Mallrats

Mallrats is a quirky little Kevin Smith comedy film. It’s very much a guy’s movie. The characters are misunderstood early twenties men who ponders life’ most elusive questions, why are women so screwed up, why am I doomed to failure, and what is the value if any in love. I know it all sounds quite eloquent and grand, but the reality is that this film is about a couple of bumbling average guys who spend most of their Saturday wasting away in a mall. The comedy is irreverent, and poignant, especially to someone like me, for whom some of the scenes are eerily reminiscent of my often sad life.

The film, to be specific, follows two friends TS Quint and Brodie Bruce, and their usually inane conversations as they spend a day at the mall after both being dumped by their girlfriends that morning. Some of the topic covered over the course of the day are: the dangers of escalators, the real definition of a food court, how the force can help in day to day life, superhero reproductive practices, and the value if any in topless psychics. As you can see, this one really doesn’t take itself too seriously. But this, as with most Kevin Smith penned films, is written sharply with funny, direct dialogue that (I can’t decide) either reflects exactly how people actually talk, or maybe just how real people would talk if they had the time and inclination to ponder the subtleties of life and love.

Of course the boys end up bad together with their girls at the end. Their outlandish stunts assisted by the ever popular exploits of Jay and Silent Bob (two characters that appear in every Smith film), are of course destined to succeed, and this being a comedy; all is accomplished with wit and wacky craziness.

This film is a comedy. It takes place in a mall. And it was made for an extremely low budget. There isn’t really anything special about the look. It’s true, and funny, and the characters are excellently drawn out. The film strives for realism, well, realism in a Kevin Smith comedic, New Jersey sort of way. Anyhow, it looks fine, there aren’t any special effects to speak of, of course they really aren’t required, and everything flows together smoothly. It really looks just fine.

This movie relies more on it’s sharp script than the actors delivering the lines. Although much of the dialogue is sharp and hints at inside jokes for people like me (fanboys) the actors for the most part don’t seem on the whole too concerned with convincing performances. Jeremy London, I think of the tv show Party of Five, plays TS Quint, and I’ve got to say I haven’t seen a more wooden performance in ages. I know this is a small low budget film and all, but really, he just sucks. The other main actor in the film though, Jason Lee, playing Brodie is absolutely excellent. I think this might be in part due to his apparent actual fanboy qualities, or maybe I just really like him because he is such a cult celebrity. Either way, I definitely thought his performance was very funny. His character was pretty over the top to begin with, so maybe that’s why his antics felt appropriate if out there. I also like the smaller roles, Jay and Silent Bob, Ben Affleck as the proprietor of ‘Fashionable Male’, Joey Laurn Adams, and the funny cameo by the comic book legend Stan Lee. Everyone was really ok I suppose, except the lead. Bad casting choice.

This was Kevin Smiths second film, after Clerks but before Chasing Amy. I think he really did a pretty good job with this one too. The writing is excellent, and the gags are sometimes hilarious. It’s also chock full of quirky little references that only people like me would get. The humour is admittedly juvenile at times; but who really cares, so is life sometimes. It’s a decent comedy and a really good show for a second film by a new director. Good work, not great but good.

This is my favorite Kevin Smith film. I know it’s not his best, but it is very funny to someone like me. I’m not sure it would really play the same with everyone, but I’d still say it’s worth giving a shot.