Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

Kevin Smith, USA, 2001, 104 minutes

A Kevin Smith film just wouldn’t be the same without Jay and Silent Bob. So when Smith decided to move on to filmmaking pastures new, the cult following behind these two stoners demanded they have their own film. Whilst to the first-time Smith watcher, this is an ordinary road movie, in reality it is a chance for Smith to wrap things up in the world he has created, the View Askewniverse. The plot is only a secondary feature, a way to link each comedic situation; as with all Smith films it is the dialogue and the individual scenes that provide the real entertainment.

He calls in all favours as a vast array of Hollywood faces make cameos, some who have previously appeared in his films reprise their role(s) and some of his heroes play along too making excellent star turns. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon provide a hilarious send up their off-screen reputations and the cast really give the impression that they had a great time making the film. Any fan of Smith will love watching their favourite characters return and the number of in-jokes is astronomical. You almost feel like part of a secret society as you pick up the references to his previous films and modern pop culture.

As you can see it is hard to review this film without constantly referring back to its writer/director and the mythology of his previous films. This is because this film is essentially his “Return of the Jedi” tying off the loose ends and providing closure. Whilst it may be argued that the story isn’t as strong nor the film as good overall as Smith’s previous works, it serves its purpose well as a fun final romp through the comical world Smith has created… and its damn funny.

Review by Peter Thompson
Written for EUFS Programme Spring 2002