Clerks II (Film Review)

2006 MGM
Written and Directed by: Kevin Smith
Starring: Jeff Anderson, Brian O'Halloran, Rosario Dawson, Trevor Fehrman, Jennifer Schwalbach, and Jason Mewes
MPAA Rating: R; Running Time: 97 Minutes
The Nicsperiment Score: 6/10

Dante and Randal might be nearing their mid-30s, but that doesn't mean they have any ambition. When Randal accidentally burns down the adjoined convenience and video stores at which the duo have worked for over a decade, the two laterally move to Mooby's, a goofy fast food restaurant. Dante's fiancée, Emma, offers him a way out from slinging burgers: move from Jersey to Florida with her, and he can live the high life, managing one of her father's car washes. Of course, if Dante goes to Florida, he'll be giving up his lifelong friend Randal...and Becky, his manager, who Dante has not only begun a secret relationship with, but impregnated. The beautiful and warm Becky loves Dante unconditionally, is carrying his child, and makes him a better man in every conceivable way. Emma is cold, bossy, controlling, and doesn't understand Randal at all. What a tough decision.
2006's Clerks II is not nearly as good a film as its 1994 predecessor. Blame a contrived story that does little to create any tension or mystery. However, what the film lacks in plot, it more than makes up for in laughs and charm. Brian O'Halloran and Jeff Anderson, as Clerks II's protagonists, Dante and Randal, have such a firm grip on who these characters are, they feel real no matter how contrived the plot is. Trevor Fehrman is a hoot as Dante and Randal's new underachieving protégé, Elias, Jennifer Schwalbach is just annoying enough as Emma, and a charming Rosario Dawson turns an ultimate male fantasy character into someone who feels somewhat human. Also, holy cow, is this film funny. Writer and director, Kevin Smith, may already be losing his grip on what makes a film work, but in 2006, he still knows what's funny. Clerks II machine guns brilliant gag after brilliant gag, nearly admirable in the way it can never stoop too low for a laugh. Even if the story stinks, even if Clerks II takes a leap to reach its conclusion, it does right by its two lead characters. No wonder Smith wanted to make a third film.