Clerks 2 - The release date is almost here...

[Downhome 0]

This flick hits on July 21st, and I can't wait.

 

First, this:

 

http://www.clerks2.com/trainwreck/index.php

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_PZNBjB0_A

 

An 8 Minute Standing Ovation!

 

Last night, we debuted “Clerks II” at the Cannes Film Festival.

 

WireImage.com’s pics of the cast/crew arrival at the Palais, as well as pics from pre-and-post show.

 

With all the vitriol surrounding some of the press screenings of flicks there this year, I was pretty terrified “Clerks II”, also, might be greeted by a chorus of French Boos (and I ain’t talking about champagne).

 

However, after last night, I say “VIVA LA FRANCE!”

 

When the flick ended and the credits started rolling, a standing ovation began that lasted a full eight minutes. It was surreal and wonderful, and it just kept going and going. I looked to Harvey (Weinstein, our boss), that old Cannes war-horse, to see if the cast and I should start heading out of the theater: as it was two in the morning and the applause wasn’t showing any signs of stopping. But from two aisles back, he responded with a waving “No” finger at me, mouthing the words “Don’t move.” So we all stayed put.

 

By the time the credits ended, I figured the audience was done applauding as well.

 

But they weren’t.

 

They just kept on clapping. And thankfully, not only did Zack and Joey get the whole thing on tape to prove it all happened (watch for it in a new “Train Wreck” video blog, up this weekend), but Roger Friedman over at Fox411 was there was well, documenting what I have to say was one of the twenty most amazing moments of my life.

 

Read Roger’s Piece, “Clerks II Delights Cannes”, right here. But be warned: it also contains a very positive review of the flick that gives away some major plot points. SPOILERS ABOUND!

 

The applause finally stopped after eight minutes. Harvey was over the moon about it. “In my thirty years of coming here, I’ve never seen a standing ovation last that long at a midnight show in Cannes,” he said. “Ever.”

 

En route to the theater, I prayed that the notoriously fickle Cannes’ audience wouldn’t boo the flick. During the screening, I prayed that the film would keep playing as gang-busters as it had been playing up ’til that point, and that the audience stayed with us, rather than succumb to mid-flick naps. After the screening, I started praying that I never forget that insanely special moment that I shared with Jeff, Brian, Rosario, Mos and Jen - when time seemed to stand still, and at the world’s most famous film festival, we all stared wide-eyed (and wider-smiled) at a room-full of cats staring back at us (with equally wide smiles and palms cooked red from non-stop applause) who really, really “got” what we were trying to communicate with “Clerks II”.

 

Life comes down to a few major moments. Last night was definitely one of them.

 

“Clerks II” - July 21, in theaters everywhere.

 

And to keep everyone excited, check this bit out from DAVISDVD.com:

 

If this turns out to be true, then Kevin Smith is an unquestionable genius: entertainment website JoBlo.com is reporting that Smith has already recorded an audio commentary track for his upcoming film Clerks II. "So what?" you say? The commentary will be available as a free download to your iPod or similar MP3 player, after which you can listen to the track as you watch the film in the theater! Yes, you read right... an In-Theater Director Audio Commentary. Absolutely brilliant! Not only will you get twice the entertainment, Smith will get twice the repeat business as fans go back for the commentary screening. Ka-ching indeed. Stay tuned for more more details soon. Clerks II opens in theaters on July 21st.

[Mole 0]

Standing ovation means nothing to me. These film festivals give standing ovations all the time.

 

The fact it is in color annoys me more than anything.

[Angle-plex 0]

I loathe Rosario Dawson.

[Sideburnious 0]

Standing ovation for 8 minutes is a good sign though. Sure the Europeans do pretty much do it for a few films, but not 8 minutes. Any news on an American/ European release date?

[SuperJerk 0]

The fact it is in color annoys me more than anything.

You're not the only one.

[Sideburnious 0]

It's a sequal, not a remake. Making it black and white would almost be like he's trying to re-do the original

[SuperJerk 0]

It's a sequal, not a remake. Making it black and white would almost be like he's trying to re-do the original

 

I think the fact that the movie is called Clerks 2 is enough of an indication that its a sequel. I doubt anyone's going to go to the theater and say "God damn it! I wanted to see the exact same movie a second time with the exact same cast!" just because its in black and white.

