Review of Clerks (1994) by Jacob B — 26 Aug 2017

Clerks is the type of movie that you have a better chance of enjoying it if you put yourself in the frame of mind of the audience at the time. Which means I don't think it'll appeal to all tastes.

However most audiences at the time could relate to what the protagonists were going through but some of that effect was lost on me. However, in the end, I was still pretty glad I saw the movie. It's funny with a show-stealing Jay and Silent Bob in their first appearance and I admire the realistic approach it takes.

I consider the movie to be the cinematic equivalent of a bottle episode since it was filmed on a shoestring budget and was predominantly just two guys talking in a convenience store whilst people decide to participate in the conversation as if they've been friends for a really long time.

I was a bit put off by the fact that there literally isn't a story. At least it never felt like there was one. However I still laughed throughout especially when the protagonist's buddy places orders for a series of dirty tapes ;) in front of a woman and her daughter that have profane names prior to checking the tapes for some kiddie cartoon.

With its sitcom type approach and gleefully profane yet still realistic dialogue, Clerks is a black-and-white comedy that proves that even a movie which is just two guys talking with some other stuff added in (+ Kevin Smith's words of wisdom when Silent Bob breaks his silence) can be entertaining.