Clerks

Clerks (1994)

Runtime: 92 minutes

Directed by: Kevin Smith

Starring: Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Marilyn Ghigliotti, Lisa Spoonauer, Jay & Silent Bob

From: Miramax

Yes, I chose to watch this due to obvious reasons: 

Me rewatching this movie did come about after the shocking news that Kevin Smith had a massive heart attack. I've done reviews for Cop Out and Red State, both films I absolutely loathed for entirely different reasons; not even all of his most popular works are rated highly by me. Yet some of it I do dig, such as his debut. By now everyone should know the efforts it took to raise approximately 27,000 dollars to film this in his actual place of employment with his pals. It was quite the achievement to make a movie so lo-fi yet due to its quality receive all that attention and it launched his career. As I went to college in the early 2000's, no surprise that I knew plenty of people who loved his 90's work. I have no idea what they think of his career after that but it should also be no surprise a bunch of young men would be amused by all the vulgar dialogue and outrageous situations like this movie has.

Yet this is not just vulgarity or outrageous situations. I presume Smith saw himself as both Dante and Randal, guys who were in their early 20's and were currently listless in life, being content working at convenience store and videostore jobs people look down upon and having to deal with rude and dumb individuals on a daily basis. As much as an a-hole (charming, but still) Randal was, he still imparted important advice to Dante about how he is in charge of his own fate and if he thinks he's better than the customers, he should have the motivation to change his station in life. Also, his comments (along with what Silent Bob said) about how he shouldn't have that complicated relationship with both Veronica and Caitlin and he should pick one of the two... some guys definitely need to follow such a suggestion.

The movie and its dialogue still feels fresh today, and you believe those two colorful characters are the best of pals despite their disagreements and the bombastic way Randal acts. Such conversations as the one about Return of the Jedi and those that worked on the Death Star II... still unforgettable. Of course the performances aren't always great and the movie is rough about the edges, but that's part of the film's charms and it coming off as totally believable.

Despite what I think of where Smith's career has gone, I still wish him a full recovery. Except for such things as the early 90's hairstyles, I am thankful this has not aged badly.