Clerks 2

After releasing the tame Jersey Girl last year, there were many who were concerned that Kevin Smith could not return to the edgy, abrasive, and hysterical style of comedy that he had made a career out of, whether it revolved around shitty day jobs (Clerks), a man's sexual immaturity (Chasing Amy), religion (Dogma), or just a fun romp in witty vulgarity (Jay and Silent Bob, Mallrats). Fear not Smith fans, for Smith's latest venture, Clerks 2, is easily his best film since Chasing Amy, and may even be better. The movie gives us a look at slacker heroes Dante and Randal 12 years later, and they have grown from angry twentysomethings to bitter men in their 30s. Due to an accident at Quick Stop and RST Video they are no employeed at Mooby's, a McDonalds type restaurant that has appeared in many of Kevin's previous entries. The story revolves around the boys longing for a better life and wanting to change, and the path they take to do so. Once again Brian O'Halloran and Jeff Anderson are gut-wrenchingly funny, especially Anderson as the politically incorrect asshole you can't help but wish was your own friend. Adding an extra shine to the movie is Trevor Fehrman, who plays the new third member of the group, a sheltered conservative teenager with very disturbing views on sexual relationships. Rosario Dawson and Jen Schwalbach (Kev's wife) also do well in their respective roles. This film proves Kevin has not lost any of his edge; in fact the backlash after Jersey Girl just might have given him more.