Audiences check out "Clerks II"
*As previously seen in The Northeastern
Sarah Turner
TNE Editor
It may seem difficult to fight against "Pirates" and "Super Ex-Girlfriends," but the tough-talking "Clerks" battle on using the forces of indolence.
"Clerks II" opened Friday, and fans lined up in theaters across the nation to watch the only true sequel director Kevin Smith has made. One question was on the minds of audience members as they prepared to watch the film: could Smith recapture the cinematic brilliance critics and cult-fans relished from the original "Clerks?"
"The answer, of course, is that Kevin Smith can recapture all of this - or, at least, enough of it to make 'Clerks II' an agreeable mischievous romp instead of a rip-off - because he never truly abandoned it in the first place," said Owen Gleiberman, critic for "Entertainment Weekly."
Twelve years ago Smith directed his debut feature film, "Clerks," the gritty black-and-white film that defined the voice of irreverent youth in the early '90s. Since then, he has made several films, including "Mallrats," "Dogma" and "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back," all with the same tone Smith set up in his first movie, which was made with a total budget of $27,000.
Aside from Smith's most recent feature, "Jersey Girl," each film takes place within a world that carries over throughout each film, known as the View Askewniverse. Recurring scenarios, characters and topics of discussion characterize this film series. While Smith's movies do not fit the typical definition of a franchise, he has managed to build a world that occurs in one primary location and focuses on key characters and actors.
"The recurring nature of his cast list has allowed Smith to give his fans something of a deja-vu effect, anyway, even when his actors played different roles," said Bill Zwecker, Chicago Sun Times columnist.
Some things have changed in the 12 years since the first film came out, including the budget Smith is alloted, which now allows him to hire name-brand actor Rosario Dawson and stage song-and-dance productions. Yet one things remains the same: Smith's use of sexual innuendo and disgusting discussions dominate large portions of the characters' dialogue.
"Is 'Clerks II' outrageous? Absolutely. Somewhat over the top? Without question. Completely intended for a very adult audience? You betchya. Though the laughs are non-stop and the dialogue is brilliant, this film's 'R' rating is there for a reason and every potential moviegoer - no matter their age - should be prepared to be exposed to some very weird stuff," said Zwecker.
Similar to the repeat use of adult humor, Smith's characters face practical issues. While the first film explored how post-adolescents deal with living the slacker lifestyle, "Clerks II" revisits a similar theme. This time 30-somethings Dante and Randal face moving into the adult world of responsibility and leaving behind "better times," mirroring the movie-making process Smith experienced over the years. Both the film and its director find a balance between the two worlds that will please audiences.
"This sequel to the 1994 original has some inspired moments of the gross-out humor that made the original a cult smash. But amid those moments, Smith also displays the tendencies of a slick, sometimes formulaic Hollywood director," said Scott Bowles, critic for USA Today.
Plot matters little in the View Askewniverse, instead relying heavily on actor's performance and dialogue to carry the movie. Brian O'Halloran's and Jeff Anderson's returns as Dante and Randal, respectively, are vital to the film, while new cast members round out the comedic troupe. Dawson gives a nice performance, proving she really is a movie star.
Yet, the standout performance in the film goes to the youngest member of the group, Trevor Fehrman. Fehrman plays Elias, the hard-working geek who is slightly more obsessed with all things dorky than with his lack of sexual experience.
"Another addition to the world of Smith filmdom is young actor Trevor Fehrman, who plays the sexually repressed Elias, the pathetic guy you initially love to hate - then just come to love, thanks to his delightfully wide-eyed naivete that is brilliantly coupled with his obsession with 'The Lord of the Rings,'" said Zwecker.
Fans will enjoy the return of Jay and Silent Bob, portrayed by Jason Mewes and Smith. Always entertaining, the dynamic duo suits up once more to dish out their version of justice, all the while selling illegal drugs to teenagers. It is this pair who co-exist throughout the View Askewniverse and perhaps hold Smith's own philosophy about life most closely.
"This principle is upheld by Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Mr. Smith), fixtures of the director’s universe, who function as Greek chorus and comic relief, interrupting the usual barrage of non sequiturs and smutty jokes with even more gratuitous filth and absurdity," said A. O. Scott, critic for The New York Times.
From their first appearance in "Clerks" to their latest (and perhaps last) in "Clerks II," Jay and Silent Bob epitomize the thoughts and fears of a generation who has now grown up watching the films. It is this creed that youth on the verge of adulthood can relate to over the spans of decades.
"What makes 'Clerks II' both winning and (somewhat unexpectedly) moving is its fidelity to the original 'Clerks' ethic of hanging out, talking trash and refusing all worldly ambition," said Scott.
Although some may walk out of the movie for the content alone, Smith should feel proud of accomplishing another cult classic that touches the hearts of slackers everywhere.
"'Clerks II' has a dirty mind, but its heart is pure," said Scott.
e-mail Sarah Turner at sarah_turner85@yahoo.com.
