Clerks (1994)

I don't know why I'm writing this review.

I'm not even supposed to be here today.

This movie was ground breaking in the 90s, as it said something to the Gen Xers that just had never been said before. It's no longer ground breaking, at least to todays younger more modern audience.

In the 90s, we didn't have smartphones. Most people didn't have computers or the internet. Gaming meant going down to the local arcades and inserting quarters into the machine. Watching a movie meant either going to a theater or going to the video rental store. If you rented a video, you had to return it within a three-day window or face late fees. Even Patrick Bateman was afraid of late fees. And he was involved in murders and executions. I mean mergers and acquisitions.

Blockbuster was revolutionary at the time because they always had plenty of copies of the latest movies. "Latest" meant it had been in the theaters a year ago, but it was now finally available to rent. Smaller mom-and-pop video stores, like the one featured in "Clerks," would only have one or two copies of the movie you wanted to watch, and because everyone else wanted to watch it too, you could never rent it. That's probably why Randal never rents videos from his own store.

Another thing we didn't have in the 90s was video cameras. Rodney King was such a huge deal, not because police violence was rare, but simply because recording police interactions or recording anything was incredibly rare. Finally, it wasn't the accused's word against the police, but there was actual video evidence of what happened.

Likewise, in the 90s, we seldom had videos of people hanging out and doing what they do. Movies almost never showed tedious jobs or loser guys hanging out in tedious jobs or loser guys hanging out after work with nothing much to do. It's what we did. We were famous for it. We had all this time and most of us had nothing meaningful to do, no endless scrolling digital devices or online gaming devices. If we wanted to argue with someone, we couldn't go online, we had to argue with the actual person.

There is a reason for all this. It was hard to make a movie. If you went to all the effort and cost to make a movie, you didn't want to show someone sitting on a toilet taking a dump. Kevin Smith clearly hung out with the boys a lot. Dante is supposed to be Kevin Smith’s autobiography. When Smith watched the low-budget film Slacker, he realized you could make a low-budget film about everyday life if you felt you had something interesting to say.

And "Clerks" had something to say to Gen X. "Clerks" is a salute to unfinished adolescence, people who at that time didn't know what the heck to do with their lives and still continue not knowing. "Clerks" is a day in the lives of two convenience clerks named Dante and Randal as they annoy customers, discuss movies, and play hockey on the store's roof. Nowadays, anyone with an iPhone can film something significantly better, and they do. Back in the 90s, it required serious dedication to produce something like "Clerks." So, it was the first of its kind, but not the best of its kind.

And so, the story of "Clerks" is the story of a slacker who decided to stop slacking, and actually make something. This could have been Smith's first and last movie. Dante was killed in the original ending. But Smith was persuaded at an early screening, to cut that part of the ending out. He credits that advice to saving his movie-making career because Smith didn't know how to end a movie, and that ending would have likely been extremely career limiting.

So, here's to all the slackers who go online to complain that it is someone else's fault that their life sucks. We were once young, like you are, and we had the same struggles you had, just slightly different is all.

I leave you this quote, which reflects deeply on blaming others for your own misfortune...

Dante Hicks: "You know what the real tragedy about all this is? I'm not even supposed to be here today!"

Randal Graves: [suddenly outraged] "Oh, fuck you! Fuck you, pal! Jesus, there you go again trying to pass the buck. I'm the source of all your misery. Who closed the store to play hockey? Who closed the store to go to a wake? Who tried to win back his ex-girlfriend without even discussing how he felt with his present one? You wanna blame somebody? Blame yourself. 'I'm not even supposed to be here today.'"

[throws stuff at Dante]

Randal Graves: "You sound like an asshole! Jesus, nobody twisted your arm to be here today. You're here of your own volition. You like to think the weight of the world rests on your shoulders. Like this place would fall apart if Dante wasn't here. Jesus, you overcompensate for having what's basically a monkey's job. You push fucking buttons. Anybody can waltz in here and do our jobs. You... You're so obsessed with making it seem so much more epic, so much more important than it really is. Christ, you work in a convenience store, Dante! And badly, I might add! I work in a shitty video store, badly as well.

[sighs]

Randal Graves: "You know, that guy Jay's got it right, man. He has no delusions about what he does. Us... we like to make ourselves seem so much more important than the people that come in here to buy a paper, or, God forbid... cigarettes. We look down on them as if we're so advanced. Well, if we're so fucking advanced, what are we doing working here?"

Snooch to the Nooch my fellow noochers!



You should not watch Clerks if...

• You are under the age of 17. The movie contains explicit language and adult content.
• You are easily offended by crude humor or explicit language
• You prefer high-budget, large scale movies as it is a low budget film.
• You don't like black and white films.
• You dislike movies that heavily base their content around dialogue and everyday scenarios.

Whats the deal with...
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:

What's the deal with "Clerks?"I mean, these guys are supposed to be 'clerks', right? But I've never seen two guys do less work in a convenience store. It’s like the only thing they're selling is sarcasm and pop culture references!

You've got Dante, who gets called into work on his day off. I mean, isn't that every worker's worst nightmare?

And then there's Randal, who seems to have a PhD in customer avoidance.

Who knew the convenience store industry was so... inconvenient?

People who loved this movie also loved...
Pulp Fiction (1994)

Fans of "Clerks" (1994) will likely appreciate "Pulp Fiction" (1994), as both movies are cult classics that emerged from the independent film movement of the early 90s. They share a unique narrative style, marked by unconventional storytelling, memorable dialogue, and a strong focus on character development. Both films are also characterized by their dark humor, cultural references, and the use of pop culture-infused language. If you enjoy the raw, unfiltered portrayal of everyday life in "Clerks," you would find the same authenticity in "Pulp Fiction," albeit in a more stylized, nonlinear manner.

