Rating: Summary: Grrrrreat! Review: I loved the DVD & Kevin Smith is great. But I can totally understand why he didn't use the scenes he had cut from the movie. Some of them just don't add to the movie, or they just completely bomb.
Rating: Summary: Absolutely hilarious! Review: This was the first Kevin Smith movie I ever saw, and instantly, I was hooked. From beginning to end, this is the funniest movie since Joel Coen's "The Big Lebowski". "Clerks" is a departure from the mainstream Hollywood hoo-ha, not sporting any big-name actors, high production values, and superficial characters. Heck, this movie cost about $27,000 to make and was filmed in the same Quik Stop that Smith was working in at the time, taking advantage of meal breaks and off-hours to film the movie. The film was edited in the nextdoor video store where the character Randal was employed in the movie. So don't expect breathtaking cinematography, flashy special effects, or revolutionary surround-sound technology. The "plot", so to say, is a day in the life of a convenience store clerk, Dante, who has been called in to work on his day off. It portrays how dealing with picky and sometimes downright rude customers can drive even the simplest person to the brink of insanity. If you work as a cashier at a convenience or grocery store, like me, this film lets you know that you're not alone. The antics the customers pull off are hilarious, ranging from the man trying to find the "perfect dozen of eggs" by emptying all the egg cartons, the elderly man who takes an adult magazine into the bathroom, only to die while looking at it, and of course, Jay and Silent Bob, who tape comic book-style voice bubbles containing pleas for homosexual sex favors to the entrance door so that when Randal opens the door, it appears he's actually saying it. Jay (played by Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (played by Kevin Smith himself) have appeared in all of Smith's films, proving to be possibly the funniest on-screen duo ever. While this film is non-stop, rolling on the floor, teary-eyed comedy, it also has a very strong yet often overlooked moral that I got from it: Make the most out of every day, and if your life is in a rut, don't let it stay that way. Now I'm not going to say that was the point Smith was trying to get across, because I have no place to dictate his artistic vision. It's just what I got from the film. The humor in this movie is all pretty much what you would call high school locker room humor, but the way in which it is presented (the black and white film makes it seem much more human), makes it impossible not to laugh. So, all in all, "Clerks" is an extremely funny movie that proves as a nice abandon from the recent string of superficial pre-pubescent bubble-gum flicks and over-the-top "Die Hard" clones. Also see Smith's other gem, "Dogma".
Rating: Summary: Love it or hate it Review: Some people just don't get it. And it should be illegal for them even to look at the box for a Kevin Smith movie.It's easy to tell if you don't get it. If you don't like "potty humor" (Only people who don't get it would ever call it "potty humor") or swearing, or talk about sex, then don't buy this movie. You will hate it. If you are a fan of The Avenging Conscience (South Park, Cannibal! the musical, etc.) but you don't need a lot of action scenes to keep you interested, then watch this. You will probably like it. It's pretty much impossible to write praise for this movie without repeating everything that has already been said, so I'll just write what comes to mind: a very witty, intelligent movie with some unpredictable moments and a few lessons about philosophy spread here and there. The DVD extras are interesting, but not necessarily worth the money. The commentary is somewhat intriguing, but often boring as there is a lot of silence. The alternate ending is not only incredibly short, but also annoying as it contradicts everything Dante learns as the movie leads up to the ending. The deleted scenes could only be appreciated by big Kevin Smith fans or amateur filmmakers. Otherwise, you'll probably not enjoy them so much (They're mostly extended scenes, not deleted ones). Anyway, the movie is well worth [the money], and probably more.
Rating: Summary: What a waste of time! Review: I got this movie with the intention of seeing a comedy classic. The ridiculous amount of praise it received persuaded me into it. Not even a $27,000 budget is a good enough excuse for this piece of garbage. It's amazing that Smith wasn't permanently outcast from the film-making industry. I can't even begin to fathom a producer seeing this and thinking "Wow, I'd like to give this genious more money to make another movie." You know, folks, just because a movie is low-budget and avant-garde, it doesn't necessarily mean its good. Hey, its not Smith's fault that his actors have the all the pizzazz of my introductory drama class in middle school, right? It is his fault, however, that he wrote a script that could have been pulled off by a fifth grader who was just taught a lot of dirty words. Please, PLEASE... avoid this movie like the plague.
Rating: Summary: Old School Fun Review: This is not what most people consider to be a critical success only. What most people do not see this film as, is a hugely deserved follow up to what John Hughes used to be. He is a modern day John Hughes, with more style and class. Mr. Smith's later film's even reflect that better than this one. Even though this was obviously the best of his efforts. I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of years back, and he is the model of how a film maker should act. He admires other directors in his films and admits to using their inspirations in his work. Clerks is definitely a five star movie, with a perfect launch pad for a bright future.
