Reviews (359)

CLERKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Word of mouth & personal expierience made me want to see this movie.And when I did,it left an indelible mark.Grant,Clerks will have you rolling from beginning to end(such phrases as Chewlies Gum,37,____mopper,Berzerker,shoe polish,& salsa shark bring to mind this film),but it's a look at Gen X 20-somethings in the 90's.The bad job,the stagnation,& the indecisiveness of life at that age.Brian O'Halloran plays Dante Hicks,the convienience store jocky with all the whiny"I HATE MY LIFE BUT DON"T WANT TO CHANGE IT"attitude I hear among Gen-Xer's.But Jeff Anderson plays Randell Graves ,the video store clerk and the ultimate slacker.He hates his job,not his life.Disregard his responsibility to his job 'cos he knows it's a dead end and there is something better.After a day when Dante is conned and complaining about working on his day off(as well as other bizarre circumstances)Randell sets Dante straight telling him that he overdramatise things to make his life seem more interesting than what it is.Kevin Smith is a genius.Even though his movies fall on the wayside sometimes(Mallrats,Dogma),his skewed vision has brought him a following.Legend has it that he sold his comic book collection to finance Clerks.It shows he sacrificed something he loved for something his fans will embrace & love for many moons to come

Take That All You Stupid, Big Budget Excuses For Movies!
Clerks was made on a low budget and it shows, but it's still much more enjoyable, witty, smart, and hilarious than numerous movies on a big budget. The movie follows a day in the lives of two "clerks", one in a convience store (Dante) and one in the "crappy video store" (Randall). The story centers around Dante's troubled love life: he's has a girlfriend he loves (Veronica), but he longs for an ex-girlfriend (Caitlin) who cheated on him numerous times. Dante finds out his ex is engaged and tries desperately to find out if it's true and why he wasn't informed before hand. In the midst of this, Randall and Dante discuss Star Wars, make clever observations on life and the world around them, go to a wake that ends with Dante and Randall being chased out of the funeral home by a mob of angry guests, play hockey on the convience store roof, and put up with some clueless and annoying customers ("You expect me to drink this coffee hot?").

The dialog from writer/director Kevin Smith carries the movie as there is little action, but it works. You get a sense that the characters are real people as opposed to many movies in which the characters are empty and emotionless. Dante and Randall are smart and witty, and you get the sense that they have some kind of great talent that they don't know what to do with. Dante is especially unsure of what he wants to do with his life, and it takes Randall to point him towards the source of his problems. Anyone who has worked retail (including me) can relate to some of the annoying customers and how at times the job can become mind-numbingly and painfully boring.

I will not spoil the most notable scene for those that haven't seen the film. It happens off screen, but will still leave you with a look of shock when you find out what happened. Clerks is not for those who are easily offended by strong language or those uncomfortable with talk about sex (including "snowballing" and deadly means of self-gratification). But the movie works without resorting to crude, sickening humor. And of course, the infamous Jay and Silent Bob make their debut. This is a must-see for Kevin Smith fans and a great place to start if you want to get into Kevin Smith's work.

My favorite comedy
This has to be my all time favorite comedy and one of my all time favorites overall. About three years ago a friend of mine came to school one day raving about the funniest movie he had seen on late night. He talked about this black and white low budget movie about two blue collar losers who talked endlessly about sex. From that description I wasn't anticipating a masterpiece but I decided to rent it anyway. It was probably the best surprise I have ever had. I was laughing the entire time, so much so that I nearly woke up everyone in my house. For months afterwards my friend and I would endlessly talk about and quote this incredible film. Everyone I have recommended it to has loved it and I can easily see why. I know that some people attack the movie as being vulgar and excessive. The way I see it it is being true to life (I'm sure that when you have 10 hours to kill you'll talk about the average pay of a gizz mopper). In short I absolutely love this film and it gets better and better with every viewing. Rent this film as soon as possible if you haven't already.

A great movie
the others have already shown what the special features are so i'll just say that I cannot wait until september 7th. This is a great movie and I would suggest buying this even if you already have the first release edition. The extras themselves are worth the money. This is the best Kevin Smith Movie ever. Dogma, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back are great movies but, aren't as good. I'm not even going to include Jersey Girl. Back to the point, this is definetly worth buying and is a classic.

What? What do you want?
Getting this movie caused a lot of arguments. In the UK, we tend to pronounce it with an 'a' - so Clarks! But I'm being American, so I pronounce it Clerks, which sounds right to me, but wrong to everyone else. So I still say "clerks" but then correct myself afterwards. (Hey, I'm easily confused, they say "clerks" in the damn movie!)

If you've ever worked as a 'clerk', then you'll really identify with this film. I'm currently working as a waitress, so I didn't identify so much with Dante (although I do get a lot of stupid questions), but I did see a lot of a guy I know, who works in a video store, in Randal, the video store clerk! Much of his lines resulted in me laughing out loud, and saying that they were exactly the same! (Or I imagine them to be the same). My favourite line has to be where Dante says to Randal that he has a customer, and he turns round, with this expression on his face, and says "What? What do you want?"

This was one of the first outings for Jay & Silent Bob, who are both legends. I already have Chasing Amy, Dogma, and now this on DVD, and am now after Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back (I've seen it, just don't have it), and Mallrats. Both of which are proving very hard to get hold of, particularly Mallrats. I officially love Silent Bob (played by Kevin Smith), and despite him speaking in nearly every film in which he plays Silent Bob, I still get a shock when he does speak!

This film is very low budget, and filmed entirely in black & white - which really annoyed me, as I thought my DVD player had gone wrong! (I've actually watched a whole film in black & white - 8 Mile - thinking it was actually in black & white, but my DVD player had decided to be stupid) The entire production costs for this film were $26,800. Combined, the cost of Clerks production and soundtrack was $50,000. This is approximately the cost per second of making Titanic! Also, there are not a lot of sets, and there are a lot of the same actors included. It's very much a film involving two main characters, who talk back & forth. It can get quite tedious, between funny lines, and Jay dancing and singing (yeh!) yet again!

There's an alternate ending on the DVD, but I have to say I preferred the original ending. There are also a lot of deleted scenes, with introductions from Kevin Smith. I tend to skip most of these, as boy, does this guy like the sound of his own voice!

There are some terrific and extremely quotable lines (if only I could remember them, to quote to people!) in this! Some of the best are:

Dante Hicks: Are there any balls down there?
Jay: About the biggest pair you ever seen, dingleberry!

Randal Graves: You know who I could do without? I could do without the people in the video store.
Dante Hicks: Which ones?
Randal Graves: All of them.
[A series of clips]
Bed Wetting Dad: What would you get for a six-year-old who chronically wets his bed?
Video Confusion Customer: So, do you have any new releases in?
[Zoom out to see a huge sign that says "NEW RELEASES" directly above her]
Low I.Q. Video Customer: Do you have that one with that guy who was in the movie that was out last year?
Randal Graves: They never rent quality flicks. They always pick the most intellectually devoid movies on the rack.
Low I.Q. Video Customer: OOOOH! NAVY SEALS!
Randal Graves: It's like in order to join, they have to have an I.Q. that's less than their shoe size.
Dante Hicks: You think you get stupid questions? You should hear the barrage of stupid questions I get.
[More clips]
Cold Coffee Lover: What do mean there's no ice? You mean I gotta drink this coffee hot?
Candy Confusion Customer: So how much is this thing anyway?
[Zoom out to see a huge "EVERYTHING ONLY 99¢" sign behind her]
Hubcap Searching Customer: Do you sell hubcaps for a '72 Pinto hatchback? Ooh, Mini-Trucker Magazine!

