Cinematical

I gotta say, it would have seemed natural to have debuted "Clerks 2" at Sundance. A raucous, wild movie like that just seems out of place at Cannes. And, if Kevin Smith wanted it to be at Sundance, why not show it there. To preserve the Cannes premiere, they could have done a Sundance midnight screening, or just show a twenty-minute preview.

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I think it has to do with international sales of the picture. if you premiere it in Cannes, you get way more chances to sell it abroad than in Sundance. If american distribution is already dealt with, all you have to do is try to have a spot in Cannes and it will sell like hot cakes on the market. To me, W is just trying to make the most out of the film. I certainly don't blame them for that.

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Considering his stunted directorial evolution over the years, opening any Kevin Smith film at Cannes seems a little over the top. But since the Weinstein Company's first crop of films have done only so-so at the box office, maybe they're looking for some well-needed cache.

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Considering his stunted directorial evolution over the years, opening any Kevin Smith film at Cannes seems a little over the top. But since the Weinstein Company's first crop of films have done only so-so at the box office, maybe they're looking for some well-needed cache.

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I think weinstein made a big mistake. This movie has a very particular following and by skipping sundance he is not only snubbing the movie but Smith fans as well.

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For TRUE Kevin Smith, View Askew fans.. it won't matter where Clerks 2 is screened. Cult movies like this will do well because we have been waiting for 12 years for a follow up.

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I personally think that Smith's Quality of work has declined severely since Clerks. Don't get me wrong, Dogma was definately a great film, as was Mallrats and Chasing Amy had some great moments, but Jay and Silent Bob, and Jersey Girl, were both pretty pathetic. Also, for him to be coming out with a sequel shows that he has already run out of ideas, not so good for a director who has only been around 12 years. I also hope he can make the sequel as good, if not better (since now he can hire real actors and better equipment), but going by his last few pictures, I am highly cautious and doubtful.

I just hope he can prove me wrong.

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Cannes? It's almost a historical thing having another Clerks at Sundance, & then it gets moved. I do hope this means the movie will have more success. I'll be here waiting for the general release.

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Cannes may be more of an international market, but I really don't necessarily see Clerks 2 doing well internationally. Clerks is a very very American film loaded with sensibilities, politics, humor and culture that's not necessarily universal. (consider the international appeal for films like Suburbia or Swingers - those films while killed at the box office domestically, didnt do very well internationally) I think it is a big misstep on Weinstein's part. Sundance would've been an appropriate (and in fact 'indie prestigous') venue for Clerks 2. And that's not even mentioning loyalty and integrity in this business.

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Perhaps Harvey Weinstein has a good reason for the decision. Maybe the film isn't quite ready yet and needs further cuts or more polish. Maybe it's a publicity thing, as has been mentioned. Who can say? Kevin trusts the Weinsteins for a reason. They gave him his big break.

In any case, Kevin Smith makes movies for himself and by extension his fans, not Bigtime Hollywood, so whatever games of footsie the powers that be choose to play with the release, it couldn't be more beside the point.

Like Renee says, I'll be the first little kiddie in line when it hits my local multiplex. Because even if you don't care for his "evolution" as a director, his writing is always sharp, introspective, and funny as hell and my six dollars and two hours couldn't be better spent.

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I agree with, the very well written comments by
AutumnOliva :) My only question is...Where can you go, to see a movie for six dollars ? Take care everyone,I am Billy Mieder in Los Angeles :)

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I love Kevin Smith's movies, I've been a follower since seeing Dogma. Clerks was an awesome movie and I think it's great that he's coming out with a sequel to what has to be the greatest Kevin Smith movie ever. I think it's wrong that Weinstein snubbed the movie alltogether, I think he doesn't understand what good independant film is.

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I think it goes to show that sundance is not a film festival for independant movies. It is a film festival for celebrities to show off their latest crap. Kevin Smith has been a favorite of mine since Clerks. I think Kevin should have opted with a real independant film festival... Tromadance... the main reason? no entry fee... you don't have to pay to get your "Low budget, independant film" shown... Robert Redford and all those other Hollywood umm... "Talents"? need to stop being stupid. Sundance is a joke.

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Plain and simple. The movie is not done yet with score and mild polishing. Don't want to show your hand 8 months before August release date.

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Kevin,

Bro. If you read this...F%@* 'em all and debut it at WIZARD WORLD!

That'll teach 'em to snub you.

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I think a full-on world premiere at the Secret Stash could only heighten the international cachet that has already made Kevin Smith a worldwide sex symbol for cerebral girls. I mean, c'mon. If you have the debut in a small retail space in Jersey and don't let anybody come because there's a sign in the window that says "I'm not supposed to be here today," isn't that just way cooler than Cannes? Would they even let Mewes in at Cannes?

Yeah. Have it in Red Bank. Let the critics view it only via webcam. No limos. Gift bags of old Dogma swag - Buddy Christs for everyone! That'll work.

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Do my eyes deceive me? Can anyone ever doubt the mind of such a great man? Let us not forget, Kevin did not make it in this great world of Hollywood by dong what the “big boys” wanted him to do! What has always made me a great fan, is his “who cares” attitude. He has never made pop culture movies, he instigates pop culture movements with his movies. He doesn’t just march to the beat of his own drum; he does it playing a guitar! That’s why we love his movies. And why does every movie have to be amazing, remember the greats like Tom Hanks, have had some great bombs (Joe vs. Volcano…need I say more). I think we all just need to enjoy the fact that Sundance will miss out, and then support a great artist like Kevin Smith! Rush out and see the sequel to one of the greatest “small” movies ever made, laugh, smoke up, or do what ever it is that makes life fun. To hell with what “the powers that be” think!!!

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Brillant move by the Weinsteins! They instantly created major buzz, without which I still wouldn't know that the movie was even in production. Now I'm psyched! Clerks 2 should be hugely successful.

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I've got to agree with a lot of what's been said already. Sundance would have seemed the better choice but I'm sure Smith trusts the guys making the decision. Although Jersey Girl was kind of middle of the road, I think Smith is steadily improving and his "an Evening with Kevin Smith" is hilarious. The man has a quick and extremely sharp wit and I hope the "movie establishment" doesn't force him into making the same old crap everbody else makes.

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Doesn't matter if you debut s*%t at the greatest film festival of all time, it's still 90 miniutes of s*%t. Kevin Smith was a novelty who morphed into an annoyance with all his stale appearances on VH1 specials. Hang it up buddy. Your last film that made money was Chasing Amy.

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