An Evening with Kevin Smith (2002 Video) User Reviews

...is an evening of bliss

[FilmOtaku · 8/10 · 25 August 2004]

`An Evening with Kevin Smith' is a series of question and answer sessions between Kevin Smith and various college audiences across the country that is incredibly engaging, informative and entertaining. As a fan of Kevin Smith The Man, and not Kevin Smith The Director, I found it to be three and a half hours of sheer bliss. As a matter of fact, I'm not only not a fan of Kevin Smith's movies, (with the definite exception of `Clerks', both the film and the animated series) I absolutely HATE every film that he has produced since his debut, which makes the fact that I found the questions and answers about some of his film projects very interesting so important in epitomizing the greatness of this `documentary'.

I envision Kevin Smith's future as being this generation's Martin Scorsese – a filmmaker who is also a scholar and teacher of film. `An Evening with Kevin Smith' showcases Smith's humility, his sense of humor and his `everyman' quality, all factors that make him an endearing and engaging figure. This film is long, but it is definitely a must-see for any film fanatic, whether you like his films or, like me, simply love the man.

--Shelly

The director talks!

[jotix100 · 8/10 · 11 April 2006]

Kevin Smith is a talented writer and director. His films resonate with young people because he is a man who doesn't care to speak about whatever comes into his mind. This documentary, taped during some of his appearances at different universities, clearly shows how Mr. Smith and his audiences bond because he speaks their language.

The adoring fans are seen rapt in what their idol has to say. He is a man that doesn't b.s. these kids and therefore gains their trust from the moment he first opens his mouth. What comes out of that mouth is some of the funniest and most irreverent talk one has heard in presentations such as these.

Kevin Smith is not shy in telling his anecdotes about his experiences with the higher ups of the movie industry that don't seem to tame him, in spite of their efforts to tempt him to come to their side. Never fear, it appears unlikely this funny man would ever cross that line.

Loved it!!!

[joneschick · 9/10 · 12 November 2005]

I liked Kevin Smith a lot before I saw this. But after having watched it, I think I fell in love. The guy is genuinely funny and seems ultra kewl. Definitely the kind of guy i'd wanna hang out with.

While the majority of it has no actual relevance to film making and aesthetics like i'd hoped, there are some Really GOOD stories. The whole thing (which I have on DVD and watch at least once a week) is like three hours of comedy. And I have to admit that I memorized the whole thing faster than I did any of his films.

I recommend to anyone that enjoyed ANY of his films that they see this. You'll definitely love it and it will be the shortest three hours of your life!!

Worth Seeing

[Xploitedyouth · 10/10 · 10 January 2003]

This film is like a thinking man's concert film. A compilation of college lectures given by cult-favorite filmmaker Kevin Smith, it ranges in topics from religion to homosexuality, to Kevin's films to the cadre of odd young men who want to give him oral sex. It may sound boring at first, but that's because most people have never heard Kevin Smith talk. Why he gave himself the role of Silent Bob I will never know, because listening to this man speak is quite a treat. He has a natural charm and ease about him, and he fields questions from the students with a quick wit and often elaborates in a riveting and entertaining fashion. Some of my favorite moments include the prolonged story of the new SUPERMAN movie and his battle with Tim Burton, and the story of Kevin's first sexual encounter with his wife. At four hours, the film is a bit lengthy, so it may be misconstrued as strictly fan-only. It's not. I think that the film holds an appeal for anyone who likes to be entertained. If you can get a hold of a copy, check it out. It's worth the time.

Funnier than his films

[marobertson · 10/10 · 1 March 2006]

Before any Kevin Smith fans get bent out of shape, I think Smith's films range from simply amusing (Mallrats) to laugh-out-loud hilarious (Clerks/Dogma). I even think that Smith has some very insightful turns (Chasing Amy/Jersey Girl).

That being said, simply watching this man stand and talk to an audience is the funniest thing I've ever seen him involved in. The stories of events that have actually happened in Kevin Smith's life, at least as told from his perspective, are more interesting and hilarious than any Hollywood script I can think of in recent years.

If Smith decided to stop making movies, I honestly think he could have a career as a spoken word artist along the lines of Spalding Gray. I don't care what you think about Kevin Smith as a filmmaker, this is well worth checking out.

Even if you hate the guy...