Jay: Noinch, Noinch, Noinch, Schmokin Weed, Schmokin' Weed, Doin' Coke, Drinkin' Beers...

There's a few more, but I suppose it depends on your sense of humour.

Despite being a little slow, this is a good film, although not as good as Dogma (my fave Jay & Silent Bob flick). Just prepare yourself for some tedious dialogue, including lots of s*x and Star Wars talk! ... Read more

Description

Chasing Amy is the third installment in the "New Jersey Trilogy" from award-winning writer-director Kevin Smith (Clerks, Mallrats, Dogma). Cult comic-book artist Holden (Ben Affleck) falls in love with fellow artist Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams), only to be thwarted by her sexuality, the disdain of his best friend Banky (Jason Lee), and his own misgivings about himself. Filled with Smith's unique ear for dialogue and insight into relationships, Chasing Amy offers a thoughtful, funny look at how perceptions alter lives, and how obsession and self-doubt skew reality. ... Read more

Reviews (355)

Simply Fabulous!
"Chasing Amy" by director Kevin Smith is such an triumph. This movie about love, friendship and taking chances hits with so many punches. It's well rounded, it doesn't take the easy way out, NOR does it go for the safe laugh. The story surrounding comic book writer Holden (Ben Afflect) , his best mate and partner Banky (played beautifully by Jason Lee), and Holden's love for fellow comic book girl, lesbian Allyssa (Joey Lauren Adams) Who SO deserved the Golden Globe Nomination. It's sweet, lovely and such a testament to true love. Conflict between these three characters carries this movie with such intelligence.

One of the BEST love declaration speeches in movie HISTORY is in this movie, when Holden spills his cuts (in the rain, no less) to Alyssa. That scene sums up the whole movie. It's just such a good movie. Supporting cast includes the performance of Fan Fav. "Jay and Silent Bob" in a wonderful moment that sums it all up. Truly inspired writing on Smith's part.

I hope everyone appreciates it like I do. It's fabulous!

blech!
Why did this movie get such good reviews?? Maybe it would've been clearer when it came out, but I honestly thought it was terrible.

The main plotline made no sense whatsoever. There was no chemistry between Ben and Joey's characters, and suddenly, after about 10 minutes, he found himself deeply in love with her and had to make a 5 minute confession to her. Then it turns out she, a former lesbian, was in love with him all along too, and suddenly they're kissing in the rain. There was no build-up to this, and as such I felt nothing for their relationship or anything they were going through.

The drawn-out monologues in the movie are pretty silly as well. The characters talk at each other for long periods of time while the others just stare at them blankly. (Ben Affleck has indeed mastered the blank, gaping stare.) And parts of the movie are so silly that I wasn't sure if any of the movie was supposed to be taken seriously at all. Sometimes it seems it has a message, but then it's just stupid.

It was kind of entertaining at times, and the supporting characters were amusing. So that's why it got 2 stars. But overall it was a pretty bad movie.

another popular release.
This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edotion of the film.

This film the third release in the Jersey "trilogy" (quintilogy to be exact) is also the one where Silent Bob speaks more than any other release. In this film,(Ben Affleck) a comic book artist falls in love with young women who is also a comic book artist, only to discover that she is lesbian. The film is not for children and like the film "Clerks" almost got an NC-17 rating based solely on sexual dialog.

The Criterion DVD has numerous special features.
There is a new DVD edition video introdiction for the audio commentary explaining a comment made by Kevin blasting DVD's (The audio commentary as originally recorded for the laserdisc edition.)
The is full length audio commentary by director/actor Kevin Smith, producer Scott Mosier, actors Ben Affleck and Jason Mewes, associate producer Robert Hawk, Miramax executive Jon Gordon, and Vincent Pereira. There is also a Theatrical trailer, 10 deleted scenes with introductions. There is also a set of outtakes.

The Criterion Collection remains the exclusive distributer for the film's DVD format as of the time this review is being written.

'Till the other shoe drops
Interesting but pretty improbable, and ultimately it will be unworkable. It should have been written as a tragedy instead it is a farce.

ok but no clerks
this was an ok film, but still highly overrated i recommend clerks, clerks the series, or maybe mallrats instead of this. ... Read more

Reviews (359)

CLERKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Word of mouth & personal expierience made me want to see this movie.And when I did,it left an indelible mark.Grant,Clerks will have you rolling from beginning to end(such phrases as Chewlies Gum,37,____mopper,Berzerker,shoe polish,& salsa shark bring to mind this film),but it's a look at Gen X 20-somethings in the 90's.The bad job,the stagnation,& the indecisiveness of life at that age.Brian O'Halloran plays Dante Hicks,the convienience store jocky with all the whiny"I HATE MY LIFE BUT DON"T WANT TO CHANGE IT"attitude I hear among Gen-Xer's.But Jeff Anderson plays Randell Graves ,the video store clerk and the ultimate slacker.He hates his job,not his life.Disregard his responsibility to his job 'cos he knows it's a dead end and there is something better.After a day when Dante is conned and complaining about working on his day off(as well as other bizarre circumstances)Randell sets Dante straight telling him that he overdramatise things to make his life seem more interesting than what it is.Kevin Smith is a genius.Even though his movies fall on the wayside sometimes(Mallrats,Dogma),his skewed vision has brought him a following.Legend has it that he sold his comic book collection to finance Clerks.It shows he sacrificed something he loved for something his fans will embrace & love for many moons to come

Take That All You Stupid, Big Budget Excuses For Movies!
Clerks was made on a low budget and it shows, but it's still much more enjoyable, witty, smart, and hilarious than numerous movies on a big budget. The movie follows a day in the lives of two "clerks", one in a convience store (Dante) and one in the "crappy video store" (Randall). The story centers around Dante's troubled love life: he's has a girlfriend he loves (Veronica), but he longs for an ex-girlfriend (Caitlin) who cheated on him numerous times. Dante finds out his ex is engaged and tries desperately to find out if it's true and why he wasn't informed before hand. In the midst of this, Randall and Dante discuss Star Wars, make clever observations on life and the world around them, go to a wake that ends with Dante and Randall being chased out of the funeral home by a mob of angry guests, play hockey on the convience store roof, and put up with some clueless and annoying customers ("You expect me to drink this coffee hot?").

The dialog from writer/director Kevin Smith carries the movie as there is little action, but it works. You get a sense that the characters are real people as opposed to many movies in which the characters are empty and emotionless. Dante and Randall are smart and witty, and you get the sense that they have some kind of great talent that they don't know what to do with. Dante is especially unsure of what he wants to do with his life, and it takes Randall to point him towards the source of his problems. Anyone who has worked retail (including me) can relate to some of the annoying customers and how at times the job can become mind-numbingly and painfully boring.

