Clerks III - Review

 

It’s such a strange thing to now have a trilogy of “Clerks” films. Love it or hate it, the first film has its place in cinema history; and Kevin Smith’s (“Mallrats,” “Chasing Amy”) career, and life, beyond the Quick Stop has been a tumultuous one to say the least. So, in theory, returning to Dante and Randal’s lives makes total sense, and what results from that is a surprisingly emotional third, and possibly final, chapter in this inconvenient trilogy.

After a heart attack scare sets him on edge, Randal, played again by Jeff Anderson (“Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” “Now You Know”), thinks he’s let life pass him by for too long and decides to write and direct a movie about his life working at the Quick Stop. With Dante, played again by Brian O’Halloran (“Vulgar,” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”), supporting him, the pair attempt to make a movie, with general shenanigans involved throughout, including old friends and of course the annoyances of Jay and Silent Bob, played again by Jason Mewes (“Pauly Shore is Dead,” “Method in the Madness”) and Smith, respectively.

There’s a lot of emotions at play this time around, and its clear how Smith’s own heart attack influenced the story for the film. It actually works quite well, as Smith seems to finally recognize that the friendship between Dante and Randal was always the driving force of the first two films to begin with. So having a film not only entirely focus on it, but also allows Smith to reflect on the origins of his career, makes for an emotionally cathartic experience.

Here's the thing though, these movies have never been famous for their acting talent, and while there are some weak spots, for the most part its pretty well done. O’Halloran and Anderson continue to have great chemistry all these years later, and Anderson is the continuing standout. Mewes and Smith steal every scene as they always have, and its fun seeing characters from all across the View Askewniverse reappear with nary and explanation other than to celebrate the place that started it all.

Yes, the film is just as messy as Smith’s works have always been. At it’s worst, it can feel painfully self-indulgent, with a thick layer of Smith’s typical crude humor drizzled on top. But those worst parts are actually few here, and at its best the film doesn’t so much wear its heart on its sleeve as it does run naked through the street with it tattooed directly on its chest.

There are plenty of pop culture references that will likely age as poorly as one would expect, such as the film’s repeated NFT jokes and a running gag about Satanism that isn’t unfunny so much as it just feels toothless. But it feels like one big party, with a bunch of Smith’s friends all coming together to celebrate and have a blast.

“Clerks III” isn’t likely to win over any new fans. If you hate Smith’s sense of humor or think the “Clerks” films are his weakest efforts, then you probably won’t have your mind changed here. However, what’s here is a legitimately engaging and emotional tale, one that’s still pretty funny in its own sort of way, and one that knows exactly what its fans want and how to deliver it well. If nothing else, it proves that Smith’s secret weapon isn’t his humor or banter, but it’s always been his heart. 4/5