Clerks III 2022

I still think there was no need for a third "Clerks" film. The second part was actually a satisfying conclusion for Dante and Randal (Brian O'Halloran and Jeff Anderson). However, I can't really blame Kevin Smith for digging up the characters from his debut film again, almost 30 years later. After his own heart attack, Smith obviously had something to say again. The result is a film that is clearly less humorous but much more melancholic than its two predecessors. I hardly ever laughed, but the film did pull me in emotionally.

Acting-wise, O'Halloran and Anderson are still mostly underwhelming. An exception are the scenes they share together as a duo. In these, their chemistry makes for convincing drama. The supporting characters, on the other hand, disappear into the background anyway. The closest thing to a proper supporting role is Trevor Fehrman as Quick Stop employee Elias, and he's really annoying. He also talks way too much about NFTs and cryptocurrency for my liking. Meanwhile, Rosario Dawson is good again, but she only plays a small role.

All in all, I would say that "Clerks III" is really only for connoisseurs and fans of the first two films. For them, the film can work as a nostalgic throwback to their own youth. This time it's about themes like getting older and dying, and accordingly, it's all gloomy. Accordingly, this is not a "happy" end to the series, but at least it is a fitting one. Those who were satisfied with the end of "Clerks II" can certainly ignore the third part.

The original Clerks came out when I was 6 years old. By the time I got around to watching it, no doubt I missed a lot regarding its appeal. I was working in a movie theater when Clerks II came out, having never seen the first the whole way through, and remember it as being one of the funniest movie theater experiences I've ever had. I was in tears, the theater was packed, and it was loud with so many laughing. I rank it among best theater experiences like seeing Jackass for the first time, and when Juggernaut said, "Do you know who I am?" where moments later I'm high-fiving strangers sitting around me as we cheer. I've seen a good portion of Kevin Smith's work, and while I know it's technically comedy, I don't find myself seeking out his creative voice for laughs.

Kevin Smith is sincere. His draw is how much he actually cares about the subject matter he's speaking about. Whether it's Comic Book Men, or making sure The Impractical Jokers make cameos, he likes his people, he connects, and he wants those in his circles to keep feeling included. I find that incredibly compelling. This movie was great because it shows you that you can genuinely appreciate your past without turning it into some lazy mockery for a few more nostalgia bucks. If this would have come out before the overwhelming wave of reboots and sequels, we could have continued to point to what's been missing.

I watch a lot of media sped up. I don't find what a lot of creators say that interesting, novel, or real. I didn't want to speed this up. I wanted to be awash in the connections as I think they feel them that I don't really have. This depiction of family isn't some hokey Fast & The Furious thing or belabored sentimentality that never transcends narrative clunky cliches. This family grows and evolves together. I'm jealous and sad. Great job.