Review of Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001) by Andy M — 06 Jun 2009

Jay and Silent Bob. Small characters in Kevin Smiths other films, got a lot more screen time in Dogma. Loved by many, hated by others. Finally, in the last of Kevin Smith's Askewniverse saga of films (Mallrats, Clerks, Chasing Amy, Dogma), they have pride of place as the heroes of the story. Can these two slacker stoners hold a film together?

For those not in the know about Jay and Silent Bob, they are the creation on Kevin Smith, comic book writer turned writer/director. It is no coincidence that he plays the part of Silent Bob, and Jason Mewes as Jay is, according to Smith, really Jay....foul mouth and all. This pair spend their time getting high and mouthing off....well, Jay mouths off...Silent Bob is silent (aside from rare occasions).

The film gives us a brief glimpse of their first meeting as babies, before cutting to present day, and bringing us up to speed with the plot. Apparantly Hollywood is making a film based upon Bluntman & Chronic, comic book characters based upon Jay & Silent Bob (Essential Viewing tip One: Chasing Amy) Cue Jay and Bob deciding to go to Hollywood and stop the film.

Along the way they meet a collection of weird, and familiar people. However it is Shannon Elizabeth as the love intrest that keeps the story together. Can Jay find love? Can anyone love his foul womanising ways?

Suffice to say, this film packs more laughs that a hyena pen. Cameos from stars such as Ben Affleck (playing his characters from other Smith films...and himself), Matt Damon (in a mock film of Good Will Hunting 2), Wes Craven (mocking his ever dwindling Scream franchise), and Gus Van Sant (mocking his devotion to money....erm his work!!). The fact that all the cameos poke fun at the people themselves is so much fun.

Then, of course, there is Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill. WOW!!

As this is the last of the series of films (or at least for now...Smith wishes to try other films), a lot of characters from earlier films pop up, and fans of the films will relish the in-gags (Essential Viewing 2:Clerks). That is not to say that those who haven't seen the other films won't laugh. There are plenty of pop-culture references to keep you going.

Witty script, sly humour, knowing glances to the camera, big stars, road-movie plot, criminal hi-jinks, girls, guns, bycicle flying past the moon....this film has it all.

The only let down is that you want more. You want another Jay and Bob film.

Please, Kev, make another one soon!!

Movie references, fart gags, stoner heroes, and much much more. This is simply the funniest thing since...well....Dogma!!

Smith fans will love it, others will like it. A fitting tribute to Jay and Silent Bob.

Fantastic.