Ten years after original, Kevin Smith plans ‘Clerks’ sequel
The writer-director of “Dogma”, “Chasing Amy” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” told the Associated Press on Friday that he has begun work on a sequel to “Clerks,” his homemade indie classic from 1994.
That $27,000 movie, shot at night in a store where Smith worked, chronicled the adventures of Dante and Randal, two guys who talk about life, death, sex and movies while working at neighboring stores.
The sequel picks up 10 years later.
“It’s about what happens when that lazy, 20-something malaise lasts into your 30s. Those dudes are kind of still mired, not in that same exact situation, but in a place where it’s time to actually grow up and do something more than just sit around and dissect pop culture and talk about sex,” Smith said during an interview at his Hollywood office. “It’s: What happened to these dudes?”
This is good news, I think. I’ve heard rumblings that Jersey Girl’s weak box office has shaken Smith’s confidence in himself regarding bigger films. Case in point, he is now backing off of The Green Hornet, which is really a shame. Jersey Girl worked. The whole Bennifer/Gigli thing is the only reason it did not score at the box office.
Do not get me wrong; the new Clerks film is most welcome and certain to be brilliant. However, it would be unfortunate if Smith moves himself away from larger films. He is a unique voice that needs to be heard.
The most underrated player in the draft is Rudi Johnson. I was stunned to see him ranked 23rd in SI.com’s overall ratings. I think he’ll have more yards than Clinton Portis. I think he’ll be a 1,400-yard back with 13 touchdowns, minimum. I’m not saying Chris Perry won’t get some carries there, but Marvin Lewis will go with Johnson as long as he’s hot.
