Cast: Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Robinson, Traci Lords, Jason Mewes, Jeff Anderson.

KEVIN Smith has made a varied career out of being hilariously un-PC and this so-wrong-it's-funny romp is a return to form.

After his first non-Silent Bob venture Jersey Girl stiffed and the unnecessary mess of Clerks II, Zack & Miri is Smith doing what he does best - providing an eyebrow-raising shock with one hand while tickling your funny bone with the other.

The rather out-there plot centres on platonic buddies Zack and Miri who decide the best way out of their financial problems is to make a porno.

Aside from bringing together an odd assortment of co-stars and friends to film the movie, it also dredges up some strange feelings between the best friends.

This X-rated rom-com thrives on its absurdity - their first aborted attempt to make a skin flick called Star Whores provides plenty of typically Smith gags - but like Chasing Amy there is a heart amid the profanity.

The same problems that beset Chasing Amy show up however, notably that Smith is as bad as Woody Allen when it comes to writing female dialogue, but Banks and Rogen are so likeable and believable that you can't help but be drawn in.

Smith regular Mewes (better known as Jay in Smith's earlier films) gets most of the best lines, while Robinson is great as Zack's put-upon married friend, Delaney.

By ditching the social commentary that peppered Clerks, Chasing Amy and Dogma, Smith makes Zack & Miri admirably direct and streamlined, focusing on the ribald humour and relationship between the titular stars.

This won't be to everyone's taste, but Smith fans disappointed by his most recent films will find this to be easily his best since Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back.