Writer and director Kevin Smith has amassed one of the most devoted fan bases in all cult films. His films are almost like a play in which the dialogue is central. This dialogue relates to his audience, who are like him in their love of movies and pop culture entertainment. Smith has become a modern icon as a filmmaker.
Starting with a grocery store in New Jersey, Smith co-owned the famed Jay and Silent Bob Secret Stash in Redbank, NJ, and starred in hit TV shows such as Comic Book Men and its own critically acclaimed stand-up specials and directed episodes of DC television series such as super girl and The flash. Smith has also developed a cinematic universe of movies called the View Askewniversenamed after his production company View Askew.
This cinematic universe continues to grow and consists of nine feature films. But movies like Sign Files, Scream 3, Zack and Miri Make a Porn and Madness in the method all feature cameos from the iconic duo of Jay and Silent Bob, played by Jason Mewes and Smith themselves. These characters are almost like Nick Fury from the MCU, tying the series together. Smith’s fan base is huge, and he’s now bringing his films back to the public at his new New Jersey movie theater called Smodcastle Cinemas. Every movie in its View Askewniverse tells recognizable stories about love, be it platonic or romantic, culture and movies themselves.
9/9 The super hip cartoon of Jay and Silent Bob!
Although not directed by Kevin Smith, The super hip cartoon of Jay and Silent Bob! is an animated adventure between the famous duo. Released in 2014, the film uses its wacky cartoonish format to tell a story that fits the medium. Jay and Silent Bob literally win the lottery and become superheroes. The animated and quirky presentation is perfect for telling the story and seeing Bluntman and Chronic, the duo’s heroes, on their adventures. This film is inspired by Smith’s comic book featuring the superheroes in action.
8/9 Mallrats
The second edition of the View Askewniverse is Mall rats. The film stars Jason Lee as Brodie alongside Jay and Silent Bob, largely in a single mall that hosts a dating game show. While the film contains the usual banter and debates about movies and comic books, it is also a heartfelt love story. The film was released in 1995, just a year after the clerks tree.
7/9 Jay and Silent Bob strike back
Jay and Silent Bob strike back is the first episode of the View Askewniverse in which only Jay and Silent Bob embark on their own solo adventure. While it begins in the famed convenience store, Jay and Silent Bob embark on an adventure to seek financial retribution for the on-screen film adaptation of “Bluntman and Chronic,” based on the duo’s real-life counterparts. We see Jay and Silent Bob fall into a heist plot and a potential love interest for Jay develops. The film has developed a cult following and has proven that the duo can keep their own film.
6/9 clerks 3
The most recent movie in the View Askewniverse is Clerks 3. Dante (Brian O’Halloran) and Randall (Jeff Anderson) are back where it all began, Quick Stop Groceries. However, the film is much more layered and dramatic than the previous two parts. Through the real events of director Smith’s heart attack, we see how death and mortality affect these characters.
There are unexpected and emotional twists and turns, but in the end the film shows that Randall wants to make a name for himself by making a film based on life in a supermarket… somewhat meta and effective. This movie presents the clerks trilogy as one of Hollywood’s most beloved, and clerks 3 is a sweet and appropriate conclusion.
5/9 Jay and Silent Bob reboot
Saban movies
Jay and Silent Bob reboot is the ultimate reunion and commentary on the era of remakes, reboots and sequels. Jay and Silent Bob go on a pretty similar adventure compared to their first, but it gets a lot more meta. They embark on a mission to take on Kevin Smith himself, who is making the reboot movie of ‘Bluntman and Chronic’. Fans of the franchise could see Kevin Smith and Silent Bob on screen at the same time, in the same room. There is also a theme of fatherhood, where Jay is warned that he has a daughter of his own, who is played by Harley Quinn Smith, Smith’s real-life daughter.
4/9 clerks 2
clerks 2 featured the return of fan favorites Dante and Randall, who are forced to move after the Quick Stop burns down. They work behind the counter and the fast food restaurant Mooby’s, which is an iconic addition to the View Askewniverse. While the original cast has returned to the film, we’re also introduced to store manager Becky (Rosario Dawson) and young Elias (Trevor Fehrman). The film uses themes and sentimental love stories to talk about belonging and breaking into the bigger world beyond what’s comfortable.
3/9 Dogma
Miramax
Dogma is arguably the most controversial film in all of Kevin Smith’s filmography. However, it has garnered a justified following, despite protests from religious critics. Smith took on these protesters in a way no other filmmaker would dare… by joining them.
Outside of a theater performance Dogma, Smith gestured and was interviewed by the local news about the film’s brutality against religion. Unbeknownst to the reporter and the few protesters who were present (most of them didn’t even see the film), they were in the presence of the director himself. The film is packed with star-studded cast including Alan Rickman, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Chris Rock and George Carlin.
2/9 chasing amy
chasing amy is Kevin Smith’s romantic comedy about two comic book writers Holden and Banky (Ben Affleck and Jason Lee). Holden meets and falls for Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams), but love is not meant to be. The film is a love story for fans of the genre and not because Smith uses characters connected to the audience (including Jay and Silent Bob) to build a very recognizable story. A genuinely sweet and thoughtful film that’s also snide and funny, fans often refer to the film as Smith’s best, alongside the one that started it all.
1/9 clerks
clerks is Smith’s first feature-length film, and the behind-the-scenes story has been endlessly inspiring to young independent filmmakers. Working around the schedule of the real Quick Stop Groceries in New Jersey, Smith was able to make a small but impressive film that was picked up by Sundance and has now been added to the Library of Congress. The dialogue is poetic (and raunchy), the characters are iconic, and the film itself is the most iconic indie film of all time. It started Smith’s career; it did for the View Askewniverse what? Iron Man did for the MCU.