Clerks III – An Existential Finale (Early Review)

Dante and Randal and the Clerks franchise have graced screens for nearly 30 years after 1994’s Clerks. Audiences have more or less grown up with these characters therefore have developed an emotional connection to them. With the third and probable film of the franchise now upon us, the aptly-titled Clerks III, it is time to give them the send-off they deserve. But ultimately, to move forward, the franchise would take a look back in a way that brings Dante and Randal full circle. A compelling and surprisingly-heartfelt watch, it delivers a near-perfect send-off with plenty of fan service which should appeal to longtime fans of the franchise. However, that fan service does not distract from that story. While audiences should expect several fun cameos just like a lot of Kevin Smith films, this is Dante and Randal’s story above all else. To that effect, Brian O’Halloran and Jeff Anderson take the experiences they have gained from playing the characters over the years to Dante and Randal this time around to great effect in making them and their evolving dynamic that much more believable.

Clerks III sees Randal (Anderson) have an existential crisis as a near-death experience saw him reflect on his life thus far. Wanting to do something with his life, the clear choice seemed to be to make a film about his life for which the Quick Stop played a major role in despite his lack of experience. Becoming his calling, that passion may or may not have alienated Dante (O’Halloran) and the other characters who just wanted to support him in spite of his often overbearing personality. That being said, it certainly wasn’t easy. Looking back at the past while making Randal’s film offered plenty of opportunities for reminiscing or fan service among other moments that will surely connect to fans of the franchise. But little did he realize, Randal’s story was also Dante’s story, a fact that was not lost on the latter as both characters went on a journey over the course of the film. While that journey will bring some laughs, it will also bring a surprising amount of emotion which just hits harder because of the long time audiences have spent with Dante and Randal. Meanwhile, the making of Randal’s film was also a blast to watch and an ode to independent filmmaking. Nobody knew what they were doing and that only made it more endearing as it brought Dante, Randall, Elias (Trevor Fehrman), and Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith) together.

The best part of Clerks III was its performances, particularly the stellar ones from O’Halloran and Anderson as Dante and Randall. As mentioned, they bring time and experience to their well-weathered performances. They’ve been through a lot and that’s easy to see and feel thus easy to connect with as they evolved over the last three decades. Their chemistry, just like the previous two films, make this one work. The supporting cast are solid, including Jay and Silent Bob who have not lost a beat, and the cameos were a welcome touch.

At the end of the day, Clerks III is a fitting end but it’s going to be hard to move forward without Dante and Randall.

still courtesy of Lionsgate

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.