Sarah Turner
TNE Editor
It may seem difficult to fight against "Pirates" and "Super Ex-Girlfriends," but the tough-talking "Clerks" battle on using the forces of indolence.
"Clerks II" opened Friday, and fans lined up in theaters across the nation to watch the only true sequel director Kevin Smith has made. One question was on the minds of audience members as they prepared to watch the film: could Smith recapture the cinematic brilliance critics and cult-fans relished from the original "Clerks?"
"The answer, of course, is that Kevin Smith can recapture all of this - or, at least, enough of it to make 'Clerks II' an agreeable mischievous romp instead of a rip-off - because he never truly abandoned it in the first place," said Owen Gleiberman, critic for "Entertainment Weekly."
Twelve years ago Smith directed his debut feature film, "Clerks," the gritty black-and-white film that defined the voice of irreverent youth in the early '90s. Since then, he has made several films, including "Mallrats," "Dogma" and "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back," all with the same tone Smith set up in his first movie, which was made with a total budget of $27,000.
Aside from Smith's most recent feature, "Jersey Girl," each film takes place within a world that carries over throughout each film, known as the View Askewniverse. Recurring scenarios, characters and topics of discussion characterize this film series. While Smith's movies do not fit the typical definition of a franchise, he has managed to build a world that occurs in one primary location and focuses on key characters and actors.
"The recurring nature of his cast list has allowed Smith to give his fans something of a deja-vu effect, anyway, even when his actors played different roles," said Bill Zwecker, Chicago Sun Times columnist.
Some things have changed in the 12 years since the first film came out, including the budget Smith is alloted, which now allows him to hire name-brand actor Rosario Dawson and stage song-and-dance productions. Yet one things remains the same: Smith's use of sexual innuendo and disgusting discussions dominate large portions of the characters' dialogue.
"Is 'Clerks II' outrageous? Absolutely. Somewhat over the top? Without question. Completely intended for a very adult audience? You betchya. Though the laughs are non-stop and the dialogue is brilliant, this film's 'R' rating is there for a reason and every potential moviegoer - no matter their age - should be prepared to be exposed to some very weird stuff," said Zwecker.
Similar to the repeat use of adult humor, Smith's characters face practical issues. While the first film explored how post-adolescents deal with living the slacker lifestyle, "Clerks II" revisits a similar theme. This time 30-somethings Dante and Randal face moving into the adult world of responsibility and leaving behind "better times," mirroring the movie-making process Smith experienced over the years. Both the film and its director find a balance between the two worlds that will please audiences.
"This sequel to the 1994 original has some inspired moments of the gross-out humor that made the original a cult smash. But amid those moments, Smith also displays the tendencies of a slick, sometimes formulaic Hollywood director," said Scott Bowles, critic for USA Today.
Plot matters little in the View Askewniverse, instead relying heavily on actor's performance and dialogue to carry the movie. Brian O'Halloran's and Jeff Anderson's returns as Dante and Randal, respectively, are vital to the film, while new cast members round out the comedic troupe. Dawson gives a nice performance, proving she really is a movie star.
Yet, the standout performance in the film goes to the youngest member of the group, Trevor Fehrman. Fehrman plays Elias, the hard-working geek who is slightly more obsessed with all things dorky than with his lack of sexual experience.
"Another addition to the world of Smith filmdom is young actor Trevor Fehrman, who plays the sexually repressed Elias, the pathetic guy you initially love to hate - then just come to love, thanks to his delightfully wide-eyed naivete that is brilliantly coupled with his obsession with 'The Lord of the Rings,'" said Zwecker.
Fans will enjoy the return of Jay and Silent Bob, portrayed by Jason Mewes and Smith. Always entertaining, the dynamic duo suits up once more to dish out their version of justice, all the while selling illegal drugs to teenagers. It is this pair who co-exist throughout the View Askewniverse and perhaps hold Smith's own philosophy about life most closely.
"This principle is upheld by Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Mr. Smith), fixtures of the director’s universe, who function as Greek chorus and comic relief, interrupting the usual barrage of non sequiturs and smutty jokes with even more gratuitous filth and absurdity," said A. O. Scott, critic for The New York Times.
From their first appearance in "Clerks" to their latest (and perhaps last) in "Clerks II," Jay and Silent Bob epitomize the thoughts and fears of a generation who has now grown up watching the films. It is this creed that youth on the verge of adulthood can relate to over the spans of decades.
"What makes 'Clerks II' both winning and (somewhat unexpectedly) moving is its fidelity to the original 'Clerks' ethic of hanging out, talking trash and refusing all worldly ambition," said Scott.
Although some may walk out of the movie for the content alone, Smith should feel proud of accomplishing another cult classic that touches the hearts of slackers everywhere.
"'Clerks II' has a dirty mind, but its heart is pure," said Scott.
e-mail Sarah Turner at sarah_turner85@yahoo.com.
posted by Sarah Elizabeth @ 9:42 PM
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