[Gimmickthegnome · 10/10 · 19 June 2003]

I love Kevin Smith. I revel in both the long, intellectual rants of the characters as much as the low-brow poo poo stuff. My friends and I quote his movies ad nauseum. I have seen each of his movies several times and would give my right arm to pick his brain for 5 minutes.

OBVIOUSLY, I like this movie... However...

Even if you've seen only ONE of his movies and barely snickered at all of the delightful moments, I pose a dare to you: Watch 30 minutes of this and then stop.

Shooting from the hip with the same sort of brash bluntness of his characters, Kevin fields questions and reveals truths about the movies you love... or maybe hate. Either way, it is terribly entertaining. Smith's ability to draw you in with stupid stories is absolutely intoxicating. Whether it's how he knew Jay was funny or how he met Prince, they are all gems. Yes, it's 3 hours and 45 minutes, but it's a great movie to watch with a bunch of friends.

I breathlessly await Jersey Girl, Kevin. Keep up the good work. Enjoy filmphiles.

Hilarious

[TimCalhoun · 10/10 · 22 June 2003]

I didn't know how good this movie would be, I loved Kevin's films but would a simple Q&A be funny? In this case the answer is a definite yes. This is a must see for fans of any of Kevin's movies. In fact, you could not even know who he is and split your sides laughing at this movie. The questions range from serious ones about his career to jokes. He answers them all and even calls a few friends in the middle of it. This movie is the funniest I have seen in a long time.

Silent Bob can Speak?

[tonyfinley · 10/10 · 25 March 2003]

I have followed Kevin's career for many years. I have seen his movies so many times I could almost recite every line. Then when the DVD's came out with the audio commentary I fell in love even more with the movies. It was incredibly fun to listen to Kevin tell these stories about all of his movies. Then when I found out that he would be making a movie with nothing but him talking I could not wait and he delivered to all my expectations and more with this DVD. The whole movie is just Kevin answering questions from college kids around the country. Although the questions range from as stupid as "want to party after the show?" to the well researched "what ever happened to the Prince thing?' his answers are always very sincere and amazingly funny. I would recommend this movie to any one who has ever liked a Kevin Smith movie. It gives incredible insight to Kevin as a person and as a Writer/Director. I just hope that someday living here in Texas I will get a chance to see the genius that is Kevin Smith live.

The U of Wyoming appearance

[DeathByTelevision · 10/10 · 19 August 2005]

I was at this appearance. It was totally free, and he talked for five hours, just like IMDb says he did at Cornell. He only taped for about the first three, and then he did a fake goodbye for the cameras. He told people in the audience to go ahead and leave if they wanted to, but he would stay and answer questions as long as they kept coming. This was the only appearance on the DVD that Jason Mewes was at. He seemed a little out of place. He just sat in his chair and occasionally answered a question, and he didn't give long, elaborate answers like Kevin did. He didn't stay on stage the whole time either. Kevin more than made up for it though. I didn't have the nerve to get on the mike, but I know a few of the guys that made it on the DVD.

I used to live in the same dorm as this guy that asked Kevin and Jason if they wanted to get down after the show as he made a gesture like he was smoking a joint. Kevin jokingly asked if the guy if he was saying he wanted to suck their @#%#%s.

Hilarious Speaker

[mysteriouselkdog · 7 November 2003]

Man I never thought that a two DVD set of college speeches would be so entertaining. I liked some of Kevin Smith's movies so I decided to rent this and I really liked it a lot. I think the story about the Superman script and Jon Peters was the funniest part about it. The second he said that Jon Peters produced Wild Wild West I started laughing really hard because of... well you have to watch it. It was just funny hearing about the weird people in the industry and his personal stories.

Surprisingly compelling

[Polaris_DiB · 7/10 · 1 January 2009]

This is a strangely entertaining video. Kevin Smith is a good orator, that's for sure! I'm not big on rating or reviewing stand up comedy or like presentations, but that's usually because they're short and because they don't have very lasting effects. "An Evening with Kevin Smith" is exactly the opposite... clocking in at just under 4 hours and with a lot of very revealing anecdotes.

Of course, the playlength could be a problem to people who are simply just not as interested in the stories or points made. The editing between events is a good idea because it gives all the stories a logical flow and makes it seem like everything was more planned out than what the on-the-spot events must have been like, though I don't want to praise the editing too much because most of it was flat and boring and they had this weird tendency to cut to the most ugly people in the crowds for reasons I cannot comprehend.

