Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Clerks II’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

It's a good thing when our dreams stay with us. They give us the hope we need when things are rough, they allow us to get through the day when we know we are meant for something more. Yet, there is little that can prepare us for when the big day comes, that all-important moment when our dreams finally come true and our life becomes exactly what we want it to be.

But, the unfortunate part of our dreams is that in many ways there is no good time table as to when they finally come true, and really the best way to make that happen is to seize every opportunity and bust your hump every step of the way. Yet at times we feel lost in doing so and it is the central idea of the dream and what it looks like and how to achieve it that is the focal point of Kevin Smith's, Clerks II. 

It has been ten years since the events of Clerks and the good news is, Dante has finally moved on from the Quik Stop. The bad news is, he only left that job because the place burned down, and to make matters worse, he traded one service job for another, since now he’s working with his best friend Randal at Mooby's, but not all is lost. For Dante has finally found the woman of his dreams, and he’s engaged, and today is his last day before he leaves the only home, he has ever known to start his life anew.  

I have to admit that when I first heard about Clerks II, I was certainly skeptical, simply because I had no idea how on earth Kevin Smith would match or top the original film since it was something so unique and so special. But upon viewing it I was simply blown away. Not only is the story as incredible as the first film, but Mister Smith managed to top it after all. For this is a rich and hilarious comedy, all anchored by its endearing message of dreams, and what genuine friendship means to us. In between the laughs are some incredibly beautiful moments from the cast, anchored by Brian O'Halloran and Jeff Anderson as Dante and Randal respectively and it's the first time we see Randal for the man he really is, a true and loyal friend who sees Dante as his brother and the thought of losing Dante is ripping him apart. 

But Dante's journey is equally as important. For this the first time we see any character in the View Askewniverse enjoy quality and sustained growth and watching Dante come to the realization that what he’s been chasing after, has been in front of him all along is simply fascinating and fulfilling and beautiful in its own right since it reminds all of us, to appreciate what we have and to take inventory when we finally find what it is we are looking for. If anything, this is another must see from Kevin Smith, because it is an incredible comedy with heart that definitely leaves you thinking about your own life and what you really want and need, long after the movie has come to an end.  

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