Smith rings up pleasing sequel with "Clerks II" (Reuters)

For one thing, most of his subsequent films -- set in his native New Jersey and featuring characters obsessed with sex, the Internet and pop culture -- feel like sequels. Surprisingly, though, Smith is able to revert to his low-budget origins and strike a genuine sequel. It has enough laughs, character arcs, politically incorrect rants and a satisfying emotional ending to more than justify this whim on Smith's part.

The new film, in color and an easier-on-the-eyes visual style, should play well to today's teens as well as those who remember the 1994 film. MGM and the Weinstein Co. can anticipate above-average business with this counterprogramming to the cartoon and fantasy films of this weekend.

Our now-over-30 slacker/clerks, easygoing Dante (Brian O'Halloran) and his rambunctious pal Randal (Jeff Anderson), are forced to flip burgers in a fast-food joint after the convenience store that so long employed them burned down. (Randal left on a coffee pot one time too many.) Even by fast-food standards, Mooby's is scraping the bottom of the fry pot. The entry door "moos" when it swings open, burgers look like indigestible hockey pucks and the guys have plenty of time to argue because few people patronize the place.

On the day in question, big changes are in the air. Dante has "hit the jackpot." A hot blonde from high school days named Emma (Jennifer Schwalbach) has miraculously fallen in love with him. Which means a move to Florida where her parents live, a big wedding, a house and job managing her dad's car wash for Dante. Slackers rule!

On Dante's final day, all that's left to do is for Randal to arrange for a highly inappropriate going-away party that involves a donkey act. But -- and you knew there was going to be a "but" -- is Emma right for Dante? She clearly is going to make every decision in his life. Witness the wedding invitations she has already printed when Dante didn't even know they had set a date. And what to do about Dante's unresolved feelings for his boss, the incredibly lovely Mooby's manager Becky (saucy Rosario Dawson).

That pretty much sums up the plot. As the day wears on, Dante, Randal, Becky and super-nerd employee Elias (Trevor Ferhman) engage in debates that push deeper and deeper into raunchy areas involving oral and anal sex, racist slurs, bestiality and a hilarious argument over which is the best cinematic trilogy, "Star Wars" or "The Lord of the Rings."

Meanwhile, those low-level drug dealers Jay ( Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith) hang out in front of Mooby's. Jay is just out of rehab and thinks he has found Christ but isn't completely sure. Bob is, well, Bob has little to say.

Acting is erratic in minor roles, but the central trio are wonderful with their lower-middle-class characters still trying to figure themselves out in their early 30s. O'Halloran allows his character to mellow and mature while carrying a vestige of his former slacker self. Anderson still embraces a freeform lifestyle but harbors a secret desire to keep things the same while making one radical change. Dawson is alternately flirtatious and level-headed as she must deal with feelings she keeps very much below the surface.

One change for the better is that Smith has grown more skilled in shooting and editing his films. Despite a mostly one-set location, "Clerks II" feels anything but static as characters and story flow easily in and around the restaurant and its suburban environment. There is even an MTV-style musical number!

Smith semi-regulars Ben Affleck and Jason Lee put in cameo appearances.

Emma: Jennifer Schwalbach

Lance: Jason Lee

Silent Bob: Kevin Smith

Screenwriter-director-editor: Kevin Smith; Producer: Scott Mosier; Executive producers: Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Carla Gardini; Director of photography: David Klein; Production designer: Robert Holtzman; Music: James L. Venable; Co-producer: Laura Greenlee; Costumes: Roseanne Fiedler.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter