A Ranking/Review of all 7 films in Kevin Smith's "View Askewniverse"
- Sam Tarter
- May 2, 2020
- 7 min read
Long before Sam Jackson and Robert Downey Jr. were appearing at the end of Marvel movies, Kevin Smith was sowing the seeds of the future with his own interconnected cinematic universe, cleverly entitled the “View Askewniverse”, after his film and television production company. Filled to the brim with references, meta humor, and cameos from stoner icons Jay and Silent Bob, the View Askew movies are a cornerstone of independent film and the every-man media. Spanning three decades, starting with cult classic “Clerks” and Smith’s most recent addition “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot”, here are my rankings of Kevin Smith’s seven movies in the “View Askewniverse” from worst to best.
7 — Jay and Silent Bob Reboot
13 years after their last adventure in “Clerks 2”, lifelong best friends Jay and Silent Bob return to stop a reboot of their original Bluntman and Chronic movie from being made all over again. Throughout their road trip to Los Angeles’ “Chronic Con”, Jay meets his long lost daughter (played by Smith’s own daughter), and the duo learn a bit more about how it's never too late to start a new life.
The newest chapter in the series is not a bad film, per say, but certainly not one I am eager to watch again. By far one of the most ambitious films in Smith’s career, “Reboot” is a prime example of why bigger is not always better, and why throwing every joke and concept into a script won’t always make for the best outcome.
Smith’s conversation about fatherhood and the sacrifices Dads make for their kids is a nice and enjoyable addition, but it doesn’t save a movie that doesn’t quite know if it wants to keep with the nerd and geek jokes or grow into something more. Despite many of the jokes falling flat, there is still plenty to love: Kevin Smith poking fun at the failures and pitfalls of his own filmography, references to his and Silent Bob’s weight loss and new vegan lifestyle, more fourth-wall breaks and meta humor than a Deadpool movie, along with some of the most laugh out loud and smile inducing cameos in a movie to date. The 5-minute long ‘sequel’ to “Chasing Amy” and Loki’s return after “Dogma” are prime examples of why both Ben Affleck and Matt Damon deserve more comedy roles together.
Although it is a bit slow and tries a bit too hard, “Reboot” is peak B-movie content, and is intended for more die hard Jay and Silent Bob fans, which is by no means a bad thing.
Rating: 6/10.
Best line: “See Dante over there? For 25 years we’ve been coming here and putting gum in the locks” — Jay.
6 — Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
In the original crossover movie, Jay and Silent Bob take center stage after being kicked off the Quick Stop sidewalk, where they soon plan a trip to LA to stop the Bluntman and Chronic movie (characters that they inspired) from finishing production.
While the plot is a bit misguided, the film succeeds at being exactly what it is meant to be: a rambunctious, stoner B-movie that is a love letter to Kevin Smith fans. With too many celebrity cameos to count, surprisingly accurate predictions of fanboy culture on the internet, and parodies of other cinematic universes and filmmaking cliches, “Jay and SIlent Bob Strike Back” is a unique, albeit untimely conclusion of Kevin Smith’s filmography.
Despite the film being a pretty easy going flick, its pacing flaws and some absurd humor that doesn’t land make it evident why it wasn’t the original culmination of the View Askewniverse, and why (hopefully) Kevin Smith plans to end his saga with more of a bang.
Rating: 6/10
Best (and least vulgar) Line: “See? I told you that restraining order was a good idea” — Randall Graves.
5 — Mallrats
A somewhat-sequel to Clerks, “Mallrats” is less independent art, and more of a fun passion project after Smith’s career skyrocketed.
On the same day, best friends Brodie and T.S. are dumped by their girlfriends. To distract each other, they head to the local mall for food courts and comic books, but with the help of Jay and Silent Bob, they soon develop a plan to win both of their girls back, all while being chased down by T.S.’ future father-in-law (played by a pre-MCU Michael Rooker).
Along with proving Jason Lee as a very underrated comedian, this movie is most memorable for the original Stan Lee cameo, the pre-MCU comic book jokes, and running gag of Jay and Silent Bob vs a security guard. Beyond that, the characters aren’t as memorable, and you don’t spend enough time with a single one to care too much or root for them (with the exception of Lee’s outrageous Brodie Brooks). Coming right after “Clerks”, I can see why “Mallrats” wasn’t adored by critics or audiences right out of the gate. But it's witty humor and smart script prove why it's since become a midnight movie cult classic.
Rating: 7/10.
Best Line: “Trust me, True Believer” — Stan Lee.
4 — Clerks II
Trading their black and white, convenience store aesthetic for a cheaply-colored fast food restaurant, “Clerks II” checks back with lifelong friends Dante and Randall after their coveted Quick Stop burns down.
