MallRat419

This film tries too hard to pull at heartstrings. Sentimental movies should just "happen" - they shouldn't be contrived messes. I read one reviewer say that this film should have been titled "Oliver! 2: Electric Boogaloo" and that about sums it up. The actors plod through horrid direction - the music is as banal as it comes, and why is it that every kid genius MUST play the role as sub-autistic? Not every genius is socially damaged. This movie should be burned or relegated to the Lifetime Movie Network. This film insulted me as a film-goer and music lover. I should have been crying at the end of the film, and instead I just left angry that this one even got out the gate. A lighter touch in directing, and better musical direction would have turned this into a good film - the story is interesting, but it was painted with a jackhammer instead of a brush.

Clerks II is a worthy successor to Kevin Smith's 1994 debut, "Clerks.".

The continuing adventures of Dante and Randal speed along with witty dialogue, insightful social commentary, and a touching look at various levels of life, responsibility and most importantly, love.

There's a lot of the requisite dirty jokes, but they enhance the golden center of the flick. I laughed and cried in many of the same moments. But mostly, I watched two characters I had grown up with grow up themselves and face some of the dilemmas I've faced since I went from being a teenage slacker to an adult. I was reminded of a better time in my life, and also reminded to look forward to the future.

Brian O'Halloran knocks Dante out of the gate, with pitch-perfect delivery. I believe that this is still the Dante we knew - just a bit older. Jeff Anderson takes Randal, an already amazing character, and brings him to a new level. Randal becomes even funnier - and more touching. Trevor Fehrman's Elias adds the perfect foil for Randal's brand of mischief. Jay and Silent Bob, the dynamic duo, are also back - proving that Jason Mewes is back in top shape, and really enjoying making you laugh.

~Steve

I was privy to a screening of this film at the Syracuse Film Festival on April 29th, 2005.

"Poets" is a gritty drama about an aging mobster, who tries to steer his headstrong, but good-willed nephew towards a better life. The debut film from director John Bevilacqua, I enjoyed the film and the performances from Daniel Baldwin, and in particular, Bree Walker - whose turn as the young surfer, Bleu, was particularly touching.

The film's visual style calls to mind such gritty directors as DePalma and Scorsese - director of photography Richard Salazar worked to create a dark, hushed tone for the usually vibrantly filmed Venice Beach, dropping the idyllic sheen that the scenery has encompassed in other films. This dusty and used look adds to the sense of urgency of Baldwin's fading gangster.

An impressive film, considering it's budget, this one is not to be missed by lovers of drama and crime stories.

The personal enthusiasm of Mr. Bevilacqua was evident as he and Mr. Baldwin fielded many questions in a Q&A session afterwords - the love that went into this project is evident in the final product. I expect to see more in the future from the film's two young leads, James Oliver and Bree Michael Warner.