Clerks 2
Director: Kevin Smith
Rated: MA 15+
Now Screening

The slacker dudes from 'Clerks', Dante & Randall return, still working at the same store that we found them in 12 years ago. When disaster strikes, they are forced to work at a local burger palace just to make ends meet. Dante longs for a total life change after feeling trapped in the same rut, and plans to move away with his girlfriend strike some unexpected potholes making him realise that 'growing up' and 'becoming a man' entails more than he bargained for.

Director Kevin Smith returns to his beloved characters that made him hot property back in 1994. His subsequent films have remained in the same geographical area, with the quality of the films ranging from clever to mediocre. However, Smith always questions the general world view with a unique comedic skill. In 'Clerks 2', he looks at moving on from the past and trying to find a more adult identity, whilst still remaining true. The crude humour is still in place, with a refreshingly un-PC attitude.

Brian O'Halloran and Jeff Anderson create a well oiled double act as Dante and Randall respectively. The life-long friendship between the two is well realised, providing their own weird balance to each other. O'Halloran's portrayal of a desperate 30 something wanting change, would strike a cord with a few viewers, and he does well as the main lead. Anderson as his 'soulmate' is very amusing, spouting off his bigoted views for all and sundry, whilst shocking the customers with his bizarre behaviour. Rosario Dawson as Dante's boss is well cast, playing her role as almost as Dante's conscience.

The pop culture references and characters Jay and Silent Bob turn up as usual, giving a sense of familiarity. This works against Smith at times, as the film becomes bogged down by its own cleverness with in jokes that only long time fans would understand. Whilst it does provide some humorous sparks, the general tired feel of the film blunts the points he tries to make. The spectre of sentimentality also creeps its way into the story, which doesn't match with the film's tone, nor that of the first one.

'Clerks 2' is by no means a bad film, just an ordinary one. Kevin Smith has the comic ability to hit the satirical targets, but he needs to get out of his comfort zone and create new comedic situations. Whilst his characters still have the ability to shock and amuse, it's time for him to do what his own characters do in this movie and move onto new cinematic pastures. Hopefully 'Clerks 2' signals the 'line in the sand' that allows Smith to move forward.

Patrick Moore