After Kevin Smith released the controversial film “Dogma” he developed his next project focusing on Jay and Silent Bob as the main stars set within the View Askewinverse. Their main mission is to travel to Hollywood to stop production of a superhero film called, “Bluntman and Chronic.” The premise I’m referring to is “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.”
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back was officially released in 2001. (same year Vanilla Sky came out) It received mixed reviews from critics and was a modest box office hit. Regardless of divisive reactions, Kevin Smith fans liked it including me. As a fan of Mr. Smith’s work, I’m planning to attend a screening of “Clerks III” with Silent Bob himself hosting the film in Dallas. Due date is November 13th. Got my VIP ticket. As I wait patiently, I wanna share my thoughts on each film set in the View Askewinverse starting with Clerks.
I don’t care if SPOILERS are listed. A lot of us being up quotes and talk about Jay and Silent Bob’s shenanigans.
Sober & Drunk Aspects
Sober: Kevin Smith did a fantastic job directing the film. He also produced the film, and reprises his role with his pal Jason Mewes as the titular duo.
Several Cast Members from previous entries including Brian O’Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Tracy Morgan, Jason Lee, Shannon Doherty, Joey Lauren Adams & Chris Rock reprise their roles and play different characters.
Kevin’s wife Jennifer Schwalbach appears as Justice’s fellow thief. His daughter Harley Quinn Smith makes her film debut as baby Silent Bob. She later appears as Jay’s daughter Milly in “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot.”
Newcomers to the View Askewinverse such as Shannon Elizabeth, Will Ferrell, Eliza Dushku, Ali Larter, Diedrich Bader & Seann William Scott all did a solid job for their respective performances.
Humor retains Kevin’s trademarks. Pop Culture References, comics, movies, fourth wall jokes, F-Bombs etc.
Cinematography was shot carefully.
Will’s character is named, Marshal Willenholly. A reference to the lead characters Marshall, Will and Holly from “Land of the Lost.” Eight Years Later, Will later starred in a movie based on the show.
Jay thinks monkeys will eventually enslave the world. Followed by a montage of primates turning agonist humanity. An obvious parody of “Planet of the Apes.” Not that god-awful Tim Burton remake.
The title of the movie references “The Empire Strikes Back.”
Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Magnolia” is used as the butt of a joke. Kevin calls this critically acclaimed film as the cinematic equivalent of a root canal. I on the other hand actually enjoyed Magnolia. Paul Thomas Anderson is one of my favorite filmmakers besides Kevin.
One scene pokes fun at “Scooby-Doo” with the duo hitching a ride in the Mystery Machine and getting high. I bet this is Kevin’s response to Warner Bros. producing a live-action Scooby-Doo movie.
Two fart scenes made me laugh.
My favorite line from Chris Rock’s character Chaka Luther King is… “I think George Lucas is gonna sue somebody!” I always use this quote whenever a lightsaber-esque battle commences in other works.
My favorite part is the duo having a lightsaber-esque duel with Mark Hamill. I can’t believe I’m saying this as a Star Wars fan. A lightsaber duel with bongs as hilts is ten times better than The Sequel Trilogy.
A chase scene in a movie studio mirrors “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure.”
Jason Biggs, James Van Der Beek, Carrie Fisher, George Carlin, Wes Craven, Gus Van Sant, Judd Nelson, Jon Stewart & Mark Hamill make cameo appearances.
Morris Day and The Time appear during The End Credits.
A Post-Credits features Alanis Morissette reprising her role as God from Dogma, closing the book of the View Askewinverse. Then, “Clerks II” came along.
Drunk: A Green Screen looks obviously fake. Let’s face it, this was the early 2000s back when C.G.I. slowly improves.
Harvey “Richard Ramirez” Weinstein served as a co-executive producer. This is before he’s exposed as a certified rapist. Kevin cuts ties with that dickhole.
The Final Verdict: A-
From my perspective, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back is one of my favorite installments in the View Askewinverse along with “Clerks,” “Mallrats,” Dogma & Clerks II. If you wanna introduce a friend who hasn’t seen any film with Jay and Silent Bob, I highly recommend all films within the View Askewinverse.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 