Reviews

Clerks 2 (George)

OK, so I know this review is a little late, but hell I have been getting some beach time in on a much-needed vacation. Andy did a fine job of reviewing the film, but after reading his take on this sequel, I found myself saying, “Someone needs to stick up for this fine little film.”

Now let me start off by saying that at first I was right along with the rest of the skeptics in feeling the dread that one of my favorite films of the 90’s would be tarnished by an unnecessary sequel. The first Clerks spoke to a generation of kids in crappy jobs and ho-hum lives and continues to do so. Then I started to see some previews, and then some more previews, and when I heard that director Kevin Smith got a standing ovation, lasting 8 minutes, at Cannes I nearly shit. I thought to myself the French hate the uncultured and unwashed masses that I call America. How in the hell did so many feel this was something of a crowning achievement? Did this many college students and unemployed former college students all get plane tickets together or what? Then I saw the film earlier this week and understand why it received the praise it got, though 8 minutes is a little excessive in my opinion. I mean, Christ, this is no Troll 2.

In defense of this movie I do want to make a few points about that may have been overlooked by the scrutinizing eyes of the naysayers out there.
1. While this sequel does not match up to the near-iconic predecessor, I do feel the message it gives does have some merit and can only be truly understood by those in similar situations or have been in similar situations. When one reaches their thirties and doesn’t really have much to show for your life, a film like this can hit home and give you a little hope that you can reach some attainable goals of making your way in the world, but to be able to do so on your own terms. Growing up can be difficult, but not everyone need follow, like lemmings, along the same path to adulthood and that is the one outstanding message this film presents.

2. In Andy’s review he points out that in one scene of the film Mooby’s employee Elias (Trevor Fehrman) and a customer (Kevin Weisman, TV’s Alias) are discussing their mutual love for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, when Randall (Jeff Anderson) asserts his opinion and starts a generational argument of Star Wars vs. Lord of the Rings, and that is exactly what this was; an argument of two generations defending their own precious trilogy. Now while I do agree with Andy that this was a vain attempt to capitalize upon a much better scene in the original Clerks, something else happened with this scene. In the 60’s there was Star Trek, the 70’s and 80’s were ruled by Star Wars and the 00’s had The Lord of the Rings, and throughout those decades those groups of fans, separated by age and taste, have argued upon the merits of their favorite franchise. At least that is what I took from this scene, and that is why this particular scene, while not living up to original-topping standards, has its own definite charm.

3. Lastly, what I really enjoyed about Clerks II was definite character development from our beloved foursome. Dante finally came to terms with the world he inhabits, Randall grows up just a touch but does come to terms with the depth of his relationship with his best friend, and thirdly Jay cleans up. Wow!! Never thought I would see the day. The ultimate stoner, this side of Cheech and Chong does away with the pot. (Though he still sells it. Hell, what’s he gonna do, get a day job?)

I know some of you out there on the super-information highway are going to completely disagree with me on this think I’m being too nice to Kevin on his return from the depths of crap that was Jersey Girl, but in truth I am not. I am still a fan and I wanted to like this film, and gladly I was not disappointed. Maybe I was a little bit surprised too and certainly relieved that in one way, shape or form our man is back, though injured.
-George
8/10

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