MOVIE REVIEW: Jay & Silent Bob Reboot

I remember reading an article in Newsweek when I was, probably about, ten years old. It was the summer of 2001 and the article was welcoming readers to the summer blockbuster guide. However, this one came with a twist, it was dubbed the Summer of Sequels. To be fair, there was a heavy amount of big blockbuster films released between May and August, that were indeed sequels. Looking back, you could slowly see the creativity being vacuumed from Hollywood. Almost 20 years later and we have not grown. 

Some may argue that we have regressed a bit in our creative endeavors. Sure, the shared cinematic universe is something new. You still get those bigger budget, original films but they feel very far and few between. Our climate has changed from sequels to reboots and remakes. Studios are now hyper focusing on marketing nostalgia to the newer generations. While I do adore some of these films that have come out, as a moviegoer I find myself more excited about the lower budget or bolder films. Movies that are actually willing to take a chance. Even in the past couple of years, my yearly top ten has been getting smaller and smaller when it comes to franchise films.

There is a sense of safety when it comes to those types of films. I get it. Making movies is a business first and foremost. Though, there is a lot still to be said about our current climate and our love-hate relationship with such properties. Pop culture geek, Kevin Smith, has something to say about. For the first time since 2006's Clerks 2, audiences are catching up with Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes, Smith) in the brand new movie, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot. Reboot follows the two stoners on a road trip as they travel to Hollywood in order to stop the reboot of Bluntman and Chronic from taking place. 

There is a sense of unintentional genius within the script to Reboot. Smith serving as writer, director and actor for the film manages to balance all three with grace. Though, it is the meta nature of the script that really makes the film to be fresh and entertaining. For as much as the script is a commentary on reboots, it feels like a reboot in and of itself of 2001's Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. Current elements from that movie make its way into this one as well. Whether or not that was intentional, it only adds to the intelligence of the film. At some point within the movie, the focus becomes less on the reboot commentary and more on fatherless families and homes. It may sound odd to experience from a stoner comedy but it actually works. Allowing the film to carry another layer of depth, while also providing some brilliant emotion.

Perhaps, though, its’ biggest fault is the business it carries. In a small portion of the film, it operates a bit like The Avengers. There are several callbacks to previous films from Smith. Some of them fit naturally within the narrative, while others (*cough*cough* Matt Damon *cough*cough*) feel completely out of place. Leaving the transitions between scenes more baffling than natural. Reboot has a lot to say which is something that I can respect about it. Though, it's when it goes off track that is when it becomes an issue. There is one scene in particular which directs its attention to racism. Clearly from our Watchmen content, released back in February, I personally have a strong stance against it. However, for Reboot, it just feels odd and tonally out of place. The sequence completely derails the film for a short period but a period, nonetheless.

Overall, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, is a smart comedy that speaks a lot on the rebooted cinematic climate of Hollywood. While also managing to transform itself into a heartfelt story by the end. The cast is great once again, yet its' the script from Kevin Smith that steals the spotlight. Its balance of humor, social commentary and traditional Smith-isms make for a terrific and fun experience. There are several sequences unfortunately which derail the film. Not to mention, the film doubling as Smith's cinematic culmination, ala The Avengers, takes the intelligence and slides into sloppy. Still, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, is a fun and memorable film.

RORSCHACH RATING:

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Victims and Villains is written and produced by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey. Music by Yuriy Bespalov & Beggars. Jay and Silent Bob Reboot is property of Saban Films. We do not own nor claim any rights.

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