There's an argument among film fans that basically says Kevin Smith started to go downhill following Dogma. These are the people that write off how smarmily meta Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back was; or don't appreciate the turn Smith tried to take with Jersey Girl. Clerks 2, for the most part, was a bit of a filmic jerk off, but it was fun.
So depending on what camp you're in, Zack and Miri could have either been much anticipated or much dreaded.
It is, undoubtedly, a Kevin Smith film. It is perverse, crass, clever and funny as hell. It's smart, but smart enough not to rub it in your face, and more than anything, it accomplishes what he tried to do in Jersey Girl. It tells a sweet and genuine story, in the guise of tit and shit jokes (and oh, mercy, does Smith deliver the mother of all shit jokes in this movie).
Aside from being just a Smith movie, it is also a very Apatowian (though without any actual Apatow involvement). The film features Seth Rogen, playing Seth Rogen, and Elizabeth Banks who I now have a massive girl-crush on. If you ever wanted to see what happened in the 40 Year Old Virgin after Rogen joined Banks in the bathtub? This is not that movie.
What it is, however, it a laugh out loud comedy, with utterly perfect portrayals by Rogen and Banks, not to mention an incredible cameo by Justin Long, and great supporting roles played by The Office's Craig Robinson, and Smith alum Jason Mewes (with short hair, and some off-putting full frontal nudity) and Jeff Anderson. Even real-life porn stars Traci Lords and Katie Morgan turn in decent and believable performances.
Having now seen the film twice, I feel secure in announcing it as a return to solid form for Smith. All the director standards are there: hockey, Star Wars, but somehow it all feels fresh, and when you take the shock value of the title away, what remains is a clever and sweet romantic comedy. . . with a lot of fake boobs and didlos.
****.5 out of *****
4.5 out of 5
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