Jay & Silent Bob: Reboot
review by Bobby Blakey
Over the last few years writer / director Kevin Smith has been delivering some of the most diverse films of his career with Tusk, Red State and Yoga Hosers. Before taking his trip into his own brand of horror he created whats called the ViewAskew Universe featuring his iconic duo Jay and Silent Bob. Now the pot smoking duo are back in his latest flick Jay & Silent Bob Reboot, but can it bring fans back to the View Askew they love or will it be time to leave the Quick Stop behind?
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In this return to the only universe more famous than the MCU, Jay and Silent Bob return to Hollywood to stop a reboot of 'Bluntman and Chronic' movie from getting made. The film features a who’s who of returning character from Smith’s catalog of films as well as some great surprises and new comers. Smith is one of those filmmakers that never shy’s away from his opinions or making the films he wants to make. Ever since discovering the original Clerks on VHS I have been a hardcore fan and have seen every film he has done in theaters so couldn’t miss out on this latest return to the View Askew universe.
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Going into this film I had no delusions to what Smith was doing and if I had he made sure to let everything know during the press tour. This is a film that plays like a best of his catalog bringing so many familiar and new faces back together as well as pushing them forward. The title tells you it’s a reboot and this is factual in every sense with it still being a direct sequel to Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back all while making fun of the fact these types of films exist. It felt so great to return to the world that Smith created and I love so much. It is clear Smith poured his heart and soul into this return offering up tons of laughs, heart, pot and snoogins like only he can.
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The cameos were great fun and the story worked well with a few moments that it limped along, but likely more because we are just waiting for more of the usual hijinx. Sure there are more often than not moments that were clearly just written to make sure they got the cameo or reference in there, but they had me smiling from ear to ear. Make no mistake Smith hit every mark from Strike Back in pure remake/reboot fashion which might throw some fans for a loop hoping for something completely new. For that is why it worked so well. He brought in the old, the new and everything in between to make the film he wanted and one I think still works for the hardcore fans.
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Love it, hate it or just find it in the middle of the road there is no denying that this is Smith through and through. I have loved his detour through horror-esque films and TV, but this is the Smith I fell in love with 25 years ago with Clerks. Strike Back was a great culmination of his journey at the time, but Reboot is the exclamation mark on his career within this cinematic universe he created and one that I hope keeps him energized for more great and bizarre journies to the cinema.
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This release not only includes the film but also bonus content including interviews, bloopers and more. Return to the View Askew Universe and grab your copy of Jay & Silent Bob: Reboot available now on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital from Lionsgate Home Entertainment.