12 years after the original, the sequel maintains the same witty and offbeat comedy of the original, while telling another absurd but nonchalant day in the life of the New Jersey duo. Despite having a few jokes that go too far and one very annoying coworker character, “Clerks II” earns a rare spot alongside sequels that contribute to the original, feeling earned and necessary, instead of repetitive. The dialogue between Randall and Dante in the jail cell may be one of Smith’s best pieces of screenwriting to date, and Rosario Dawson’s portrayal as a cliche-defying love interest makes up for a mostly male oriented cast.
The only major flaw keeping it from being on par with the original is the change of setting; something about yellow and purple being in nearly every shot made me feel uncomfortable, like I too was stuck in a run down chain restaurant. Another flaw I kept in mind was the lack of change and development of characters between films, despite the long passage of time that could’ve made up for some growth or change in mannerisms, something that doesn’t happen until the very end of the film.
It is a good film, but it couldn’t stand up to the original. Here's hoping that the upcoming “Clerks III” can give us one last hurrah at the Quick Stop.
Rating: 7/10
Best Line: “Alright, look. There's only one Return, ok, and it ain't of the King, it's of the Jedi” — Randall Graves.
3 — Dogma
Who would have thought that an original commentary on Catholicism would be one of Smith’s more personal and funniest films.
Featuring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon (post “Good Will Hunting”) as fallen-angels Bartleby and Loki, respectively, “Dogma” tells the story of a descendant of Christ, an unacknowledged 13th apostle, a Muse, and two prophets (Jay and Silent Bob, obviously) as they race against time to stop said angels from accidentally rewriting existence via a “loophole” in Christian dogma. Sure, the plot is a bit complex, but Smith makes up for it with clever dialogue and slight satire, along with great performances and clever reveals, which keep the plot rolling at a breakneck pace, until the final confrontation with God herself, played by Alanis Morisette (and no, that’s not a joke).
By far the most ambitious, creative, unique, and absurd movie of Smith’s filmography, “Dogma” is an underrated comedy gem that is both clever, heartfelt, and has something to say about how we see God, and the true purpose of life.
Rating: 8/10.
Best Line: “Mass genocide is the most exhausting activity one can engage in, next to soccer” — Loki.
2 — Chasing Amy
Smith’s love for comic books and his own life experience shouldn’t mix well into this good of a screenplay, but as the final product reveals, “Chasing Amy” is how to do a romantic-comedy right: have sharp, witty banter with two great leads and something real and profound to say about relationships.
Focusing on Ben Affleck as comic book writer and artist Holden McNeil, “Chasing Amy” details his story of love, loss, confusion, and soul searching as Holden meets the girl of his dreams, Alyssa, only to soon discover that she is a lesbian. Despite the awkward and unrequited circumstances, the two form a strong and intimate friendship. But what starts as an easygoing and welcoming relationship grows more complex, as Holden, not being able to contain his true feelings for Alyssa, confesses his love to her. As the truth becomes more and more clear, Holden realizes the reality of his situation, and he begins questioning his own beliefs, ethics, and understandings of real love.
Out of all of Smith’s films, this is by far the most realistic, personal, and authentic stories he has ever told, since it is based on his own love life and past relationships. Since Smith gives his role of Silent Bob the most sincere line of dialogue in the entire film, it is evident that this was not only a story Smith wanted to tell, but one that he needed to tell. The personal meanings and intentions of the film, along with its great cast and hilarious commentary on love and the LGBT community, are what make it one of my favorites of Smith’s career (but not my all time favorite, as you will soon see).
Rating: 9/10
Best Line: “She was the girl, I know that now. But I pushed her away. So, I've spent every day since then chasing Amy... so to speak” — Silent Bob.
1 — Clerks
The most integral part of a film is the script. Even if you’re shooting on a small, simple set with a mere $30,000 dollars as your budget, you can still make one hell of a movie if your script is superb. Kevin Smith’s directorial debut, “Clerks”, proves that point.
It’s a simple story: two best friends working right next door to each other spend their day serving annoying customers and arguing over movies, philosophy, and their love lives. While Randall slacks off and shoes off irritating customers, Dante stays loyal to his button-pushing job, even on the day that he was supposed to be off. Despite living a simple, routine life, this day for the duo is anything but normal, as they attend a funeral, play hockey on the roof, and Dante struggles with his attraction to current girlfriend, Veronica, and his longing for former girlfriend, Caitlin.
With running gags like shoe polish and 37, the introductions of View Askew icons Jay and Silent Bob, and a witty, hilarious script with some of the best banter and dialogue put to screen, there’s a reason why “Clerks” is still the most quotable, most laugh out loud, and the very best View Askewniverse flick that Kevin Smith has offered.
Sometimes you just can’t beat the original.
Rating: 10/10.
Best Line: “I'm not even supposed to be here today!” — Dante Hicks.
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