Good acting, dirty dialogue save ‘Porno’

A Kevin Smith film always delights viewers with dialogue- fresh and funny, no matter what the movie. His mastery of indecent language is Shakespearean, yet it always draws a good laugh, in addition to protest from religious conservatives.

The conservatives are definitely protesting Smith’s most recent film, “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” about two people, well, making a porno.

Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) come up with the daring idea while down on their luck and money. With the help of their co-worker, Delaney (Craig Robinson), they start the ball rolling on making their porno, “Star Whores.”

Generally, the acting is excellent, with notable porn stars Traci Lords and Katie Morgan lending great performances and a credence to the title.

Yet, the real problem with the movie is similar to what plagued Smith in “Clerks II”: His stories are becoming more and more formulaic.

“Clerks II” followed a coming-of-age template, while “Zack and Miri” is a predictable romantic comedy.

Thankfully, the film’s dialogue and acting transcend that, but while watching, I still had that nagging thought in the back of my head that I knew what was coming.

Smith’s career started with the groundbreaking, low-budget “Clerks,” thereafter releasing a string of excellent movies, culminating in “Dogma.” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” marked the beginning of a slump out of which he hasn’t truly emerged.

Nevertheless, I recommend watching “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” in theaters. It’s superbly funny and well acted, though it’s no “Clerks.” Looks like Smith could be chasing that dragon for a long time.

Grade: B-