I will not spoil the most notable scene for those that haven't seen the film. It happens off screen, but will still leave you with a look of shock when you find out what happened. Clerks is not for those who are easily offended by strong language or those uncomfortable with talk about sex (including "snowballing" and deadly means of self-gratification). But the movie works without resorting to crude, sickening humor. And of course, the infamous Jay and Silent Bob make their debut. This is a must-see for Kevin Smith fans and a great place to start if you want to get into Kevin Smith's work.

My favorite comedy
This has to be my all time favorite comedy and one of my all time favorites overall. About three years ago a friend of mine came to school one day raving about the funniest movie he had seen on late night. He talked about this black and white low budget movie about two blue collar losers who talked endlessly about sex. From that description I wasn't anticipating a masterpiece but I decided to rent it anyway. It was probably the best surprise I have ever had. I was laughing the entire time, so much so that I nearly woke up everyone in my house. For months afterwards my friend and I would endlessly talk about and quote this incredible film. Everyone I have recommended it to has loved it and I can easily see why. I know that some people attack the movie as being vulgar and excessive. The way I see it it is being true to life (I'm sure that when you have 10 hours to kill you'll talk about the average pay of a gizz mopper). In short I absolutely love this film and it gets better and better with every viewing. Rent this film as soon as possible if you haven't already.

A great movie
the others have already shown what the special features are so i'll just say that I cannot wait until september 7th. This is a great movie and I would suggest buying this even if you already have the first release edition. The extras themselves are worth the money. This is the best Kevin Smith Movie ever. Dogma, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back are great movies but, aren't as good. I'm not even going to include Jersey Girl. Back to the point, this is definetly worth buying and is a classic.

What? What do you want?
Getting this movie caused a lot of arguments. In the UK, we tend to pronounce it with an 'a' - so Clarks! But I'm being American, so I pronounce it Clerks, which sounds right to me, but wrong to everyone else. So I still say "clerks" but then correct myself afterwards. (Hey, I'm easily confused, they say "clerks" in the damn movie!)

If you've ever worked as a 'clerk', then you'll really identify with this film. I'm currently working as a waitress, so I didn't identify so much with Dante (although I do get a lot of stupid questions), but I did see a lot of a guy I know, who works in a video store, in Randal, the video store clerk! Much of his lines resulted in me laughing out loud, and saying that they were exactly the same! (Or I imagine them to be the same). My favourite line has to be where Dante says to Randal that he has a customer, and he turns round, with this expression on his face, and says "What? What do you want?"

This was one of the first outings for Jay & Silent Bob, who are both legends. I already have Chasing Amy, Dogma, and now this on DVD, and am now after Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back (I've seen it, just don't have it), and Mallrats. Both of which are proving very hard to get hold of, particularly Mallrats. I officially love Silent Bob (played by Kevin Smith), and despite him speaking in nearly every film in which he plays Silent Bob, I still get a shock when he does speak!

This film is very low budget, and filmed entirely in black & white - which really annoyed me, as I thought my DVD player had gone wrong! (I've actually watched a whole film in black & white - 8 Mile - thinking it was actually in black & white, but my DVD player had decided to be stupid) The entire production costs for this film were $26,800. Combined, the cost of Clerks production and soundtrack was $50,000. This is approximately the cost per second of making Titanic! Also, there are not a lot of sets, and there are a lot of the same actors included. It's very much a film involving two main characters, who talk back & forth. It can get quite tedious, between funny lines, and Jay dancing and singing (yeh!) yet again!

There's an alternate ending on the DVD, but I have to say I preferred the original ending. There are also a lot of deleted scenes, with introductions from Kevin Smith. I tend to skip most of these, as boy, does this guy like the sound of his own voice!

There are some terrific and extremely quotable lines (if only I could remember them, to quote to people!) in this! Some of the best are:

Dante Hicks: Are there any balls down there?
Jay: About the biggest pair you ever seen, dingleberry!

Randal Graves: You know who I could do without? I could do without the people in the video store.
Dante Hicks: Which ones?
Randal Graves: All of them.
[A series of clips]
Bed Wetting Dad: What would you get for a six-year-old who chronically wets his bed?
Video Confusion Customer: So, do you have any new releases in?
[Zoom out to see a huge sign that says "NEW RELEASES" directly above her]
Low I.Q. Video Customer: Do you have that one with that guy who was in the movie that was out last year?
Randal Graves: They never rent quality flicks. They always pick the most intellectually devoid movies on the rack.
Low I.Q. Video Customer: OOOOH! NAVY SEALS!
Randal Graves: It's like in order to join, they have to have an I.Q. that's less than their shoe size.
Dante Hicks: You think you get stupid questions? You should hear the barrage of stupid questions I get.
[More clips]
Cold Coffee Lover: What do mean there's no ice? You mean I gotta drink this coffee hot?
Candy Confusion Customer: So how much is this thing anyway?
[Zoom out to see a huge "EVERYTHING ONLY 99¢" sign behind her]
Hubcap Searching Customer: Do you sell hubcaps for a '72 Pinto hatchback? Ooh, Mini-Trucker Magazine!

Jay: Noinch, Noinch, Noinch, Schmokin Weed, Schmokin' Weed, Doin' Coke, Drinkin' Beers...

There's a few more, but I suppose it depends on your sense of humour.

Despite being a little slow, this is a good film, although not as good as Dogma (my fave Jay & Silent Bob flick). Just prepare yourself for some tedious dialogue, including lots of s*x and Star Wars talk! ... Read more

Reviews (426)

Fans Only. Others Need Not Apply
Title: Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

Director: Kevin Smith

Cast: Jason Mewes ... Jay
Kevin Smith ... Silent Bob
Ben Affleck ... Holden McNeil/Himself
Jeff Anderson ... Randal Graves
Brian O'Halloran ... Dante Hicks
Shannon Elizabeth ... Justice
Eliza Dushku ... Sissy
Ali Larter ... Chrissy
Jennifer Schwalbach Smith ... Missy
Will Ferrell ... Federal Wildlife Marshal Willenholly
Jason Lee ... Brodie Bruce/Banky Edwards

Tagline: "Hollywood had it coming."

Plot Summary: Jay and Silent Bob must travel to Hollywood to stop production on the movie adaptation of Bluntman and Chronic.

Review and Comments: Don't ask why, just sit back and enjoy the ride. Or don't enjoy it. This movie is one huge "in joke" for people who enjoyed the movies Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and Dogma...particularly the first three. And it helps if you have a working knowledge of Hollywood inside jokes and United States Popular Culture. This isn't just a "Jay and Silent Bob" movie, it's a send-up of movies and filming in general.

Basically, what happened here was that Kevin Smith decided to make one long movie about the characters of Jay and Silent Bob, the annoying stoner and his usually silent sidekick that will be familiar to fans (and anti-fans) of Smith's films. If you've watched the movies and you know that the characters annoy you, it's a safe bet that this movie will annoy you even more. If you think the movie might be fun, watch it. Jay and Silent Bob aren't alone here. There's a long list of actors reprising their various roles from earlier Smith films, and they appear at different points throughout the journey.

Oh yeah...the journey...there is a story here, however slight. There's a movie being made about the Bluntman and Chronic comic. Jay and Silent Bob find out that people on the internet are bad mouthing the movie and the characters, so they travel to Hollywood to stop production on the movie before it can ruin their reputations. Or something like that. Along the way, they meet up with various side characters, including a group of girls traveling in a van fulfilling virtually every Charlie's Angel's joke you ever dreamed of. Jay falls in love with one of the girls. She loves him. There's an orangutan involved...