[Sideburnious 0]

Yeah, but for example Evil Dead 2 was considered to be a remake by some.

Whats the harm in it being in colour when he's only made his first film in black and white. Would people really go "God damn it! I wanted to see the movie in black and white a second time with the exact same cast!" just because the first one was

[SuperJerk 0]

The original Clerks being in black and white was part of its charm. While Smith's other movies were set in the same universe, and the characters Dante and Randall did appear in one other movie, this is a revisitation of their story (the one that started it all), not just another trip to the Askewinverse. I feel a continuation of the low-budget visual style would be a benefit to the movie.

[Sideburnious 0]

I do see where you're coming from but personally I think the film (the scenes I've seen) looks great in colour. While I do enjoy black and white, I won't be hard done by the fact it's in colour. I mean he wouldn't sacrifice budget, actors, locations, crew etc for Clerks 2 for the "low-budget feel", I don't see why he would sacrfice colour.

[Guest wildpegasus]

So what's the movie about?

[Guest Brian]

Recording a commentary track is a great way to make tons of money. People go in once to see it blind, and once with the commentary. Brilliant.

[Mole 0]

I do see where you're coming from but personally I think the film (the scenes I've seen) looks great in colour. While I do enjoy black and white, I won't be hard done by the fact it's in colour. I mean he wouldn't sacrifice budget, actors, locations, crew etc for Clerks 2 for the "low-budget feel", I don't see why he would sacrfice colour.

What made the first Clerks so amazing was that it was in black & white. It was as if we were seeing the action through one of surveillance cameras. It would be like Sin City 2 being in all black & white.

[The Ghost of bps21 0]

It's not like they went back and colorized the original.

 

Who cares?

[Mole 0]

It's the principal.

[Golgo 13 0]

It's not like the original is in black & white because of some vaunted artistic vision. It was cheap and a mere coincidence that it happened to work well within the movie, nothing more. There is no principle here.

[SuperJerk 0]

It's not like the original is in black & white because of some vaunted artistic vision. It was cheap and a mere coincidence that it happened to work well within the movie, nothing more. There is no principle here.

Part. Of. Its. CHARM.

[Golgo 13 0]

I was about to write this entire post with periods after each word, but thought better of it. Anyway, that was obviously directed at Mole, who made it seem as if it was intended.

 

As long as the writing is there, much like the first movie which was strong and succeeded because of its script and not just a lucky, fluke coincidence, then who cares. I say that seeking to artificially and falsely recreate that accidental charm is just pandering and fanservice.

 

This is all pointless anyway when things like charm and principle went out the window the minute he decided to make this, regardless of his intentions. He gave in and threw the fans a bone, but didn't go low-budget in regards to production and star power despite fans wanting to see a 'true' Clerks sequel.

 

In fact, the movie almost mirrors Kevin Smith's own growth from indy to mainstream. Dante and Randall leave their old line of work, slaving away for the 'little man' and decide to work at a Mooby Burger, the very definition of corporations, big budgets and selling out, combined with Dante being intent on growing up and leaving his old world behind. Dante perhaps represents Smith himself, while Randall is Smith's fans, given his apparent misgivings on being left behind, maybe Jay and Silent Bob, as well, since they follow Dante there, even.

 

In this way, the colorization makes sense and actually seems intended. If not for Randall, then for Dante leaving the dull world of convenience store life behind, making his way through the colorful world of Mooby Burger and then finally moving on, as the movie represents the parallels to Smith. I don't know if I'm giving Smith too much credit, however. In the end, perhaps in the movie as well, colorization, moving on, etc., isn't as bad as it all seems.

[Celtic Jobber 0]

I loathe Rosario Dawson.

 

 

As do I.

 

I just hope her presence doesn't single-handedly ruin this film for me.

[SuperJerk 0]

I was about to write this entire post with periods after each word, but thought better of it. Anyway, that was obviously directed at Mole, who made it seem as if it was intended.