Fight Club (1999)

Those who love "Clerks" (1994) will also love "Fight Club" (1999) because both films share a cynicism towards consumerism and societal norms, while presenting it through dark humor and unconventional narrative styles. "Clerks" and "Fight Club" both feature disenchanted, anti-establishment protagonists who are dissatisfied with their mundane lives and jobs, leading them to challenge the status quo. Both films are renowned for their witty dialogue, unique storytelling, and exploration of existential themes, making them cult classics. The raw, gritty cinematography and evocative performances further enhance the films' appeal.

American Beauty (1999)

Fans of "Clerks" (1994) will also love "American Beauty" (1999) because both films provide a raw and satirical exploration of everyday life and its mundane reality, highlighting the dark humor and existential crises that often come with it. Each film, in its own unique way, pushes against societal norms and expectations, featuring complex characters that are relatable and flawed. Both films also boast of excellent dialogue, with a balance of humor and drama that leaves audiences both entertained and introspective.

Memento (2000)

"Clerks" and "Memento" share a similar non-traditional style of storytelling that deviates from the norm of mainstream cinema. They both dive deep into the psyche of their central characters, with their narratives unfolding in unconventional ways; "Clerks" through its raw, conversational dialogue and day-in-a-life structure, and "Memento" through its non-linear storytelling and unique examination of memory and identity. Both films also demonstrate a unique blend of humor and drama, making them compelling for viewers who appreciate thought-provoking narratives and character-driven plots.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

If you’re a fan of sharp humor, unconventional characters, and unique storytelling, “The Big Lebowski” by Coen brothers is a great choice. The story focuses on The Dude (Jeff Bridges), a laid-back, bowling enthusiast who gets pulled into a bizarre situation involving a millionaire, nihilists, and a Rug.

Swingers (1996)

"Swingers" is a film to consider if you liked the buddy-comedy aspects of "Clerks," exploring the camaraderie and conversations between friends. It's about a group of guy friends navigating the L.A. swing dance and dating scene. Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn star with Favreau also contributing to the screenplay.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

Lovers of "Clerks" will appreciate "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" as both films share a similar comedic, irreverent tone and a focus on the ordinary yet entertaining lives of young people. Like "Clerks," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" presents a day-in-the-life story filled with humorous dialogue, engaging character dynamics, and a rebellious spirit against the pressures and responsibilities of adult life. The films also share a raw, independent feel, with "Ferris Bueller" director John Hughes' distinctive style resonating with the indie aesthetics of "Clerks" director Kevin Smith.

Trainspotting (1996)

Those who love "Clerks" (1994) will also love "Trainspotting" (1996) as both movies are gritty, darkly humorous, and offer an unflinching depiction of working-class life. Both films are characterized by their use of raw and authentic dialogue, non-traditional storytelling methods, and unforgettable characters. "Clerks" and "Trainspotting" each delve into the disillusionment, struggles, and daily lives of their respective protagonists, all while maintaining a bleak yet relatable sense of humor. So, if you enjoy films that offer a candid and often humorous look at life's harsh realities, you'll likely enjoy both of these iconic 90s indie films.

Chasing Amy (1997)

"Clerks" (1994) and "Chasing Amy" (1997) are directed by Kevin Smith and are a part of his 'View Askewniverse' series, known for their witty dialogue, quirky characters, and exploration of interesting relationship dynamics. The films share a similar sense of humor, a distinctive indie aesthetic, and a focus on the personal and romantic trials of everyday people, making "Chasing Amy" a natural follow-up for fans of "Clerks." Both films offer a candid and comedic look at love, friendship, and the complexities of human relationships, making them resonate with viewers who appreciate insightful, character-driven narratives.

Office Space (1999)

Those who love "Clerks" (1994) will also love "Office Space" (1999) because both films provide a humorous, satirical take on the mundanity and frustration of everyday work life, showcasing relatable characters who grapple with the absurdity of their jobs. Both movies utilize sharp dialogue, dark humor, and ironic circumstances to highlight the banality of the 9-to-5 grind, making them a hit among audiences who enjoy witty, dry humor and the exploration of common workplace scenarios. The unique style of humor, combined with the critique of the everyday work environment, creates a connection between the two films that fans of "Clerks" are likely to appreciate in Office Space.

Slacker (1991):

If you enjoyed the low-budget, indie vibe of "Clerks," you'll likely appreciate "Slacker." Directed by Richard Linklater, this film follows a day in the life of a group of aimless young adults in Austin, Texas. Not unlike "Clerks," it shows the comical ordinariness and weirdness of everyday life.

Superbad (2007):

For a more contemporary comedy that has a similar style of humor to "Clerks," you might want to check out "Superbad." It’s an enduring comedy that managed to capture the awkward hilarity of high school. The clever mix of vulgar humor and genuine moments of friendship might remind you of Dante and Randal's antics in "Clerks."

Ghost World (2001):

This coming-of-age film starring Scarlett Johansson and Thora Birch offers wit and sarcasm akin to "Clerks." It’s sarcastically humorous, unusually insightful and surely resonates with the sentiments of disaffected youth. Both are characterized by their unique style, dark comedy, and scathing societal commentary.

Remember, each movie has its own flavor, and while they may reminiscent of "Clerks," they also provide their own unique spin on humor and character development. Happy movie watching!

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