Clerks 2
I was pretty apprehensive when I first heard there was going to be a sequel to Clerks. For a lot of people in my generation who were sort of becoming adults during that ‘90’s Miramax era it is a defining piece of comedy. The idea that Kevin Smith, the guy who made this film that represents the whole idea of not selling out and being true to who you are would do just that and make a sequel rubbed some folks the wrong way. A sequel? How dare he! I, on the other hand, could care less. I like Clerks, but I don’t kneel at its altar. I do, however, really like Kevin Smith. I pretty much like everything he’s done so far. Hell, even Jersey Girl wasn’t as bad as every made it out to be.
You would think that ten years working in a dead end job as gas station and video store clerks would be enough to make Dante (Brian O'Halloran) and Randal (Jeff Anderson) move on, but, no, like rats it takes a fire to run the two of them out. Unfortunately, instead of moving up they decide to move what can be only be described as laterally at best and have gotten jobs at the fictional fast food chain, Mooby’s. The main difference between now and ten years ago is that Dante has finally gotten engaged and has plans move to Florida to work for his fiancé’s father, leaving both New Jersey and Randal behind.
Personally I thought the main detraction of the original Clerks was O’Halloran and Anderson. Smith had to work with the people he had and consequently they weren’t the best actors I’d ever seen, luckily they’ve gotten better and are appear much more comfortable. Rosario Dawson really brings a lot of life to this film as the most attractive manager a fast food joint has ever had. If O’Halloran is the moral center then Dawson is the heart. By now you should expect cameos from Smith’s friends, but the back and forth involving Wanda Sykes and Earthquake may possibly be the funniest of the whole film.
Kevin Smith has a real gift for writing sharp pop culture dialog and in your face type humor, this is no less true for Clerks II. The problem is that sometimes it feels like he’s obligated to make humor out of poor taste and what ends up on screen just isn’t funny. A lot of people have made a big deal out of the bachelor party scene (I’m looking at you Joel Siegel), but I actually liked it, even though the interaction with the customers is where the real comedy lies.
You can definitely tell the Kevin Smith has an affinity for John Hughes films. Sure the humor is crass and about as vulgar as you can get, but there is a really sweet film just under the surface. It may go a little far on both ends of that spectrum, but overall it blends perfectly together. If the dance number doesn’t win you over, then I just don’t know what to tell you.
The Grade
- Story: B+
- Acting: B
- Visuals: B
- Originality: B
- Enjoyability: B+
- Overall: B
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