Best appreciated with Kevin Smith's early career movies fresh in memory, this fifth feature from the Jersey director gives his recurring supporting characters a film of their own as the two stoner friends set out to sabotage a Hollywood motion picture based on their likenesses. It is as fun as it sounds and while Jay and Silent Bob's shenanigans are not as funny here as in 'Mallrats' (where they stole every scene), Smith milks every movie-making reference for all that it is worth. There are some great fourth-wall breaking moments, Ben Affleck is hilarious as his 'Chasing Amy' character who scoffs at Affleck the actor, stating that he is "not a fan" of 'Good Will Hunting', and there is a wacky 'Scooby Doo' parody in the mix too. The most deliciously satirical moments are saved for the third act though with the title characters running amok in Miramax Studios where Wes Craven is shooting yet another 'Scream' flick and Gus Van Sant is filming a lame 'Good Will Hunting' sequel! Affleck and Matt Damon (playing themselves) are given some of the film's funniest dialogue in this section as they mock each other's career choices. While the film ends on a high note, there is no denying how sidetracked the middle section of the film feels as the duo become involved with animal rights activists. Smith overdoses on gags involving the acronym 'C.L.I.T.', Will Ferrell is grating as an inept cop, and most disappointingly, this middle section lacks the movie references of the film's first and final half hour. Never to mind, the highlights of the film are what stand out afterwards and there too many to count. All concerned are in top form and 'Star Wars' fans will no doubt appreciate Mark Hamill's cameo as a flabbergasted actor.
Review of Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
