Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back came out 20 years ago today!
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back was initially intended as the conclusion to the “View Askewniverse.” That is the fictional shared universe that began with 1994’s Clerks. This stoner road trip movie sees Kevin Smith’s beloved side characters step into the spotlight as they are on a mission to stop Miramax from making a movie about them.
Jason Mewes does a surprisingly good job as Jay, the drug-addled antihero who constantly walks a thin line between likable and obscene. Kevin Smith returns as Jay’s “hetero-life-mate,” Silent Bob, who has more speaking lines in this movie than any of his other films.
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back now on HBO Max!
If you’re wondering if this movie has held up after two decades, the answer is: somewhat. The gags are hit or miss. Some of the jokes begin funny but devolve into grossness for grossness’ sake. There are just way too many unfunny fart jokes.
The amount of star power in this movie is insane.
The cameos are some of the best parts. From View Askew regulars like Ben Affleck, Jason Lee, and Matt Damon to George Carlin, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill. The latter of which pokes fun at his iconic role as Luke Skywalker. Will Ferrell stars as the bumbling wildlife marshal tasked with chasing the two leads down over a stolen chimpanzee. That sentence alone should tell you how absurd the plot is. Shannon Elizabeth plays Justice, the secret jewel thief who falls in love with Jay for some reason. She’s funny and has chemistry with Mewes, but you can’t help but feel bad for her falling for someone so immature.
There are many great fourth-wall-breaking gags.
For example, at one point, Holden (Ben Affleck) asks who on Earth would pay to see a Jay and Silent Bob movie, then all three of them turn to give an accusing look at the audience. That felt like a bit straight out of a Deadpool comic. For all its obscenities and jokes that don’t land, this movie still knows exactly what it is: a gross-out stoner road trip movie. Though heavily flawed, it is boosted by great cameos and performances. It has just enough laughs to justify its 95-minute runtime and entertain your inner 12 year old. I give Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back a 3.5 out of 10.
You can watch this movie on HBO MAX.
Read our Jay and Silent Bob Reboot review on Nerdtropolis.
Visit Kevin Smith’s Smodcast.
