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Directed By
Kevin Smith
Written By:
Kevin Smith
Cast:
Priscilla Barnes, Shannen Doherty, Jason Lee, Claire Forlani, Michael Rooker, Renee Humphrey, Ben Affleck, Joey Lauren Adams, Jason Mewes, Brian O'Halloran, Kevin Smith, Jeremy London, Stan Lee, Art James, David Brinkley
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Mallrats (1995)
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Movie Review by Seth C 
July 7th, 2006
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Overshadowed Greatness
Kevin Smith's second film, "Mallrats," in no way outshines his legendary debut, "Clerks." It's not as original, cool or as funny as Smith's breakthough film, however that's only because "Clerks" came first.
"Mallrats" could only be a failure and when it was released in 1995, that's exactly what it was. There was no way a filmmaker's second film could stand up to his first, especailly when that filmmaker's virginal offering was as critically hailed and Earth-shattering new as "Clerks" was at the time. Now it may sound as if I think "Clerks" is a perfect film, yet I don't; I find in some areas, mainly it's low-budget capablity, that it's a film that needs a helping hand (of course, that's for a whole other review, huh?). "Mallrats" got that helping hand as in the way of cash and big name studio like Universal to help Smith add that shine to the film. Oddly, the film still failed miserably come opening week, which in some ways, I blame myself for.
You see, I rented "Clerks" from the local Blockbuster when it was released on VHS back in the day and I fell head over heels with it's vulgarity and filth that seemed to make me roll on the floor with laughter. I went to school the following week and told all of my friends about the 'cousin Walter story' and every other thing that my mind soaked up from the previous weekend's countless viewings. When "Mallrats" was released in '95, my small-town actually got the flick and it played at the only theater we had back then. I made plans to see the film with my cousin Jason, who, God love him, help clairfy some of the dirtier jokes of "Clerks" that I didn't quite understand yet at that time. We were going to see "Rats" and no matter what it was all suppose to work out. Unfortunatley, we didn't make it to the theater until the friday of "Rats" second week and sadly the film had already been pulled.
Eleven years later and I'm still beating myself up about it (NOTE: I have, however, seen ever Smith film since in the theater and usually on it's opening day).
I checked "Rats" out when it was released on VHS a few months later and like Smith's masterpiece before, it was love at first laugh. Sure, there were certain moments in the film that I found cheesier or more annoying after each viewing, such as Jason Lee's constant need to scream while delivering a line, yet the film still struck a cord with me. It was funnier and still somewhat different then most of the comedies I was viewing at the time and I found it to be just such a COOL flick, as it countinued to build the View Askewniverse and it's characters I have grown to adore.
While checking "Rats" out again not to long ago, I found the film to be one that truly works in hindsight and not in the shadow of "Clerks." The film's one-liners stilll got me to howl, while I found such joy in seeing a young Jason Lee give his 110% with each scene. It may just be one of the most passionate, yet poorly crafted performances ever to grace the screen. I also loved to see Ben Affleck before he become the mega-star and constantly sh*t on actor he is sadly known as today. "Who's your favorite New Kid?" - That's a line that is going on my matchflick.com profile right now.
I love "Mallrats" and as life-long Kevin Smith fan, I always will. It doesn't matter what anyone says about the flick, including Smith himself, who has bashed it a time or two as well. "Rats" is a part of my youth, as I was around 14 when the film arrived on the scene and it was one of the few things I based being "cool" on. Of course, I was and still am kind of a dork, so maybe I have no clue what the basis for being cool is ... but I have a belief "Rats" falls into the category in some way, shape or form.
And damnit to all hell, I don't care what any of you all say, "Rats" delievers the laughs. Over and over again.
SCF
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 | Justin
Jul 8, 2006 6:38 AM
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| Very nicely put. Although I pretty much hated the movie at first, I can now appreciate it as a weird comic update of '80's teen romance movies. And it is funny. Good point about Lee too. It's nice to read a review that's more like an essay. Great job! |
 | AJ
Jul 8, 2006 9:58 AM
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Great review, I really enjoyed the anecdotes and whatnot.
I agree that Mallrats is very underrated, and while it in no way touches any of Smith's movies other than Jersey Girl and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, it is still hilarious and very entertaining. |
 | Seth
Jul 8, 2006 10:19 AM
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As Kevin Smith said "Clerks was not as good as people said, and Mallrats was not as bad as people said."
From what I've gathered listening to the commentary, the studio screwed this one up a little, too. They wanted to make "a smart Porkys" (whatever the f*ck that means) and made him add some whole opening scene involving a mistaken attack on the govenor, which was eventually cut, but still has parts in the film (when the guy in the mall parking lot says he saw London on tv).
I think Smith learned a lot from making the film, though, and a lot of good came out of it (Chasing Amy). And you're right, the one liners get me every time.
"That bastard's faster than Walt Flanagan's dog"
"That kid's back on the escalator!"
"You dumb bastard. It's not a schooner... it's a Sailboat." |
 | Leslie
Jul 8, 2006 1:38 PM
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As always, a truthfully sincere review on a movie that I have yet had the heart to watch...we may not have the same taste in movies but we do find time to watch the important ones together...proud of you!!
Leslie (Mom) |
 | Rodney
Jul 8, 2006 7:42 PM
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| I fuggen love this movie. Only 2 words brought it down: jeremy London. He's clearly one of the worst actors out there (save ben afleck). |
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