Blu-ray Review: ‘Clerk’

by | Sep 25, 2023 | Featured, Movie Reviews, Movies | 0 comments

Greetings again from the darkness. Despite his 30-year career and devotion to independent cinema, none of writer-director Kevin Smith’s films have ever really clicked with me. Because of this, I was hesitant to review Malcolm Ingram’s documentary on the filmmaker whose rabid fan base adores him. What a pleasure (and relief) to report that it turns out Kevin Smith is much more likable and relatable than his movies, at least for me.

Ingram includes the family of the man from New Jersey, and we hear from Smith’s mother, his brother, and his daughter. Smith explains that it was his father who had the most influence, regularly taking him to the theater as a youngster. Kicking things off is a 1992 video Smith recorded for his parents prior to taking off for film school. Despite his ultimately dropping out of school so he could make movies, the brief clip shows respect and appreciation for parents who were so supportive.

For most of two hours, we proceed chronologically through Kevin Smith’s life and career, and yes, Ingram has rounded up the usual suspects: Jason Mewes, Scott Mosier (Mr Get-it-done), Joey Lauren Adams, Betty Aberlin, Walter Flanagan, Brian O’Halloran, and others in this group (or is it troupe?) of regulars. Adding glitz to the proceedings are interviews with Stan Lee, Penn Jillette, Richard Linklater, and Jason Reitman, reinforcing Smith’s connection to mainstream Hollywood, as well as his beloved comic book community.

Of course, it was the Sundance Film Festival in 1994 when everything changed for Kevin Smith. His debut feature film, CLERKS, was warmly received, and he was aptly described as a blend of Howard Stern and David Mamet. ‘Warmly received’ is a bit of an understatement, as Smith basically exploded onto the scene as the next big filmmaker to watch. As has happened so often to others, he discovered that building on that initial success is a bit more complicated.

Smith’s body of work includes MALLRATS (1995), CHASING AMY (1997), DOGMA (1999), JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK (2001), JERSEY GIRL (2004), CLERKS II (2006), ZACH AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO (2008), and RED STATE (2011). For many, that would be a wrap on a solid career, however, Smith continues to be involved with TV series and feature films, and in a twist, he evolved into a highly sought after public speaker via a couple of routes: “An Evening with Kevin Smith” and Smodcast, his podcast where no topic is really off limits.

We pick up so many surprising tidbits during this film. Smith has always been a prolific writer, leaving many in awe of his talent. He was annoyed that his job at the video store turned into far more time and responsibility at the adjacent Quick Stop Convenience Store (yes that one). Seth Rogen turned him onto weed … OK, so that one is not so surprising. Smith speaks to his regret upon learning the truth about Harvey Weinstein, whose Miramax backed so many of his projects. A 2018 heart attack didn’t kill him, yet did change him. We also hear from his actor-daughter Harley Quinn Smith who clearly admires her dad, and avoids any fashion commentary on his ever-present hockey sweaters. Kevin Smith is a guy who has found many ways to connect with fans (and make new ones), making him a guy who would never say, “I’m not even supposed to be here today.” Malcolm Ingram has effectively balanced a career retrospective with a character study, and it turns out the character is pretty cool.

Available September 26, 2023 on https://www.mercantileinstinct.com/

David Ferguson
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