Listen. If you've read this far, you know what kind of movie it is. It's not pretending to be good (in fact, there's a running joke about just how bad this movie actually is that continues throughout the actual movie). It's one joke after another, a lot of them miss, but there's enough jokes to ensure that some of them will be funny. After watching several serious movies and immersing myself in Kevin Smith films for the past few weeks, I appreciated this movie. What else can I say?

The Bottom Line: Strictly for those who are fans of the characters.

The Tackier they get, the funnier they can be
I loved Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back. From the actual DVD, to the outtakes and deleted scenes on the second disk. Our not so bright heros learn of a movie being based off of the comic book Bluntman and Chronic, and are talked into going after their cut of the royalties. With cameo performances by Jason Lee as both his prior characters Banky (Chasing Amy), and Brodie (Mallrats), Ben Affleck as Holden (Chasing Amy), Brian O'Halloran (Dante/Clerks), Jeff Anderson (Randall/Clerks), Mark Hamill as the 'movie villain' & of course, our overly reprised heros Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith).

The story is the trials and tribulations the dynamic duo go through to prevent the Bluntman and Chronic movie from being made due to reviews at a random internet site by people who are self styled movie critics. During the course of the film they duo are duped into breaking into an animal testing lab and stealing an orangutang, falling in love, going across country, and ultimately leading to redemptions.

If you're a Kevin Smith fan, you'll enjoy the comedy in the movie as it's run of the mill Kevin Smith humor, and of course his shots at general pop culture, along with influences of his in filmmaking are always a good reason to watch it.

An insult to Smith fans everywhere.
Prior to this movie, I was a huge Kevin Smith fan. I loved the pseudo-intellectual banter in "Clerks," and discovered a new religion in "Dogma" (no, not Catholicism). Then, this piece of trash came out, where Smith unabashedly mocks every loyal fan that's ever quoted Dante, frequented the Quick Stop, or glued a Buddy Christ figurine to their dashboard. I was so disappointed, I posted an inflammatory note on his website (www.viewaskew.com). I suggest you do the same.

1 of the greatest movies of all time... no joke!!
This is an awsome film where two best buddies Jay(Jason Mewes), and Silent Bob(Kevin Smith, who also wrote and directed this film), two stoners from jersey half to stop a film, that is based on the charictars they are in a comic book/tv show. They need to stop it because... there not making 1 penny on it. They get arrested, get in dangerous situations and its all just a fun and good movie. Unless you are sensitive, then dont watch this film because Jay says the f word 3 times in a sentance, and it has sexual humor that some may not like, but if you dont care about the content of the film (like me) and are just out there for good laughs get this and the film CLERKS.

worst movie ever
I was so dissapointed by this film. I am a big Kevin Smith fan - Clerks, Chasing Amy, Dogma all are great films but THIS MOVIE SUCKS! A half hearted effort at best, only retarded adolecents will find this movie engaging. Save your money for his other films - they merit your time. ... Read more

Reviews (616)

Smith's fun movie shows what he can do with Hollywood budget
Kevin Smith ("Clerks", "Mallrats" and"Chasing Amy") continues to get better with each film. If"End of Days" does not sound like a fun Armageddon-themed film, try Dogma. Dogma is fun, for sure, but not for the easily offended. S those who would prefer not to see angels use profanity, or the wrath (i.e. violence) of misguided angels of death, they should avoid this film like the plague. Chris Rock also makes an appearance as the 13th apostle Rufus, who claims that he was left out of the Bible because he's black. Witty dialogue, plenty of pop culture references (Who's house? Run's house!) and some interesting philosophical questions make for a very entertaining way to spend an evening. The only negative aspects are the bad special effects (in one scene, there is a s--- demon that looks like something from "Jason and the Argonauts".) and a lame ending including an appearance by Alanis Morisette as God. It might've been four, but with the Alanis Morisette appearance, three stars. Josh Bob says check it out as a matinee, or pay full price and leave when "God" arrives ...

Great writing, wonderful cast, bland direction.
Let's be frank: visually, "Dogma" is unimpressive. The special effects look TV-quality, the editing is jerky, the cinematography is bland and Kevin Smith's direction is unispired.

Thankfully, the sins of "Dogma" are far outweighed by its virtues. Smith's script is hilarious, thought-provoking, and ultimately touching. To act it out, he's rounded up a top-notch cast that brings genuine life to their roles.

Brainy bombshell Linda Fiorentino is Bethany, chosen seemingly at random by the sarcastic angel Metatron (Alan Rickman) to work for God. Her mission: to stop a pair of fallen angels (Ben Affleck and Matt Damon) from exploiting a Catholic Church loophole that will get them back into Heaven. If they do, they'll prove God wrong, thus erasing everything He/She has created.

Bethany's reluctant allies in her quest include Chris Rock as Rufus, the unrecorded 13th apostle, kicked out of Earth, Heaven and history for rightly insisting that Jesus was black; Salma Hayek as a Muse with a heavenly body and a brain to match; and everyone's favorite potheads Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Smith.)

Fiorentino gives yet another great performance, contrasted nicely by Rickman's sad, exasperated angel. Affleck and Damon's menacing twist on their pretty-boy images is genuinely disturbing. Mewes is reliably funny as the imbecilic Jay, and Smith shows perfect comic timing and impressive range as Silent Bob.

The story mostly coasts along on a vast supply of smart-alec wit, but a few scenes rise above the rest: an unnerving parking-garage confrontation between Affleck and Damon, and a quiet lakeside chat between Fiorentino and Rickman. "Dogma" also scores points for keeping most of its script's excessive violence stylishly offscreen.

Bottom line: "Dogma" is not a well-made film, but it is a good one. You will laugh loudly and often, and come away with a greater respect for the power of faith and the importance of believing in something greater than yourself.

Film fans take note: in October 2000 View Askew will release the "collector's edition" of this film, with more than an hour of cut footage and plenty of other extra goodies.

BOLDLY CYNICAL (AND OCCASIONALLY FUNNY) LOCKER-ROOM PRATTLE
As a sweet bite of blaspemy this Kevin Smith stinker may do fine, supported by a star-studded cast and a crunchily inventive premise to sink our collective teeth into the heart of Catholicism.

But it is amusing to see a horde of reviewers call this clever and thoughtful. Sorry folks, the film's troop of eccentric characters do very little to bail it out of its convoluted ramble about theology.

When it comes to intellectual muck-raking, the film with its doozy "loophole" simply drowns under the weight of diminishing returns. Religion is not an intellectual exercise, it's role is to fulfill spiritual, psychological and emotional needs in our lives. A person needs his world to make some sense to them, and religion can comfort with answers that science can not yet provide.

If on the other hand you're game for some tongue-in-cheek degenerative humor (for example, giant monsters of bubbling human excrement) sure, this may be right up your alley. Just make sure you have plenty of time as the circus goes on for a while.

dogma is cosmic law.
two angels,who were kicked out of heaven long ago,find a loop-hole so they may return.they need to go to new jersey.jay and silent bob go with the last zion,the 13th apostle rufis-left out of the bible because hes black,and the muse join forces to prevent this for if the angels get to heaven all creation will go poof!it stars matt damon and ben affleck as the 2 angels.alanis morriseete as god,chris rock is rufis and even george carlin as a bishop in the church.of the jay and silent bob movies it ranks second id say,but a lot of people say its the best also.it is the best religious based movie of all time!however,it will piss off all church goers.no naked chicks in this one either.chris rock,although normaly one of the most obnoxious racist bigots alive,actualy doesnt bitch too much in this one.he does make a good point that if there is a christian god-and lets face it theres probaly not-hes black.why would he be anything else?the world started in AFRica right?i abselutely love this movie!