I liked the insider stories of having to deal with producers and people like Prince more than the stories of getting everything together, which is actually pretty available knowledge, and just like his movies, Smith has a very refreshing viewpoint and quality of expression over sexuality and related things. It makes his current slump in directing (Jersey Girl and Clerks 2) all the more unfortunate because he really has a great sense of humor and is a very appealing person to listen to, if he'd try doing something more like his old stuff.

Some of the information in this video has changed since it came out. At one point, Smith states pretty firmly that Jay and Silent Bob will no longer appear on a live-action movie screen. Clerks 2 came out 4 years after this. Those little incongruities do not mind me because it's not like we have to take Kevin Smith at his word, really. It's just interesting to know how things have changed for him over the years.

--PolarisDiB

A MUST for Kevin Smith fans

[SerendipityUk · 10/10 · 1 March 2005]

Well due to the fact that I'm a huge Kevin Smith fan, there was no way I wasn't going to get this on DVD! Similarly if you love the creator of such genius work as Clerks, Dogma, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Jay & Silentbob Strike Back etc etc then you will love this too. I must say even though I loved his movies I was unsure as to whether i would truly enjoy nearly 4 hours of Kevin Smith stood behind a podium just answering questions, but you know what...I LOVED it! Kevin, once again, not only proves what a comic genius he really is but he also proves he is quick witted and has absolutely no shame whatsoever when it comes to sucking the c**k! I laughed and laughed all the way through. The short guest appearance from Jason Mews seemed a little pointless as, for a change, Jason sat in the background quiet as a mouse while Kevin did all the talking. There's some fantastic anecdotes throughout the whole thing; from his worst ever sexual experience to working with Prince. All in all it gives you a brilliant background as to where this brilliant writer and director has gone from and leaves you with great hope as to where he is going to next.

My God I hate American students!

[dominicpearson · 7/10 · 27 April 2010]

I am a huge, huge fan of Kevin Smith's View Askew films. I love the dialogue, the stories, the filthy humour and the intelligence that lies not too far below the surface so I was really looking forward to watching this film.

Kevin Smith is clearly an intelligent man. He is funny, has charisma and clearly knows how to hold an audience. He knows his target audience and plays up to them perfectly. You could see him as a stand up if he wasn't doing what he does (and doing it so well).

When this is at its best the dialogue and answers are conversational, informative, intelligent and incredibly funny. When he is discussing the homophobic claims thrown at his films he puts an intelligent, reasoned argument forward. And then throws in a dick joke. When he is talking about how he meets his wife is really sweet. Then he talks about his dick. The Dogma story (where he protests his own film) is hilarious. Im sure he throws a dick joke in as well.

It is this contrast that I love in his films and its great to see that this is genuinely part of his personality. It makes you appreciate his films on a whole other level.

The only thing that ruins this for me is the stupid bloody students asking "Do you want to get high dude", or screaming "woohoo", or "yous guys are my boyfriends favourite, we'll buy you drinks". From all the colleges he went to I am sure that there were more interesting exerts that could have been used.

On the whole, though, this is a very honest and open look inside the mind of a brilliant film maker. We get to hear stories of the politics and bullplop in Hollywood and it is great to see that someone that has found success in the system is still so down to earth.

I don't think this is, as some others have said, a film that people unfamiliar with his films will "get". It is certainly not for you if you dislike his films. The crudeness is there, the vulgarness is there and the humour is as puerile as possible. And it is fabulous! The line between toilet humour and genuine intelligence is fine but subtle.

Just a shame about those bloody American students!!

dissapointing and not very funny

[dreamer_1985 · 1/10 · 17 June 2003]

Watched this last night - and was really looking forward to it. But was extremely disappointed to say the least. Mr. Kevin Smith comes across as arrogant, egotistical and really not that funny or witty as some people label him.

You get no real inside information on filmmaking process, his life, his ambitions...it comes across he is showing up to this gig solely for the money, he looks BORED on stage - lacking any enthusiasm or verve. The questions from the audience don't help - being mediocre.

Another disappointment release from these guys...you wonder how long can this guy surf this college, pothead image..his own huge ego..god only knows... A typical example..when someone asks him about religion..he replies "watch Dogma"...now this got sniggers from the audience - but watching it at home, you expect a little more intelligence and insight.

don't waste your hard earned dollars.

/Darren

Great!

