humor. The overall concept was strong and unique. And how it was executed showed lots of creativity and let to multiple twists and turns.

Sadly, the movie became less engaging and even confusing at times toward the middle. Yes, that includes times with super high levels of tension.

But a lot of scenes from the beginning to approximately the midpoint had little to no conflict. I understand that’s important for the story. But that doesn’t always mean the viewer will gladly accept it and power through it.

Overall, I thought Anaconda was only okay. I was hoping it would be a lot better with more tension earlier in the film.

I give it 3 out of 5 stars.