Didn't live up to the hype
The idea of skewering the Catholic Church is not new. Nor is it particularly "brave", since they're supposed to love their persecutors. I'm still waiting for the "brave" film that skewers, say, militant Islam. Yeah, you kind of lose your courage when you might actually get hurt.

Anyway. The general hype looked promising. A film that pokes fun at Catholicism. I popped in the DVD and waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Let's see: there were excrement demons, a black apostle, some homicidal angels ... but where was the satire?

It's a shame. This film would have worked better as a comedy. That is, if the writer/director(s) had said, hey, let's make this humorous. Throw in some jokes, some laughs. After all, they had Chris Rock. The idea of a black apostle is sort of funny; why not make it intentionally funny? They had George Carlin; why not make him say some funny lines? Why not have those two *write* some funny lines?

But no. As it is, I'm not sure what the film really is. The heroine's deadpan, bored delivery might be a clue.

Apparently some viewers thought it was a satire or comedy, but perhaps it's sarcasm. Or just plain meanness, trying to convince others to suffer through this tedious film. Or maybe - maybe they really thought it was funny - no, wait, I'm starting to entertain really wacky thoughts here.

Borrow, don't buy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Kevin Smith is a conundrum of a filmmaker: he's a writer with brilliant, clever ideas who can't set up a simple shot to save his life. It was fine back when Smith was making low-budget films like Clerks and Chasing Amy, both of which had an amiable, grungy feel to them, but now that he's a rising director who's attracting top talent and tackling bigger themes, it might behoove him to polish his filmmaking. That's the main problem with Dogma--it's an ambitious, funny, aggressively intelligent film about modern-day religion, but while Smith's writing has matured significantly (anyone who thinks he's not topnotch should take a look at Chasing Amy), his direction hasn't. It's too bad, because Dogma is ripe for near-classic status in its theological satire, which is hardly as blasphemous as the protests that greeted the movie would lead you to believe.

Two banished angels (Ben Affleck and Matt Damon) have discovered a loophole that would allow them back into heaven; problem is, they'd destroy civilization in the process by proving God fallible. It's up to Bethany (Linda Fiorentino), a lapsed Catholic who works in an abortion clinic, to save the day, with some help from two so-called prophets (Smith and Jason Mewes, as their perennial characters Jay and Silent Bob), the heretofore unknown 13th apostle (Chris Rock), and a sexy, heavenly muse (the sublime Salma Hayek, who almost single-handedly steals the film). In some ways Dogma is a shaggy dog of a road movie--which hits a comic peak when Affleck and Fiorentino banter drunkenly on a train to New Jersey, not realizing they're mortal enemies--and segues into a comedy-action flick as the vengeful angels (who have a taste for blood) try to make their way into heaven. Smith's cast is exceptional--with Fiorentino lending a sardonic gravity to the proceedings, and Jason Lee smirking evilly as the horned devil Azrael--and the film shuffles good-naturedly to its climax (featuring Alanis Morissette as a beatifically silent God), but it just looks so unrelentingly... subpar. Credit Smith with being a daring writer but aless-than-stellar director. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (616)

Smith's fun movie shows what he can do with Hollywood budget
Kevin Smith ("Clerks", "Mallrats" and"Chasing Amy") continues to get better with each film. If"End of Days" does not sound like a fun Armageddon-themed film, try Dogma. Dogma is fun, for sure, but not for the easily offended. S those who would prefer not to see angels use profanity, or the wrath (i.e. violence) of misguided angels of death, they should avoid this film like the plague. Chris Rock also makes an appearance as the 13th apostle Rufus, who claims that he was left out of the Bible because he's black. Witty dialogue, plenty of pop culture references (Who's house? Run's house!) and some interesting philosophical questions make for a very entertaining way to spend an evening. The only negative aspects are the bad special effects (in one scene, there is a s--- demon that looks like something from "Jason and the Argonauts".) and a lame ending including an appearance by Alanis Morisette as God. It might've been four, but with the Alanis Morisette appearance, three stars. Josh Bob says check it out as a matinee, or pay full price and leave when "God" arrives ...

Great writing, wonderful cast, bland direction.
Let's be frank: visually, "Dogma" is unimpressive. The special effects look TV-quality, the editing is jerky, the cinematography is bland and Kevin Smith's direction is unispired.

Thankfully, the sins of "Dogma" are far outweighed by its virtues. Smith's script is hilarious, thought-provoking, and ultimately touching. To act it out, he's rounded up a top-notch cast that brings genuine life to their roles.

Brainy bombshell Linda Fiorentino is Bethany, chosen seemingly at random by the sarcastic angel Metatron (Alan Rickman) to work for God. Her mission: to stop a pair of fallen angels (Ben Affleck and Matt Damon) from exploiting a Catholic Church loophole that will get them back into Heaven. If they do, they'll prove God wrong, thus erasing everything He/She has created.

Bethany's reluctant allies in her quest include Chris Rock as Rufus, the unrecorded 13th apostle, kicked out of Earth, Heaven and history for rightly insisting that Jesus was black; Salma Hayek as a Muse with a heavenly body and a brain to match; and everyone's favorite potheads Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Smith.)

Fiorentino gives yet another great performance, contrasted nicely by Rickman's sad, exasperated angel. Affleck and Damon's menacing twist on their pretty-boy images is genuinely disturbing. Mewes is reliably funny as the imbecilic Jay, and Smith shows perfect comic timing and impressive range as Silent Bob.

The story mostly coasts along on a vast supply of smart-alec wit, but a few scenes rise above the rest: an unnerving parking-garage confrontation between Affleck and Damon, and a quiet lakeside chat between Fiorentino and Rickman. "Dogma" also scores points for keeping most of its script's excessive violence stylishly offscreen.

Bottom line: "Dogma" is not a well-made film, but it is a good one. You will laugh loudly and often, and come away with a greater respect for the power of faith and the importance of believing in something greater than yourself.

Film fans take note: in October 2000 View Askew will release the "collector's edition" of this film, with more than an hour of cut footage and plenty of other extra goodies.

BOLDLY CYNICAL (AND OCCASIONALLY FUNNY) LOCKER-ROOM PRATTLE
As a sweet bite of blaspemy this Kevin Smith stinker may do fine, supported by a star-studded cast and a crunchily inventive premise to sink our collective teeth into the heart of Catholicism.

But it is amusing to see a horde of reviewers call this clever and thoughtful. Sorry folks, the film's troop of eccentric characters do very little to bail it out of its convoluted ramble about theology.

When it comes to intellectual muck-raking, the film with its doozy "loophole" simply drowns under the weight of diminishing returns. Religion is not an intellectual exercise, it's role is to fulfill spiritual, psychological and emotional needs in our lives. A person needs his world to make some sense to them, and religion can comfort with answers that science can not yet provide.

