Quick Review: Jay and Silent Bob Reboot

After missing it on the Roadshow Tour (a la Mom & Dad), I discovered it on Amazon Prime.  Was it worth the wait?

Almost 20 years after their last 'solo' adventure, things aren't going well for the pair.  Their plan to sell Pot goes awry.

They get even worse news as Saban Films has bought the Bluntman & Chronic Film Rights.

Amidst the Film joking about how familiar this is, they do have Jason Lee tell them about the Film and not Ben Affleck.

This also includes the subtle Stan Lee Tribute as well.

The pair plan to go to Hollywood, but run into some trouble along the way- naturally.  En route, they learn that Justice (from the last Film) is now a Weatherwoman...and had Jay's kid!

So the pair go off to Hollywood (California and not Florida, in a bit cut like 5x) with the Daughter and her friends, none of whom know the secret.

It is at this point that Film reaches a standstill.  Is it trying to be 'woke' Comedy-Drama or is it a Stoner Comedy with some Drama?  You decide (since he didn't). 

What is the new Film- titled Bluntman V Chronic, naturally- like?  Will they stop it?  Should they stop it?

Fun Side Note: there's a DTV Scooby-Doo Film that does this same thing- only with the Blue Falcon.  Weird, no?

Instead of a big Climax at the Movie Studio, they end up at Not ComicCon.  What final twists and turns will we see?

To find out, watch the Movie.  It's on Prime- as mentioned- but lots of other places too.

This Film is so META that I feel like I have to follow suit.  The Film has a strong enough story, even if it does get bogged down by a few diversions.  For instance, Matt Damon's Cameo as Loki was funny, but had zero impact on the Film's narrative.  Most of the other ones feel more connected.  For instance, the Ben Affleck part has a clear cause-and-effect role in the narrative.  The actual Story, as mentioned, is good.  It definitely sells you as one thing and clearly turns you another away.  All of the things you'd expect from an experienced Writer/Director are on display here.  Weirdly, some pay-offs- like the one about Edibles- were cut (but shown during the Credits).  Obviously, due to situations out of his control, Smith can't get everyone back.  I am surprised, however, that Alanis Morisette is mentioned twice, but not actually shown.  The absence of Randal is odd too, but he did *initially* turn down Clerks III, so that might be related.  Another note- Clerks II is still in-continuity, but we see Rosario Dawson playing a different Character- odd.  The biggest pro and con here is the issue with its tone.  It tries its best to be a fun Stoner Comedy, but also a Road Trip Movie and a Coming of Age Tale for Smith's actual Daughter.  Random extra note- Smith's real Daughter plays Jay's Daughter, while Jason Mewes' actual Daughter playes Ben Affleck's!  At its best, the Film can be fun, but then have emotional breaks to feel deeper than it appears.  At its worst, it has tonal whiplash and then jumps to a Cameo.  All of the Cameos and META gags are fun as a whole, if perhaps over done.  All in all, it worked for a longtime fan like me, but may not sell those who aren't already Smith fans.  One strong point- giving a nice role to David Dastmalchian!

A Film that is definitely funny and dramatic on its own.  That said, like 40% of the humor requires you to know very specific Pop Culture references.