His latest film, Clerks 2,
comes over 10 years since it's predecessor - and only two years after
Smith declared to "Never use Jay and Silent Bob again". That of course
was before the relative failure of his first project outside of his
View Askewniverse, Jersey Girl, which was a massive departure
from Smith's trademark, boundary pushing comedy stylings. But, time
mends all wounds - and so we see the return of the two men who started it
all - Dante and Randal. I have to admit, I've followed Smith's
career for as long as I've loved films. He always seemed to have a
perfect blend of satire, fart jokes and inane comic book conversations.
Yet when I heard about a sequel to Clerks - I, like many other View
Askew fans - were in two minds about it. Let's face it, every Smith
movie has been a sequel in some way - yet without ever being official,
thus avoiding any comparison. But now it's here, just waiting for
critics and Internet freaks to yell and scream "Should have just left
it as is!". The latest film picks up ten years after the events
of the first. We are treated to the familiar Black and White shot of
the QuickStop convenience store, where Dante is sadly still working
at. But not for long. A fire guts Dante and Randals workplace, which
Randal immediately attributes to "Terrorists?", leaving the two thirty
year old males out of work. All the trademark pop culture
targets are hit (Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Transformers) along with
some fantastic new cast members in the piping hot Rosario Dawson (Sin
City) and perfectly cast Rings geek Elias. Yet, by about half way
through Clerks 2, you start to get the niggling feeling that perhaps -
just perhaps - there really was no point to a Clerks sequel. The
simplistic brilliance of the first film, which was fuelled by a barrage
of clever dialouge, seems to have been replaced by several musical
montages and an overall tone that is completely out of sync with the
original film. Had there been no precedent, no problems would have been
apparent, yet knowing what Smith is attempting to follow up - the
contrast is far to vast to enjoy. Had the first half been anywhere near
the quality of the second, this could very easily be the icing on the
cake for Smith. But as it stands, it's just a flitter of what could
have been a sensational swan song to the New Jersey Chronicles. That is, until the final half
of the film. Smith masterfully seems to snap into gear with some of the
best dialouge scenes he has done in years. There is emotion, there is
comedy, there is intensity - and all of a sudden, your mind moves into
"Hell yeah, I'm watching a Clerks Sequel!" mode. Smith brilliantly
displays the deconstruction of the characters boorish facades as they
finally admit that perhaps being a 30 year old movie buff is a little
hollow. In fact, by the brilliant and fitting conclusion (which for
Smith fans, will bring a magnificent sense of closure to the View
Askewniverse), you are stuck wanting more. This
is definitely one that takes on new life and greater appreciation with
each
viewings - and will be a must have inclusion in
household DVD collections. I remember having to see this a
few times at the cinemas before I decided I really found it funny -
it's definately one to watch with a few mates around (and perhaps a
couple of beers and a pizza on the coffee table as well!). It's not perfect, but having said that...there is a Bestiality scene involving a Donkey. So, you know, it's not all that bad. DVD
Extras Smith
definitely knows how to put together a great DVD. We've been unlucky in
Australia, having missed out on the better Special Edition Releases of
his films (we usually get stuck with a single disc). Luckily on Disc 2,
you'll find one of the best documentaries ever; chronicling the lengthy
making-of period for the film (What's great about Smith is that he's as
frank as hell, as he informs the audience how the movie came about).
There are also a few deleted scenes, three commentary tracks and a
shorter featurette on the making of the film. Conclusion:
Movie 70% Extras: 70% 
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