If on the other hand you're game for some tongue-in-cheek degenerative humor (for example, giant monsters of bubbling human excrement) sure, this may be right up your alley. Just make sure you have plenty of time as the circus goes on for a while.

dogma is cosmic law.
two angels,who were kicked out of heaven long ago,find a loop-hole so they may return.they need to go to new jersey.jay and silent bob go with the last zion,the 13th apostle rufis-left out of the bible because hes black,and the muse join forces to prevent this for if the angels get to heaven all creation will go poof!it stars matt damon and ben affleck as the 2 angels.alanis morriseete as god,chris rock is rufis and even george carlin as a bishop in the church.of the jay and silent bob movies it ranks second id say,but a lot of people say its the best also.it is the best religious based movie of all time!however,it will piss off all church goers.no naked chicks in this one either.chris rock,although normaly one of the most obnoxious racist bigots alive,actualy doesnt bitch too much in this one.he does make a good point that if there is a christian god-and lets face it theres probaly not-hes black.why would he be anything else?the world started in AFRica right?i abselutely love this movie!

Didn't live up to the hype
The idea of skewering the Catholic Church is not new. Nor is it particularly "brave", since they're supposed to love their persecutors. I'm still waiting for the "brave" film that skewers, say, militant Islam. Yeah, you kind of lose your courage when you might actually get hurt.

Anyway. The general hype looked promising. A film that pokes fun at Catholicism. I popped in the DVD and waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Let's see: there were excrement demons, a black apostle, some homicidal angels ... but where was the satire?

It's a shame. This film would have worked better as a comedy. That is, if the writer/director(s) had said, hey, let's make this humorous. Throw in some jokes, some laughs. After all, they had Chris Rock. The idea of a black apostle is sort of funny; why not make it intentionally funny? They had George Carlin; why not make him say some funny lines? Why not have those two *write* some funny lines?

But no. As it is, I'm not sure what the film really is. The heroine's deadpan, bored delivery might be a clue.

Apparently some viewers thought it was a satire or comedy, but perhaps it's sarcasm. Or just plain meanness, trying to convince others to suffer through this tedious film. Or maybe - maybe they really thought it was funny - no, wait, I'm starting to entertain really wacky thoughts here.

Borrow, don't buy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Writer-director Kevin Smith revives the characters of his indie classic film Clerks for this animated series created for network television. Though it aired for just two episodes on TV, the two-disc set has all six episodes plus a bevy of special features.

The episodes feature store clerks Dante and Randal and their ongoing adventures among the shelves of your local corner store. Never far from the epicenter of these adventures are the irreverent Jay and Silent Bob. Whether it's getting trapped in the walk-in cooler, attending their high school reunion, or fighting rival Leonardo Leonardo (who wants to dominate the local Quick Mart market), Clerks spoofs TV and movies with mocking pop-culture jokes and cameos by a number of celebrities. Ultimately, though, Clerks: The Animated Series suffers at the hands of network censors, lacking the obnoxious punch that made Clerks the film so offbeat and amusing.

Smith doesn't disappoint, however, with the inclusion of a number of special features on the DVD set, most notably the ever-insightful director's commentary with guests Jason Mewes (Jay), Brian O'Halloran (Dante), and Jeff Anderson (Randal).So while the series itself may be ill-fated, featurette on the making of the animated series--including storyboards and information on character development and the comic book influence on the drawing style--make this a robust offering for Kevin Smith completists. --Adam Medros ... Read more

Reviews (126)

Better than the movie.
"Clerks", "Clerks Uncensored", or "Clerks The Animated Series" (what it's widely called), is obviously a take-off from the very popular View Askew film of the same name, only it's animated and lots of things are changed. In some ways, these changes are for the better. In other ways, these changes can be quite annoying or they may not even effect you one bit. I actually watched the "Clerks Uncensored" two-disc DVD set before I even watched the Clerks movie, so I didn't even notice these changes. Anyway, as I've mentioned before in my Clerks the movie review, I just didn't find it to be very funny. The show, on the other hand, was filled with moments that were simply hilarious.

I loved each episode of it and I curse ABC for canceling it after only two episodes. ABC is really the reason why some people didn't like the show. ABC forced the creators to change just about everything that made Clerks what it was. For instance, in the Kevin Smith movies, Jay & Silent Bob are drug dealers, whilst in the show, they are firecracker salesman. Jay & Silent Bob are still pretty funny, but it's weird to see them put in such a ridiculous means of employment.

Overall, I seem to like the show of Clerks better than the movie itself and enjoyed how Charles Barkley was almost in every episode. If you're looking for a show that is just like the movie, you won't find it here. However, if you're looking for a show that is pretty funny and you're open-minded about it, then I'm willing to bet that you'll like this show.

Right Before They "Strike Back", They Got "Drawn Out"
Oh boy, it's Clerks time again! But this time it looks like they were watching alot of "Superfriends" & "Scooby-Doo" in the process. "Clerks Uncensored" is the doomed ABC animated prime-time series based on the Cannes winning sleeper-hit film of the same name. What is the best thing about this six episode, double-disc set is hard to say. It might be because all four leads from the original film voice the show: Brian O'Halloran & Jeff Anderson as Dante & Randall with Jason Mewes and Clerks creator/overlord Kevin Smith as Jay And Silent Bob (though as usual, Kevin is "Rarely Heard, Often Seen".) Or it could be that these six great shows that they made, only two of them ever actually made it to air! It could be even that the animation is actually pretty top-notch, unlike the countless animated drivel that was on the other networks at the time. I guess it's too bad that there's only these six, it would of being great if the show had more, but the ownership of them is well worth it & it comes with many great DVD extras too. The commentary is once again hilarious, with the "slacker-four" and their producers and director. It's actually a very enlightning "behind-the-scenes" roundtable-like discussion of what to do and not to do when making a cartoon and working with a network at the same time. Also, the DVD comes with two featurettes, two trailers (featuring the Smith beloved "Super Bowl" spot), rough animatics of it's character development, and pretty cool menus to boot. I find myself rewatching it more often than alot of my other DVD's, it has great replay value. So if you're a fan of any of the other View Askew films: Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, or especially the cool and hilarious recent release, Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back, you gotta add this to your collection. This is one hellava-toon! So check it out and "Snootch To The Noonch!"......whatever that means.

Just Buy It Already
Everyone else has written reviews explaining what it is, so I won't. Just scroll down to find out. So if you like what they say, buy it. It is only $10 at Best Buy, and goes great with Clerks the movie.

