Chasing Amy / Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back / Clerks

Chasing Amy (1997)

Writer/director Kevin Smith’s sharp and emotional look at a most unconventional romance, as comic-book writer Holden McNeil (Ben Affleck) tries to pursue a relationship with fellow comic artist and avowed lesbian Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams), much to the displeasure of Holden’s creative partner and best friend, Banky (Jason Lee). With Dwight Ewell, and Jason Mewes and Smith as Jay and Silent Bob. 113 min. C/Rtg: R

Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)

Kevin Smith closes the book--literally--on his slacker reprobates with this fifth entry in his misnamed "New Jersey Trilogy." When convenience store hangabouts Jay and Bob (see "Clerks") learn a film is being made with their comic book alter egos Bluntman and Chronic (see "Chasing Amy") and without any payment to them, the doped-out duo undertake a cross-country odyssey (see "Dogma") to sabotage the production (see "Mallrats"). Filled with cameos and in-jokes, the riotous road comedy stars Ben Affleck, Shannon Elizabeth, Will Ferrell, Jason Mewes, Chris Rock, and Smith. 104 min. C/Rtg: R

Clerks (1994)

Kevin Smith’s engagingly foul-mouthed and funny independent comedy tracks a "typical" day at a New Jersey convenience store. Follow philosophical counterman Dante as he serves an array of annoying customers, plays rooftop hockey, and ponders his love life and his future with help from neighboring video store clerk Randal and local ne’er-do-wells Jay and Silent Bob. Brian O’Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Marilyn Ghigliotti, Jason Mewes, and Smith star. 91 min. BW/Rtg: R