Filthy toilet humor? Check. Constant foul language? Yup. Racism, sexism, and religious slurs? You bet. Gratuitous sexual content? Of course.

There’s a reason this one’s rated R, folks. And the reason should be obvious by the title. Zack and Miri Make a Porno caters to the 18-25 year old demographic, and is chock full of all the sex, foul language, and adult content director Kevin Smith could pack in without forcing the MPAA to slap on a NC-17 rating. Plain and simple, Zack and Miri is a sex comedy, but, surprisingly, it has a story: An intertwined romance between main characters that is often quite believable.

Zack and Miri Make a Porno follows the lives of roommates and lifelong friends Zack and Miri, who run into financial troubles and are threatened with eviction from their apartment. After some discussion, they do what the title says — make a porno — in order to earn some quick and easy money. What follows is the production process: Zack and Miri write a script, choose “actors,” and begin shooting their film. As the film progresses, we learn that Zack and Miri have feelings for each other (what?!), the other doesn’t realize it (no way!), and the jealousy between them creates conflict in the story.

While the plot itself is quite predictable, I was surprised to find the acting on the part of both leads was not. The awkward and confused (yet loveable) Zack, is played by Seth Rogen, who delivers spot-on comedy as per usual and is able to transition to deliver some very believable emotional dialogue. Miri, played by the gorgeous Elizabeth Banks, gives an excellent performance as well, and the chemistry between the two is surprisingly powerful. Zack’s best friend in the film, played by Craig Robinson (The Office, Pineapple Express) is probably the most memorable character, giving some of the best lines of the movie. Jason Mewes (Clerks 2), Justin Long (Accepted), and real porn star Katie Morgan all prove to be a strong supporting cast.

Zack and Miri is not for the faint of heart. Crude language and filthy humor are par for the course, not to mention the sexual content. Personally, I feel that I learned exactly what the MPAA guidelines are for what can and cannot be showed in R-rated movies simply from viewing this movie. Truth be told, there’s not much that can’t be put on film; full frontal nudity of both men and women is shown, as is pretty much everything outside of actual intercourse. There are more than a few times when I found myself groaning and looking away. Director Smith definitely goes for the shock factor in his movie — most memorably during a moment right before the crew is set to begin shooting a sex scene, when one of the actors complains about constipation. Younger viewers will definitely get an education with this one.

One complaint I do have with the movie is the ending. Without giving too much of the plot away, I was disappointed with how “easy” the ending was, and how it fell for the “happily ever after” cliché. But, again, I took the quality of the story as a bonus. Zack and Miri Make a Porno is simply a movie to watch for the comedy (or the softcore porn). I guess that depends on what you’re into.

So if you’re thinking about renting Zack and Miri to watch with your mom, don’t. If you’re pondering seeing it with your grandma, the answer is a definite nay. Twelve-year old brother? Also a negative. But if you’re not easily offended, up for some good laughs, and don’t mind a little... well, you know (it’s in the title), Zack and Miri Make a Porno is a must see. It’s inappropriate. It’s dirty. It’s raunchy. It’s, at times, downright disgusting. But it’s hilarious all the same.