Why did ABC have to pick this show up?
When I first heard Clerks was a cartoon, I had come home and my brother told me that he bought the DVD set. I was supprised to find out Clerks was ever a TV show. I blaim this on ABC. I assume many people did not hear of Clerks the Aminated Series prior to its realse on DVD. I find the show to be almost as good as the movie. It could have been better, had ABC not put restriciotns on it (see comentary of episodes.) The show would be much better off on HBO, or even UPN (once again, see comentary.) This just goes to proves once again that Kevin Smith is a comedic genious. All of movies are classics (this does not include Jersy Girl, I have not seen it yet.) Whether it is the second episode being a flash back episode, or Dante and Randle not leaving the store no matter what exiting things are happening out side the store, every episode is great. It is a shame most of the shows adiance did not know it existed till it came out on dvd and only 6 episodes were made. I also heard that comedy central was supposed to pick up the episodes around the turn of the year. I even think i saw an episode on CC. What happened to that?

better than most of his movies.
i liked this a lot more than jersey girl,chasing amy, dogma, jay and silent bob strike back and even mallrats. abc never should of cancelled it, the only thing i didn't like was in the discreto burrito episode they make fun of quentin tarantino(completely uncalled for and unnecessary)also this "uncensored" thing does'nt mean much. the only thing they'd need to censor (nudity) is censored but other than that, pure genius, almost as good as the film it was based on ... Read more

Reviews (53)

Are You an Audience or Accessory?
Given that the video box includes negative comments of critics ("An ugly, revolting movie," the San Francisco Chronicle), "Vulgar" practically dares you to watch it. If you accept the challenge, you'll be enduring an unpleasant 86 minutes in a world filled with sad and/or vile people leading miserable lives. The main character (played by Brian O'Halloran, from "Clerks") is about the most likeable of the bunch, and he's a pathetic loser. Watching him stumble from one indignity to the next (culminating in a gang rape by a father and his half-wit sons, the movie's most sickening - yet most effective - scenes), he seems a likely candidate for suicide. Instead, though, he finds success when, in a rare moment of courage, he rescues a little girl from her gun-weilding father. But with success comes blackmail and, ultimately, revenge.

This cheaply made movie (which "Dogma" writer-director Kevin Smith helped produce and has a small role in as well) is not without its merits. The script is better than you might expect and writer-director Bryan Johnson shows a knack for conveying the obscenities of human behavior, showing just enough to make our flesh crawl (though he may have shown more in the unrated version). But the acting is second rate (it should be noted, however, that O'Halloran delivers a fearless performance) and you never buy the main character's success as a syndicated children's TV star. There have been public access shows with higher production values. And even when it seems justice is served, it's hardly triumphant. By the end of this movie you're left feeling less like an audience member and more like an accessory to a crime.

Whoa...
Firstly, there's something I must make clear. Vulgar is NOT a Kevin Smith movie, despite it being a View Askew movie. Kevin Smith co-executive produced it and played a bit role, but he did NOT write or direct it - Bryan Johnson did.

That said, I was quite impressed. I rented it not really knowing what to expect; I mean, the only View Askew works I'd seen thus far were Kevin Smith's, but I could tell this would not be the same comedy fare just by looking at the cover. I think it's important that you do not expect to laugh while watching this movie; there are a handful of funny scenes, but that's not really what Vulgar is about.

Brian O'Halloran gives an amazing performance in this movie; I don't think many actors would be brave enough to take on the role of Flappy/Vulgar. For the most part, all the actors are very believable, which is necessary in a film portraying a reality this stark. The cinematography was superb, and the script was well-thought out and solid. Some of the sets were a little drab and lackluster, but I won't hold that against it... hey, it's an indie film.

All that said, Vulgar is a twistedly brilliant film, but it's not for the faint of heart. The final 10 minutes of the film really had my blood pumping - kept me guessing. I recommend you rent it first and test the waters before you buy it.

GOd what was smith thinking
Normally, i love kevin smith and think movies like dogma are masterpieces. I have read from other movies that kevin smith did not actually write this which would fiqure why it is nothing like any of his other movies. WHile this movie did not offend me, it is dark and disturbing and not for the light of heart. This movie is total crap, why the hell did kevin smith even co produce this? Save yourself the one dollar it costs to rent this and see a classic like dogma or jay and slient bob strike back

STUPID...CHEAP...DISGUSTING...HORRIBLY ACTED/DIRECTED
This is the 1st movie that I've ever purchased and after viewing IMMEDIATELY put in the trash can. Normally I would at least resell the item, but I don't wish to put another person through such an sloppy attempt at a film. I love a good indi film, art-house film, or slightly-off film...this movie is NONE these. In a nuthouse, it SUX!!!

Tell Em Steve Dave
This movie is almost unwatchable. And this is coming from a huge view askew fan. I even own Drawing Flies. But the only thing good about this disc is the Dogma Documentary that Columbia Tri-Star was too chicken to put out on the Dogma DVD. Some people might like this movie
but I doubt many will. There's not much of a point to it all.
After watching the movie I had a weird feeling. Because
I never got bored watching Vulgar,Nor did I feel a need to ever
see it again.

Hopefully We can get Kevin Smith to change his mind about the end of Jay and Silent Bob. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Dogma
Kevin Smith is a conundrum of a filmmaker: he's a writer with brilliant, clever ideas who can't set up a simple shot to save his life. It was fine back when Smith was making low-budget films like Clerks and Chasing Amy, both of which had an amiable, grungy feel to them, but now that he's a rising director who's attracting top talent and tackling bigger themes, it might behoove him to polish his filmmaking. That's the main problem with Dogma--it's an ambitious, funny, aggressively intelligent film about modern-day religion, but while Smith's writing has matured significantly (anyone who thinks he's not topnotch should take a look at Chasing Amy), his direction hasn't. It's too bad, because Dogma is ripe for near-classic status in its theological satire, which is hardly as blasphemous as the protests that greeted the movie would lead you to believe.Two banished angels (Ben Affleck and Matt Damon) have discovered a loophole that would allow them back into heaven; problem is, they'd destroy civilization in the process by proving God fallible. It's up to Bethany (Linda Fiorentino), a lapsed Catholic who works in an abortion clinic, to save the day, with some help from two so-called prophets (Smith and Jason Mewes, as their perennial characters Jay and Silent Bob), the heretofore unknown 13th apostle (Chris Rock), and a sexy, heavenly muse (the sublime Salma Hayek, who almost single-handedly steals the film). In some ways Dogma is a shaggy dog of a road movie--which hits a comic peak when Affleck and Fiorentino banter drunkenly on a train to New Jersey, not realizing they're mortal enemies--and segues into a comedy-action flick as the vengeful angels (who have a taste for blood) try to make their way into heaven. Smith's cast is exceptional--with Fiorentino lending a sardonic gravity to the proceedings, and Jason Lee smirking evilly as the horned devil Azrael--and the film shuffles good-naturedly to its climax (featuring Alanis Morissette as a beatifically silent God), but it just looks so unrelentingly... subpar. Credit Smith with being a daring writer but a less-than-stellar director. --Mark Englehart

An Evening with Kevin Smith
To know the origin of "Snoochie-Boochies," you must spend An Evening with Kevin Smith. The Jersey-bred auteur of low-budget comedy proves equally adept as an uncensored raconteur, regaling five college audiences--his most devoted demographic--in this two-disc compilation of lively Q&A. Sporting his trademark slacker garb, Smith occasionally bites the loyal, sometimes moronic hands that feed him (as a result, audience participation is drop-dead hilarious), but he's arguably the most publicly and personally honest filmmaker to survive the insanity of Hollywood. His best stories lift the veil of show-biz decorum, describing absurd meetings with studio executives over his ill-fated screenplay Superman Lives; razzing the artsy pretensions of director Tim Burton; or exposing Prince (who hired him to direct a never-completed documentary) as a self-absorbed Jesus freak. These attacks aren't baseless; Smith's too smartly good-natured to provoke without purpose, and with an onstage visit by Jason Mewes ("Jay" to Smith's "Silent Bob"), this ribald, sharply assembled Evening compares favorably to Richard Pryor with its outrageous blend of comedy and candor. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Description