Rating: Summary: Ok this movie was the BEST Review: Ok what is with you people who are giving this only 4 stars just because of the camera work and its balck and white?? Would you people just watch the ... movie instead of critsizing every possible flaw?? I mean i am starting to wonder if you people pay attention to the actual movie like the plot and humor and stuff or if you just watch and sit there and pay attention to how the camera is being worked or what color it is!! Does it really matter?? Was the script good?? Were the actors good?? well if they were then why in the hell are you so worried about the camera work and color?? Thsi movie was one of the funniest movies i have ever seen!! The acting was just great and the actors actually seemed like what they were playing in the movie was their actual life. You couldnt even tell if they were acting or just going about their normal lives!! well i own this movie and have watched it so many times and yet everytime i watch it it still leaves me laughing so hard at the end
Rating: Summary: "Clerks" begins the saga of the films of Kevin Smith Review: The story of the making of Clerks is outstanding. It is amazing that the young filmaker Kevin Smith would risk making a movie that no one might see, and be drowned in credit card bills for years. "Clerks" cost under thirty thousand dollars, which would be peanuts to any film production company. Smith was in the habbit of collecting credit cards, so he charged all of the expenses to those. He hired some actors and used lots of his friends in the making of the movie. The Quik Stop that was used in "Clerks" was actually the place that he worked at. The film is really based off his experience as a worker there. "Clerks" is the story of a full day in the job of a store clerk. Dante Hicks(Brian O'Halloran) is called into work on an off day, and because he always gives in, he agrees to come in on the basis that he will be able to leave by twelve. Right when he gets to work, his problems begin. First off, the shades for the windows will not open because some punks jammed the locks with gum. He therefore has to remind customers that the store is now open, with the sign: I ASSURE YOU WE ARE OPEN. He is then harassed by such customers as a cigarette hater, who rallies the cigarette buying customers against the seller of the cancer sticks. Randal(Jeff Anderson), who works next store in the video shop, spends more time doing his own thing instead of working. He also hangs out with Dante and takes pride in heckling the customers that make him tick, and there are many. The customers that come into the Quick Stop are extremely wierd. One guy is obsessed with finding the perfect dozen of eggs, and on top of that, there are the milkmaids, the girl who obviously can't read, and a strange old man who is interested in adult magazines. There is really no plot, but just an unusual day in the life of a store clerk. Dante is a college dropout, and his girlfriend tries to push him back into school. He really likes her, but he has trouble with the type of things that she has done with past boyfriends. He has gotten the news that his old girlfiend is getting married, and he becomes jealous. Jay and Silent Bob: Possibly the funniest duo in a comedy. The pair are drug dealers, but they have trouble selling their product. Jay shoots his mouth off, steals, and marks his spot right in front of the Quick Stop. Silent Bob is just about the exact opposite. It is true that he marks his spot in front of the Quick Stop with Jay, but he does not speak. This may be to give what he finally does say some sort of insightment. The pair are played by Jason Mewes and the director himself; Kevin Smith. Kevin originally was going to play the part of Randal, but he didn't want to juggle director duty and play a part with so many lines, so he opted to play the non speaking role. Jay and Silent Bob are the funniest part of the movie, mainly because of the way that they are suited for each other. Jay calls Silent Bob his heterosexual lifemate. "Clerks" was originally NC-17 not for nudity or violence, but for the language which describes various sexual situations in great detail. It grossed 3 million in theaters for Miramax and they had bought it for 227,000 dollars. Therefore, it was a giant success. "Clerks" is not about achieving a certain visual style as it is with many films, but about the conversations and relationships between the characters. The production of "Clerks" and the film itself should serve as a standard to other independent filmakers who are out there trying to make it in an already overcrowded business.
Rating: Summary: So It Begins... Review: The reason to buy a DVD player is to get these kind of movies and watch them with the added features. Sure, you can buy the Blockbuster Pre-Viewed VHS for 8.99 and watch it once every six years until it turns to dust or gets lost in the next move, but DVDs, man...you have to watch the flick more than once to get into it, get the whole picture. I think that's the point. You have to want to know more about the artists and the craft than just watch a parade of light and shadow on a screen. You want to know how and why this picture was made. "Clerks" is a perfect movie for this purpose. The commentary track is made during the filming of Mallrats, where none of the cast or crew really know how the second of the five "Jersey" films would gross or play to the audience. Its a time of innocence and excitement for Kevin Smith, Scott Mosier and the View Askew crew as they talk up their great, groundbreaking film. There is none of the resentment or bad ju-ju you can hear in the "Mallrats" or "Chasing Amy" commentaries about how the critics were overly harsh with it. There is just joy in the idea that "Clerks" did so well and that, though changes were made, it was all for the best. Only with DVD can you go back and hear Smith and Mosier "back in the day" like this and compare it to today. Their honesty and frankness make the track work. In addition, it is great to be able to see the lost scenes of Clerks, even if you agree they don't really add to the film. They are extra bits of coolness to enjoy while waiting for "Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back" to hit theaters for new material. The video for "Can't Even Tell" is the first time, I believe, you get to see the Clerks crew in color as well...a little bit of Askew history there, too. Great work and a wonderful time capsule for one of our generation's greatest writers.
Rating: Summary: CLERKS Review: CLERKS is the first movie to start us out in the 'New Jersey Chronicles.' The film revolves around a regular day in the life of a conveinence store clerk and his best friend. This is also the first time that we meet Jay and Silent Bob, two crazy potheads who have nothing better to do than hang around the convenience store and try to make some money by selling drugs.
Rating: Summary: One of The Funniest Ever Review: Kevin Smith (Silent Bob) is an incredibly gifted director and writer. This movie was hilarious... not for a younger audience no doubt, but a comedic gem nonetheless. This is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen if not the funniest. The acting is mediocre but that just adds to the comedy. The movie is in black and white which disappointed me at first, but you'll later learn that its really not a big deal. The setting rarely goes past the convient/video store in which our clerks work. Seems odd yes, but fits with the story well. All in all.. the story was great and the movie is funny. The DVD is packed with features including an alternate ending that really doesn't fit the story. Deleted scenes and more... great DVD excellent Movie, the only drawback is the price tag.
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