‘Jay and Silent Bob Reboot’ Review – The Epitome of Reboot

I was introduced to Kevin Smith about a year ago. Ok, I knew who he was. But I didn’t know who he was. As such, my eyes got opened this spring. I was introduced to the View Askewniverse, and covered all the lovely films, from the weird, weird Dogma, to the love story of Chasing Amy. If you’d asked me then if one of these movies would ever make a top ten list for me, I’d have said no. But now I’m here to admit I was wrong. Jay and Silent Bob Reboot is a labor of love from Kevin Smith. It is full of hope, laughter, and plenty of iconic Kevin Smith moments.

In terms of identifying an accurate summary, the best I can provide is it follows similar paths as to Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, but the ending differs. It is filled with youth, diversity, and is just enough to make you pay for Strike Back all over again (see clip below). But this movie is Strike Back better. Call it a generational difference if you’d like. Maybe watching a film 18 years later is not the best, especially with differences in the way humor is taken nowadays. Smith made the transition from 2001 movie to 2019 movie effortlessly.

Jay and Silent Bob Reboot touched the inner corners of my soul. There was crying, laughter, and a lot of heartfelt emotional moments. All of Smith’s characters return, in some form or another. Ben Affleck’s appearance struck chords, and really spoke to the power of forgiveness. Smith and Affleck hadn’t spoken in years, and came together after Affleck was asked if he was coming back for the reboot. Affleck’s scene is a perfect sequel to Chasing Amy, and reunited a pair of friends. Bring tissues.

Jay and Silent Bob Reboot traverses the realms of providing what you want, but also providing what you never knew you needed. There’s a fantastic balance between new material and old material, enough to make it a (if you’re ok with it) rated R film for the entire family.  Smith even showcases the multigenerational aspect with having his daughter Harley-Quinn Smith star in the film. You’ll learn more about yourself in Jay and Silent Bob Reboot than you ever thought you would. With Jay as your focal point.

Jason Mewes is a an absolute rockstar of an actor in this film. He absolutely kills it. The transformation that he has had over the years is outstanding. Kevin spoke on it promoting Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, but it’s an actual fact. I could not stand Jay as a character in the previous films, he always seemed wooden. The humor portrayed only to serve as a distraction. But Mewes gives us a well rounded Jay in this film. He gets a character journey I never thought he would have in this movie. I would honestly say he’s deserving of award nominations for his work. We’re still given Jay. But it’s a better Jay.

Jay and Silent Bob Reboot is a perfect satirical commentary on current Hollywood filmmaking. Hollywood is so tied to older films, and constantly trying to milk every penny from franchises. New, fresh work rarely gets the attention it deserves, and as such are becoming less and less present in our society. The irony is that Smith is milking his older franchise, but at least he recognizes it.

Jay and Silent Bob Reboot provides every desire for current fans, and can and will bring in new ones. The cameos are superb (stay after the credits), with everyone getting in on the awesomeness. It has the best story out of all the Kevin Smith movies. It will be hard for him to out do this one in my book. Jay and Silent Bob Reboot provides vitalization for a once thought dead franchise, and has opened opportunities for View Askewniverse to return. Much like Kevin Smith’s love for life after his heart attack. My only hope is Dogma stays buried right where it is!

Rating: 10/10

Jay and Silent Bob Reboot will be coming to theaters soon, following Smith and Mewes’ Reboot Roadshow appearance in a city near you. The film stars Kevin Smith as Silent Bob, Jason Mewes as Jay, as well as Kevin Smith film regulars everywhere.