[ThirtyFour41 · 8/10 · 27 November 2005]

I just watched this flick for the first time last night. First off, it was long as hell. So if you plan on watching it, make sure you plenty of time on your hands. But all in all, it was a great flick. Kevin is witty and humorous as usual, and answers some questions about his movies that we've all wanted to ask at some point. Like, "What is a Nubian?" Hehe. If you're a fan, check it out. If you're not, check it out anyway. The performance is topped off by a visit from Jason Mewes (Jay) and made even better when Kevin decides to make some phone calls on stage (his attempt to get one kid his job back fails). But I honestly think that if you're not a fan, you won't enjoy this as much as I did.

Enjoy!

This Q & A is amusing for fans of Kevin Smith.

[hu675 · 8/10 · 23 November 2005]

Writer and Director:Kevin Smith is a talented filmmaker. Starting from his first film "Clerks" to "Jay and Silent Bob Strikes Back". This "New Jersey" native has become a Icon towards the independent cinema. Which Smith is been asked intelligent or dumb questions towards five university's in the U.S. like Kent State, Clark, Wyoming, Cornell and Indiana. Smith does have a Special Guest in one of the university's visits his long-time friend/co-star:Jason Mewes.

This amusing, extremely entertaining Q & A has some laugh-out moments. Which Smith talks about his spirituality, his sexuality, human relationships, his films, producer:Jon Peters, filmmaker:Tim Burton, how he met his future wife and meeting rock star:Prince. This two-disc set is almost 4 hours long, which the running time is 225 minutes. This is Q & A is long but never boring and always fun.

DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1) transfer and an good-Dolby 2.0 Surround Sound. This DVD has trailers and hidden features, which is deleted segments from his Q & A visits at the university's. Die Hard fans of this filmmaker might enjoy this one much more, while others might take a look. When Smith talks about he originally re-wrote the script for "Superman Reborn" (Which is due for 2006) is one of the highlights of this Q & A. (****/*****).

Vintage Kevin Smith, the world sees why Silent Bob should've spoken up.

[thirty_one31 · 10/10 · 30 January 2003]

An Evening With Kevin Smith was one of the most delightful evenings I've spent in a while. As an avid fan of all of Smith's films I ordered the DVD the second it was available and it was totally worth it.

Smith, who usually plays Silent Bob, was as witty as any of the one liners from his films, and shows that he truly should have had more lines. To any fan of Smith, or any fan of laughing so hard you cry, I recommend this outstanding DVD.

Good things come in small packages, Well sometimes good things come in HUGE packages such as Kevin Smith

[surf_wax_stud · 24 March 2003]

The burly creator of the Jersey Chronicals has really outdone himself this time. His "no holds barred" Q&A sessions at universities was something any "Aficionado" of his work would kill for. Kevin is a natural public speaker and extremely intelligent, although he doesn't go out of his way to make it seem like it. I guess you could just say Kevin flows, and speaking to his fans and answering any question they can imagine is something he really enjoys. Watching this dvd you almost feel as if you're there in the audience. Kevin's stories are so well said and described, you have no problem imagining the situations he has gone through and the comedic turns in his life. His Prince documentary story was the most enjoyable to me, as well as the Superman script writing story. I highly recommend this video, even if you're not a Kevin Smith fan, you'll still enjoy the stories and Kevin's natural comedic talent showcased in this masterpiece.

Peace, Surf

Funny as hell

[svenskaflicka90210 · 10/10 · 1 March 2006]

Kevin Smith is a genius. He is intelligent, creative and practically a stand-up comedian.

This 4-hour long show is really good and funny - but only if you are a fan of his movies.

Smith is so good at ridiculing people like Tim Burton and John Peters.

Though Burton is a good director, you could not help but laugh at him.

Smith makes fun of people in a very funny and intelligent way.

The show gives you an insight into the world of Kevin Smith. Kevin Smith is both funny and vulgar, in a informative way.

Don't miss this show for anything in the world.

It is also very popular outside USA, and that tells you how good it is.

I can't think of a better way to spend an evening without taking off my pants

[rakman12 · 10/10 · 10 January 2003]

An Evening with Kevin Smith is a compilation of his college tours from last year. In the 3 and a half hour two disc set, Kevin fields questions that range from how he met his wife to why Prince is the strangest man alive. If you're a fan of his movies, this is a requirement. If you hate his movies, then...what the hell is wrong with you? Kevin is very open and honest on every topic, but it may be hard to hear some of it because you're laughing too hard. Yeah, all it is is just Silent Bob at a lectern for a few hours rattling off story after story, but what more could you want? Also look out for an appearance from Jay Mewes and Scott Mosier as well as some hyjinx with a cell phone. So for a solid evening of entertainment without having to get off of your couch and actually make human contact, rent or buy the damn DVD. Actually, buy two in case your friends try to steal your copy.