ALIEN SEX PARTY is a comic frenzy filled with sex, music,science fiction and all combinations thereof. In an adultvideo store on Christmas Eve we join Joe (the befuddled owner who is terrified of his own merchandise), Adam (an employee who spouts indignation on all subjects) and Tina(a woman whose unabashed promiscuity lends itself well tothe locale). There are also dancing security guards, mad bombers, Trekkies, porn-obsessed freaks, musical numbers,porn star cameos and appearances by dildo-festoonedexecutive producer Moby, all proving that that sex is notcrime and that the Christmas spirit can be found anywhere. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A Party-Full of Fun
I saw this movie twice while it was in the theater and loved it both times. The filmmakers take the enclosed area of a sex shop on Christmas Eve and proceed to create a world of characters that extends far beyond your expectations. The style of the film is - self-consciously - like Clerks, but don't be fooled into thinking this is a mere rerun. This movie is unique, and sports a combination of personal histories, mysteries, cameos, as well as musical numbers that will beg you to sing along. This is, hands-down, one of the most unashamedly fun movies I've ever seen.

Brilliant, but for other reasons.
I have seen this film at several screenings. I was at the "crew only" screening at Show World last year and I have a bootleg vhs. I say that I think this film is oddly brilliant because I have started to see something deep in it. I know that this is like saying I saw something deep in "Meatballs". But I started to see the film like Cremaster 3. (most of you reading this won't understand the reference, but you should) The filmmakers took over a space much like the MOMA and recontextualised everything. They subvert the paridigms of everything they present. From the theme to the subject. They even subvert their own references to CLERKS! Then at the end, there is almost an homage to Mr. Barney's film. The filmmakers present their characters from the film in perfect pagentesque form by parading all of the characters once again during the Christmas dinner. I would be suprised of one or two of these filmmakers didn't go to art school. We know that MOBY is friends with BJORK. Was this a little reference to her significant other? I think so. This is a sneaky art film disguised as a comedy.

makes my heart warm!
what a fun comedy!
i've watched it many many times and will watch it many many more.
hilarious spot-humor, great overall humor, wonderful musical numbers, great cameos, fun characters, etc. etc. etc.!
this dvd is so packed full of bonus stuff it's an amazing deal! there's a bunch of eastereggs and the like on it too, some of which have been posted by reviewers, and i think they're all going to get listed on http://www.aliensexparty.com/ at some point. i can't wait for that.
i think everyone should buy this amazing video disc!

Brilliant indie film.
I caught both screenings of this in Boston. It was so good I had to go back. I still get the song from the movie stuck in my head occasionally.

It's a great film and DAMN funny. Great script, great cast, great everything.

Just buy the damn thing and watch it.

FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY
This is a great movie that made me laugh from beginning to end. Funny script, great direction and an original soundtrack that is genius. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Quirky dark comedy
I saw this movie at a film festival and Brian O'Halloran (who played Dante in Clerks) introduced it. He is really a funny guy, both onscreen and off. This movie has him in another bizarre, dark and yet funny role, and he was lots of fun to watch. The real surpise of the movie was past "Big Brother" winner Eddie McGee, who can actually act (!) and was hilariously funny as the slightly unusual sidekick. I love that the fact that he has only one leg was hardly mentioned because it just wasn't important to the role. I would recommend this movie, especially to Kevin Smith movie fans. ... Read more

Reviews (53)

Are You an Audience or Accessory?
Given that the video box includes negative comments of critics ("An ugly, revolting movie," the San Francisco Chronicle), "Vulgar" practically dares you to watch it. If you accept the challenge, you'll be enduring an unpleasant 86 minutes in a world filled with sad and/or vile people leading miserable lives. The main character (played by Brian O'Halloran, from "Clerks") is about the most likeable of the bunch, and he's a pathetic loser. Watching him stumble from one indignity to the next (culminating in a gang rape by a father and his half-wit sons, the movie's most sickening - yet most effective - scenes), he seems a likely candidate for suicide. Instead, though, he finds success when, in a rare moment of courage, he rescues a little girl from her gun-weilding father. But with success comes blackmail and, ultimately, revenge.

This cheaply made movie (which "Dogma" writer-director Kevin Smith helped produce and has a small role in as well) is not without its merits. The script is better than you might expect and writer-director Bryan Johnson shows a knack for conveying the obscenities of human behavior, showing just enough to make our flesh crawl (though he may have shown more in the unrated version). But the acting is second rate (it should be noted, however, that O'Halloran delivers a fearless performance) and you never buy the main character's success as a syndicated children's TV star. There have been public access shows with higher production values. And even when it seems justice is served, it's hardly triumphant. By the end of this movie you're left feeling less like an audience member and more like an accessory to a crime.

Whoa...
Firstly, there's something I must make clear. Vulgar is NOT a Kevin Smith movie, despite it being a View Askew movie. Kevin Smith co-executive produced it and played a bit role, but he did NOT write or direct it - Bryan Johnson did.

That said, I was quite impressed. I rented it not really knowing what to expect; I mean, the only View Askew works I'd seen thus far were Kevin Smith's, but I could tell this would not be the same comedy fare just by looking at the cover. I think it's important that you do not expect to laugh while watching this movie; there are a handful of funny scenes, but that's not really what Vulgar is about.

Brian O'Halloran gives an amazing performance in this movie; I don't think many actors would be brave enough to take on the role of Flappy/Vulgar. For the most part, all the actors are very believable, which is necessary in a film portraying a reality this stark. The cinematography was superb, and the script was well-thought out and solid. Some of the sets were a little drab and lackluster, but I won't hold that against it... hey, it's an indie film.

All that said, Vulgar is a twistedly brilliant film, but it's not for the faint of heart. The final 10 minutes of the film really had my blood pumping - kept me guessing. I recommend you rent it first and test the waters before you buy it.

GOd what was smith thinking
Normally, i love kevin smith and think movies like dogma are masterpieces. I have read from other movies that kevin smith did not actually write this which would fiqure why it is nothing like any of his other movies. WHile this movie did not offend me, it is dark and disturbing and not for the light of heart. This movie is total crap, why the hell did kevin smith even co produce this? Save yourself the one dollar it costs to rent this and see a classic like dogma or jay and slient bob strike back

STUPID...CHEAP...DISGUSTING...HORRIBLY ACTED/DIRECTED
This is the 1st movie that I've ever purchased and after viewing IMMEDIATELY put in the trash can. Normally I would at least resell the item, but I don't wish to put another person through such an sloppy attempt at a film. I love a good indi film, art-house film, or slightly-off film...this movie is NONE these. In a nuthouse, it SUX!!!

Tell Em Steve Dave
This movie is almost unwatchable. And this is coming from a huge view askew fan. I even own Drawing Flies. But the only thing good about this disc is the Dogma Documentary that Columbia Tri-Star was too chicken to put out on the Dogma DVD. Some people might like this movie
but I doubt many will. There's not much of a point to it all.
After watching the movie I had a weird feeling. Because
I never got bored watching Vulgar,Nor did I feel a need to ever
see it again.

Hopefully We can get Kevin Smith to change his mind about the end of Jay and Silent Bob. ... Read more