Rene- Shannen Doherty
T.S. Quint- Jeremy London
Brodie- Jason Lee
Brandi- Claire Forlani
Jay- Jason Mewes
Silent Bob- Kevin Smith
Mr. Svenning- Michael Rooker
Stan Lee- Stan Lee

Written and directed by Kevin Smith. Running time: 108 minutes.
Rated R (for strong language, including sexual dialogue, and for some
scenes of sexuality and drug content).

There not here to shop, There not here to Work, They're just there.

Smith's second film is a great step up in terms of production values from the critically acclaimed "Clerks," and yet quite a step down in terms of critical acclaim. Yet, despite how much this film got ragged on, it's one of if not the most popular of Smith's films to date.
When college student T.S. Quint (Jeremy London) and wacky sidekick Brodie Bruce (Jason Lee) are dumped by their respective girlfriends, they decide to drown their sorrows at the local mall. But low and behold, once they get there, they realize that the evil Jared Svenning (Michael Rooker) has set up a stage to film his Love Connection rip-off television program live from the heart of the mall, with his daughter (Claire Folani, T.S.'s girlfriend) as the star. This, the boys feel, is just an attempt by the father, who hates T.S., to introduce his daughter to other boys and help her forget the little losers not three-hours dumped. And so, with a series of wild and wacky subplots in between, the boys embark on an epic battle to ruin the show and win back their girlfriends, with a little help from the Jedi masters... of disaster, Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith).

While I see a definite lack in strong moral commentary in this film - this appears to be the only film, save possibly J&SBSB, that lacks some hint of social commentary and inner meaning, as if this were the only one Smith wrote without something personal to say...and that doesn't make it bad, per se - I don't quite understand why it is that this film is such a critical flop. I think it's funny as hell. There's parts that are sophomoric, and there's parts that are gross, but over all its just kick-your-heels-up-and-have-a-good-time fun.

Jason Lee, who begins a long-term relationship with Smith films starting with this one, is an absolute charm as the hero/sidekick (there's HUGE debate amongst the fans as to which he is), spouting out profanities and witty commentary left and right, in a way that no one other than Lee has been able to do since.

Also thrown into the mix is Ben Affleck, as the sinister Shannon Hamilton, who just so happens to work at the mall, and has his eyes set on Brodie's ex, Rene (Shannon Doherty). With all the academy awards and the dramas and romantic comedies, it's something of a treat to go back and see Affleck play a character in a teenage trash comedy who was dubbed "A$$ Man" in the opening credits.

While Clerks won Smith acclaim in the film industry, this film, I believe, is what smacked the moviegoing public in the face and got their attention, thus allowing Smith to continue dishing out one profane View Askew comedy after another. It's by no means the most intelligent movie you'll ever see, but it really is a whole lot of fun. Jay and Bob's multiple covert attempts to destroy the game show stage are an absolute joy to watch.




The one thing I love about Kevin Smith Films is the idea of the movie references in his films, Jaws and Star Wars mostly.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older