Director Kevin Smith’s fans showed up in droves to the Esquire Theatre last Saturday night to witness a sneak preview of Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.
They came to gobble up an extra large helping of the sick humor guaranteed by characters Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith).
We’ve seen comic duos similar to Jay and Silent Bob experience similar onscreen predicaments in films like Dumb and Dumber and Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
This duo, however, has accrued a massive fan-base before they even starred in their own movie.
In addition to appearing in Smith’s other films, the pair has appeared in comic books and is the subject of many an online obsession-for good or bad.
All of these aforementioned fun facts basically summarize the plot of this film.
Jay and Silent Bob get kicked off their drug-dealing post in front of the Quick Stop convenience store (a traumatic event).
Then they discover that their likenesses are being used in a movie production without their consent.
A cross-country voyage ensues, during which Jay falls in love with a criminal named Justice (Shannon Elizabeth) and Silent Bob befriends Suzanne the orangutan of Mallrats fame.
Of what fame? you may ask. Well, that’s the thing. If you plan on seeing Jay and Silent Bob and you haven’t seen Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy and Dogma, you’re going to miss most of the decent humor in this movie.
The dozens of references to Smith’s movies and to the culture surrounding his creations were witty and imaginative. Also, the dozens of cameo appearances by the likes of Chris Rock and Carrie Fischer are amusing. The disgusting jokes, sexual innuendos and juvenile tone of the movie were tired.
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back has come under criticism for being homophobic, and though Smith did not apologize he did make a generous donation to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation per their request. Smith’s unapologetic attitude reflected in his films can be perceived as either obnoxious or genuine.
If you loved Smith’s other films and don’t mind a mess of profanity, you’ll enjoy this movie.
On the other hand. if you’ve always thought that Jay was an obnoxious character, and that Silent Bob isn’t charming but superfluous and shallow, don’t ignore your intuitions like I did.
You’ll get what you deserve.
Grade: C