A fun time with a great guy.

[wise_reeper · 10/10 · 11 January 2003]

This movie or Q&A Session is about 3 hours and 40 minutes long. Normally this would feel like an extremely long time to sit and watch a movie but I constantly felt entertained and was never left bored. The movie switches between various colleges with the main focus always being Director Kevin Smith answering random questions posed by college students. Some of the questions are very serious and delve into religion, sexuality, politics, and other serious questions regarding the movie industry. While a good portion of the show does contain serious dialogue the other portion deals with goof-ball questions and random acts from the audience. I strongly recommend this movie to anyone. While being a Kevin Smith fan might help you enjoy some side comments you do not need to be a big Smith fan to appreciate the topics of conversation and the witty banter. An Evening with Kevin Smith is not rated so as a warning this movie does contain some "adult language" and what might be classified as "adult scenes". I would say this movie is appropriate for anyone over the ages of 15 to 16. Happy Viewing!

Q & A with Silent Bob

[brando647 · 7/10 · 4 June 2007]

Who would have thought that a man whose entire on-screen movie career consists of less lines than I can count on my fingers would be so entertaining when put on camera for 3 hours? Kevin Smith, famous for his Jersey series and widely known as Silent Bob, takes the podium at colleges around the country and we are treated to stories from his time within the industry, from his involvement in the latest 'Superman' installment to his experiences on set for his own flicks. I can honestly say that, throughout the long running time, not once did I find myself looking at the clock in boredom. As can be seen with such movies as 'Clerks.', 'Dogma', etc., Kevin Smith has a knack for story-telling.

Smith is hilarious and has more than enough to talk about. I have been a fan of his movies since I first saw 'Dogma' and this DVD was a perfect addition to my collection. If you've ever wanted to insight into the mind of Smith, this is the movie for it. He shares stories from the set, explains his views on religion and sexuality, and keeps it consistently entertaining (especially the piece about Prince).

As an added bonus, Jason Mewes makes an appearance for one of the sessions, and while he doesn't add much to the conversation, it's cool to see the pair of them together. Smith's interactions with the audience, and a couple hilarious phone calls, make the long running time worth it. All serious fans of Kevin Smith must make a point to watch this at least once.

Intelligent, Insightful, and Funny

[cmdrburrito · 10/10 · 13 January 2003]

More of a documentary then anything, this movie travels to different popular college campuses and college kids are allowed to ask Kevin questions. The questions range in intelligence from, "Are you single?" all the way up to, "What were you thinking when you created snoochie boochies?" If you are an avid Kevin Smith fan, this is a must see video for you, it will definitely give you even more insight to Kevin Smith's world, Plus you will learn how interesting of a person he is and what he does to corrupt people around him in the way you would want to happen. You should see all the movies Kevin Smith has made before you watch this documentary, especially Chasing Amy and Dogma, which get touched on a lot (I think due to their popularity). The movie comes on two dvd's and is roughly four hours long.

Brilliant DVD, Brilliant Kevin Smith

[sandspider1 · 11 January 2003]

Anyone who is a fan of Kevin Smith even if you are not buy the DVD of An Evening With Kevin Smith. This DVD is excellent and you learn a lot about the man himself and his life.

All the DVD consists of Is Kevin Smith standing before college kids answering Questions but there are some hilarious stories as well as Kevin messing around. For example phoning a students boss to try and get his job back.

So, buy the DVD and watch it, then watch it again, so you can get to know the real Kevin Smith and here Silent Bob speak. These 4-hours of your life will not be wasted.

A must buy for Kevin Smith addicts

[sn00ganz · 10/10 · 9 February 2003]

I bought the DVD the moment I had money (just after boxing day) and spent the next two days locked in my room absorbing every word. To top it off, I put up an ad on my website and received free stuff in the mail. ("An evening with Kevin Smith" Beanies and posters). So now I have people all of the time asking me who Kevin Smith is and why the evening that I spent with him was so special. It is lovely to hear Kevin Smith talk, at great length about anything, and nice to see that thousands of people in the audiences at the universities are on the same wavelength as I am. I just hope he will come to Calgary or Edmonton to speak at some point. :)