Clerks II
Over a decade ago, a young slacker named Kevin Smith made a black and white cheap movie that changed the world of independent filmmaking and placed him among the renegade filmmaker ranks. His film Clerks entertained and inspired many, driving many nerdy, awkward kids to think "hey, i could do that". Ranks of students all over the country (but most NJ) started writing scripts, destroying their credit score to purchase film equipment, and sacrificing everything for their dream of being the next Kevin Smith.
Most of them failed miserably.
Now, many moons later, Smith realeased Clerks II to his following. The movie is about a group of 35 year old nothings still flipping burgers and living a life that would be common place to kids half their age. The moral of Clerks II is a clear message to the massive group of Smithians who gave up everything to follow their dream and in turn are now 20 and 30 year old nothings flipping burgers, but for some reason still worship the man who sent their life downhill. "its ok that you've wasted your life, as long as youre doing what you want to do". Is this message of Smith's from the heart to his fans, or the ramblings of a guilty man?
The true irony of the film is that Smith himself is still the 35 year old nothing flipping burgers. It has been over a decade since his smash and grab of the film world Clerks, and with all the talent and potential he had, hes been riding his one trick pony and refuses to get off. In fact, the only reason we have a Clerks II now is the fact that his one venture from his comfort zone, Jersey Girl, tanked despite the fact that its not really a bad movie. Smith, so uncomfortable by the fact that for a few months he wasnt regarded as a film god, immediately returned to his nitch. The truth of the matter is that every filmmaker no matter how renowed has made a bad film. Its a fact of the biz, and Smith is just to chikenshit to let go of his security blanket, hence wasting almost a decade of what could have been real filmmaking gold. The man could have been a real film god, but now he is going to be known and the man afraid to step foward.
Was the movie funny? Eh, not near his early work. I personally felt that the romance was exceptionally shallows (SPOILER: WTF is up with Dante not being able to drop everything and go with his dream girl until AFTER he finds out she is carrying his child) . The film is still reasonable entertaining despite the fact that Smith is resorting more and more on his cheap tatics of extremely vulgar humor and gay jokes, once again showing that hes actually de-evolving as an artist.
As much as I tried to enjoy this movie, I couldnt shake the feeling of how pathetic the whole thing was, Smith basically waving his arms yelling "Don't forget about why you used to like my work". Overral, this film gives already underachieving Jersey kids a reason to be proud of their sad situations: Because Kevin Smith said it was ok.
But see the movie for yourself if you havent already and make your own opinions.
Most of them failed miserably.
Now, many moons later, Smith realeased Clerks II to his following. The movie is about a group of 35 year old nothings still flipping burgers and living a life that would be common place to kids half their age. The moral of Clerks II is a clear message to the massive group of Smithians who gave up everything to follow their dream and in turn are now 20 and 30 year old nothings flipping burgers, but for some reason still worship the man who sent their life downhill. "its ok that you've wasted your life, as long as youre doing what you want to do". Is this message of Smith's from the heart to his fans, or the ramblings of a guilty man?
The true irony of the film is that Smith himself is still the 35 year old nothing flipping burgers. It has been over a decade since his smash and grab of the film world Clerks, and with all the talent and potential he had, hes been riding his one trick pony and refuses to get off. In fact, the only reason we have a Clerks II now is the fact that his one venture from his comfort zone, Jersey Girl, tanked despite the fact that its not really a bad movie. Smith, so uncomfortable by the fact that for a few months he wasnt regarded as a film god, immediately returned to his nitch. The truth of the matter is that every filmmaker no matter how renowed has made a bad film. Its a fact of the biz, and Smith is just to chikenshit to let go of his security blanket, hence wasting almost a decade of what could have been real filmmaking gold. The man could have been a real film god, but now he is going to be known and the man afraid to step foward.
Was the movie funny? Eh, not near his early work. I personally felt that the romance was exceptionally shallows (SPOILER: WTF is up with Dante not being able to drop everything and go with his dream girl until AFTER he finds out she is carrying his child) . The film is still reasonable entertaining despite the fact that Smith is resorting more and more on his cheap tatics of extremely vulgar humor and gay jokes, once again showing that hes actually de-evolving as an artist.
As much as I tried to enjoy this movie, I couldnt shake the feeling of how pathetic the whole thing was, Smith basically waving his arms yelling "Don't forget about why you used to like my work". Overral, this film gives already underachieving Jersey kids a reason to be proud of their sad situations: Because Kevin Smith said it was ok.
But see the movie for yourself if you havent already and make your own opinions.