Clerks II: Directed by Kevin Smith

The movie going world was first introduced to Kevin Smith and his sharp, often in your face dialogue when he made the little indie movie that could Clerks. Now, twelve years later, and armed with an actual budget, Smith revisits his slacker driven creation with the much anticipated Clerks II.

As with the first movie, Clerks II follows the almost nonexistent exploits of Dante (O'Halloran) and Randal (Anderson) as they go about their daily slacker lives working the same menial jobs. This quickly changes however, as the convenient and video store Dante and Randal work for catches fire and burns to the ground. How do are antiheroes respond? They do what any Gen X'er would, and go find another low paying job they hate worse than their first.

Instead of taking the opportunity to re-evaluate their lives and make some positive changes, Dante and Randal go to work for Mooby's. This is a Disney/ McDonald's hybrid fast food chain that Smith fans will recognize from his other films most notably Dogma. Enter the attractive Becky played by Rosario Dawson the restaurant manager and object of Dante's desire which leads to sexual humor a plenty.

The majority of the movie takes place at the Mooby's restaurant where Smith's writing takes over. Fans are treated to some of Smith's trademark discussions and debates between characters such as which trilogy is better Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. There are constant sexual references along with political rants and running commentaries that have found their way into all of Smith's movies such as the running gag about bestiality. There literally is something to offend everyone, but this is what makes Smith great; his ability to throw political correctness right out the window and let the conversations flow.

What little plot Clerks II has is centered on Dante and a will he or won't he stay or move to Florida concept. He is also torn between his fiancé and his growing attraction for Becky. Plot is not what Smith is about with these movies however so his fans will be pleased with the juvenile humor and not having to think to hard to get the jokes.

There are of course the usual cast of geeks and misfits that include Jay (Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith) who serve as an odd Greek chorus and humorous distraction from time to time. There is also Elias played by Trevor Fehrman as the super Geek and butt of Randal's constant ridicule. The banter between these two characters is the best in the movie and Fehrman manages to steal every scene he is in. Rosario Dawson is also brilliant in her role as Becky, and this is one of her better recent performances.

Any movie fans that have followed Smith's career will be pleased with Clerks II. This one is more over the top than the first, and the jokes tend to get old after awhile, but Smith's ability to write dialogue is staggering, and this is where his genius lies. Clerks II is more along the lines of Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back than it is with the original Clerks, but Smith's die hard fans will be satisfied. For the casual moviegoer, the humor may be too crude, the sexual content too vulgar and the constant references and jokes may be too inside. Overall, if a movie fan goes into Clerks II with no expectations other to laugh at simple humor, they will not be disappointed.

Clerks II
Written & Directed by Kevin Smith
Starring Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Rosario Dawson, Jason Mewes, & Kevin Smith