It's hard for me to remain objective about this movie. Kevin Smith has his legion of followers, and the why of it is inexplicable. His direction is largely of the point-and-shoot variety which some do well but he does not; his occasionally-good dialogue indicates that he is much smarter than he allows his movies to be; the acting all seems to be winking at the audience in a manner of pseudo hip self-congratulation. Lots of talking is done about emotions we're supposed to be seeing rather than emotions actually emoted. (For instance, Holden and Banky, we're told, have been friends for ages -- a companionship Banky says they've been "building;" I never believed there was any depth beyond an actor-fake repartee -- Smith and Lee were entirely unconvincing as soul mates.)
So there were a few chuckles and now and again a nicely turned phrase or thought. But mainly I found myself angry that this filmmaker is fashionable and admired. I'm angry that this attitude -- being intelligent but uncommitted to that intelligence; instead, glibness rules -- is popular, considered desirable and hip. Yep, I'm upset because I write rings around this guy but can't land a deal. There you go. Which makes my criticism no less valid.
Rating: 6 out of 10. Objectively.
So there were a few chuckles and now and again a nicely turned phrase or thought. But mainly I found myself angry that this filmmaker is fashionable and admired. I'm angry that this attitude -- being intelligent but uncommitted to that intelligence; instead, glibness rules -- is popular, considered desirable and hip. Yep, I'm upset because I write rings around this guy but can't land a deal. There you go. Which makes my criticism no less valid.
Rating: 6 out of 10. Objectively.