Jay and Silent Bob Reboot
Directed by: Kevin Smith
Runtime: 105 minutes
It has been 13 years since Kevin Smith returned to his much loved (or maligned if you’re a narc) original cinematic universe—The Askewniverse. In that time, he has… let’s say… broadened his horizons, with films like Tusk and Yoga Hosers. I’m not going to call you a narc for disliking either of those flicks, as even the man himself understands the hate. Now after veering off into new territories, suffering a near-fatal heart attack, and a vegan transformation, Smith is back to being Silent in the Jay and Silent Bob Reboot. I find it interesting that, as I sit here typing this review, I struggle to veer away from speaking directly about the director. Most flicks can be analysed and reviewed without the need to even mention the director’s name, but this just isn’t the case here. Jay and Silent Bob Reboot is infused with Kevin Smith and what he is right now; the film and the man are one highbrid beast (note to commenters: that was a bad pun, not a spelling error) ready to assault your senses with as much pop culture and fan service as you can handle.
So yes, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot is almost purely fan service, but that’s sort of the point. Reboot was a way for Smith to come back to the characters and the people that he started his career with, but does the film suffer for it? No, at least not if you are already a fan of his work and his previous films. If you are not a fan, or have no clue about Smith, I can understand why you might not enjoy this film. There will still be laughs to be had and a reasonably touching plot to enjoy, but it won’t be on the same level. This film was made for Smiths pre-established audience and no one is pretending that it’s here to win awards or garner new interest.
Jay and Silent Bob Reboot is a satire of Hollywood’s obsession with reboots and remakes while also being exactly what it is satirising. Jay and Bob are heading to Hollywood to stop a film based on themselves… again, and they pick up a nefarious group of girls along the way… again. Although the film isn’t exactly the same as it’s predecessor, this time it is underpinned by a reasonably touching story involving Jay’s estranged daughter Milly, played by Kevin’s real-life daughter Harley Quinn Smith. Harley is a real highlight throughout the film managing to steal most scenes she is in with her likeable presence, reasonably good comedic timing and ability to sell the more emotional moments of her character. Harley also bounces off and works wonderfully with her on-screen dad Jason Mewes. Mewes and Smith are of course back in their comfortable old vehicles of Jay and Silent Bob. Kevin manages to sell Silent Bob as well as he always has but Mewes fairs a little worse. Mewes is a little less energetic and at times Jay can fall a little flat, but through the vast majority of the film, Jay still feels like the same character we all know and love. Mewes carries the biggest character arc throughout the film and manages to pull it off well with a few emotional scenes and a genuinely touching final scene.
Now, the comedy is it good or is it bad? Well, for the most part, it’s good. This is a stoner road comedy, after all, there are a few jokes that fall flat and one in particular that drags a little longer than it needed to be. The jokes at many times do rely on previous knowledge of the franchise, so not all will land for the uninitiated, but as a fan, I was laughing most of my way through the flick. These jokes in particular usually hinge on the film’s countless cameos, while most of them are genuinely enjoyable including Jason Lee, Ben Affleck, and Justin Long, there are a few that miss the mark… I’m looking at you, Molly Shannon.
In the end, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot is a film for fans of the Askewniverse. It’s not going to gather new viewers for Kevin’s cult favourites, instead, it’s a gift from the director to his audience as much as it was a gift to himself after surviving a heart attack. For me, the film was like coming home, except there was some new furniture alongside the old and you know what… the new furniture looks damn good. So, if you’re already a fan, check the flick out. If not, maybe give it a miss. If I have stirred any interest in this franchise, go check out one of the earlier Askewniverse films before this one. Jay and Silent Bob Reboot is too potent for the beginners; it’s best to ease yourself in with a gateway film first.
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