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Kevin Smith: The Trilogy, Clerks, Mallrats, and Chasing Amy - An Analysis of the Jay and Silent Bob Film Series

Philip Bell

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Published in An Askew View: The Films Of Kevin Smith (Applause Books)

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Kevin Smith's View Askewniverse films, Clerks, Mallrats, and Chasing Amy, are a trilogy of interconnected stories that explore the lives of young people in small-town New Jersey. The films are known for their witty dialogue, relatable characters, and insightful observations about life and relationships.

An Askew View: The Films of Kevin Smith (Applause Books)

by John Kenneth Muir

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2789 KB
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Print length	:	242 pages

Clerks (1994)

Clerks is the first film in the View Askewniverse. The film follows Dante Hicks (Brian O'Halloran) and Randal Graves (Jeff Anderson),two convenience store clerks who spend their days talking about movies, comics, and girls. Clerks is a slice-of-life comedy that captures the mundane existence of working-class youth.

The film is notable for its realistic dialogue, which is often improvised by the actors. Clerks also features a number of memorable characters, including Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith),two drug-dealing friends of Dante and Randal.

Mallrats (1995)

Mallrats is the second film in the View Askewniverse. The film follows T.S. Quint (Jeremy London) and Brodie Bruce (Jason Lee),two friends who spend their day at the mall after being dumped by their girlfriends. Mallrats is a coming-of-age comedy that explores the themes of friendship, love, and maturity.

The film is notable for its large cast of characters, which includes several actors who would go on to star in other View Askewniverse films. Mallrats also features a number of memorable scenes, including a food fight in the mall and a performance by the band Dogma.

Chasing Amy (1997)

Chasing Amy is the third film in the View Askewniverse. The film follows Holden McNeil (Ben Affleck),a comic book artist who falls in love with Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams),a lesbian woman. Chasing Amy is a romantic comedy that explores the themes of love, identity, and acceptance.

The film is notable for its complex and realistic characters. Holden is a flawed and relatable protagonist, and Alyssa is a strong and independent woman. Chasing Amy also features a number of memorable scenes, including a conversation between Holden and Alyssa about the nature of love.

The Jay and Silent Bob Film Series

Jay and Silent Bob are two drug-dealing friends who appear in all three View Askewniverse films. The duo have their own spin-off film series, which consists of two films: Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001) and Jay and Silent Bob Reboot (2019).

The Jay and Silent Bob films are action comedies that follow the duo as they travel across the country. The films are known for their raunchy humor and over-the-top stunts.

Kevin Smith's View Askewniverse films are a unique and beloved body of work. The films are funny, heartwarming, and insightful, and they offer a glimpse into the lives of young people in small-town New Jersey.

The Jay and Silent Bob film series is a fun and raucous addition to the View Askewniverse. The films are full of action, comedy, and heart, and they offer a unique perspective on the American experience.

An Askew View: The Films of Kevin Smith (Applause Books)

by John Kenneth Muir

4.6 out of 5