 

As long as the writing is there, much like the first movie which was strong and succeeded because of its script and not just a lucky, fluke coincidence, then who cares. I say that seeking to artificially and falsely recreate that accidental charm is just pandering and fanservice.

 

This is all pointless anyway when things like charm and principle went out the window the minute he decided to make this, regardless of his intentions. He gave in and threw the fans a bone, but didn't go low-budget in regards to production and star power despite fans wanting to see a 'true' Clerks sequel.

 

In fact, the movie almost mirrors Kevin Smith's own growth from indy to mainstream. Dante and Randall leave their old line of work, slaving away for the 'little man' and decide to work at a Mooby Burger, the very definition of corporations, big budgets and selling out, combined with Dante being intent on growing up and leaving his old world behind. Dante perhaps represents Smith himself, while Randall is Smith's fans, given his apparent misgivings on being left behind, maybe Jay and Silent Bob, as well, since they follow Dante there, even.

 

In this way, the colorization makes sense and actually seems intended. If not for Randall, then for Dante leaving the dull world of convenience store life behind, making his way through the colorful world of Mooby Burger and then finally moving on, as the movie represents the parallels to Smith. I don't know if I'm giving Smith too much credit, however. In the end, perhaps in the movie as well, colorization, moving on, etc., isn't as bad as it all seems.

 

Thanks for the spoiler warning, buddy.

[Golgo 13 0]

Speculation on basic, freely available plot points aren't spoilers, especially when they've been revealed by VA themselves or publications like USA Today.

[Black Lushus 0]

yeah, going color isn't that big of a deal...I'm more worried about it being a continuation of the wacky antics and slapsticky style of JSBSB as opposed to what we got in the first Clerks movie, clever writing and acting.

[CheesalaIsGood 0]

yeah, going color isn't that big of a deal...I'm more worried about it being a continuation of the wacky antics and slapsticky style of JSBSB as opposed to what we got in the first Clerks movie, clever writing and acting.

 

 

 

I doubt it will be like that. Every impression says it'll probably keep the tone of Clerks, you know... just in color.

[DrVenkman PhD 0]

The cartoon from 6 years ago was in colour and was awesome, so who cares (the B&W thing was even referenced).

[Guest Askewniverse]

So what's the movie about?

Two weightlifters who happen to be geeky. One is an aspiring pro-wrestler and the other guy is a big anime fan. They plan to attend a sci-fi convention in Canada, but their initial plans get messed up. Someone breaks into their apartment and steals their money, anime tapes, wrestling tapes, etc. To make things worse, both guys get fired from their respective jobs. Both guys are forced to get a job at the local fast food restaurant in order to raise money to attend the convention.

 

After raising enough money, they go on a road trip to the convention. On the way there, several things happen. Things such as one of the guys "losing" his virginity to a weight bench, the guys being offered roles in a live film adaptation of an anime, getting involved in a pro wrestling match, meeting two girls who turn out to be jewel thieves, etc.

 

So, go see the movie on opening day. And buy the DVD when it's released.

[Mole 0]

I was about to write this entire post with periods after each word, but thought better of it. Anyway, that was obviously directed at Mole, who made it seem as if it was intended.

I know the black and white wasn't intended, but it worked out great the way it came out.

[C Dubya 04 0]

Doing the new movie in black and white would have felt forced to me. Like they were trying to recapture something that wasn't there anymore. I like that they are moving on and going with color.

[cabbageboy 0]

Yeah I could care less that they are doing this one in color. I always assumed the original movie was in B and W due to the extremely low budget. Nothing else Clerks related has been in B and W, not even the Soul Asylum video with the guys.

 

I'm quite looking forward to this movie and I think that its box office performance will surprise some people. In the 5 years since Smith's last movie (no I am not counting Jersey Girl) I think his films have attracted a lot more fans.

[Guest JustPassinBy]

I'm more concerned with how much Randall and Dante have aged. It might seem weird seeing two guys in their now mid to late 30's still working at a convenience store.

 

Clerks was like 12 years ago.

[EricMM 0]

*bangs head against monitor*

 

It's couldn't care less!!!