Clerks II (2006) ***

Clerks II (2006) is honestly not a terribly great movie. Some of the jokes have aged very poorly and attempts at being subversive just come off as tone deaf. But there is an endearing quality to these characters, both old and new, and a slightly more dramatic approach to this sequel to the 1994 classic that shines through. I can't help liking it, flaws and all.

A lot of that is Rosario Dawson—she really centers the film and it's difficult to resist her charm. Kevin Smith's direction is perhaps better here, but the whole film is a different beast—one for being shot in color and also because Smith wasn't a starving artist trying to make a statement at this point in his career. While I prefer the rough-around-the-edges caliber of the first film, it makes sense that Smith didn't want to repeat himself. The trajectory of the characters feels realistic.

Clerks II is not nearly as quotable as its predecessor, but there's definitely memorable lines and scenes. The cameos by actors from other View Askewniverse films are all enjoyable. Some of the attempts at outgrossing the humor of the original work, some don't. This is the first time I had revisited the film since its original release and I feel like it's one that I could watch every decade or so, with no need to any sooner than that. To sum up: it's fun but mileage varies.

You can find my Kevin Smith Feature Films Ranked list here.