Clerks III - Review! 

Kevin Smith breaks the myth of "Never meet your heroes"

The ending was so depressing. Starting with Dante flipping out on Randal right to the credits was a gut punch.

I'm so relieved this gets your stamp of approval Dan. I'm a huge Kevin Smith film fan much like you and I'm so glad this film pays off. Cheers my friend!

I’ve watched it five times already, each and every time I shed tears. That right there justifies overlooking the flaws. I mean that’s life right there, these things happen.

I have mixed feelings about Clerks 3. I really still feel Clerks 2 was the perfect ending. I wish he would have ended the story there. At least for Clerks.

I saw this tonight and the last act just absolutely crushed me. Brian O'Halloran was incredible. I can overlook a lot of the flaws in Kevin's movies because the heart is so clear in the writing and most of the performances. That so played out in this one, and it was so great/devastating to watch.

This was why I never miss a Dan review - so well thought out and insightful.

Who would have thought that we'd get a Clerks III before The Winds of Winter? Thanks for finishing the story Kev.

I'm a Jersey Girl.. And a Gen X'er around the same age as Kevin Smith. Middletown NJ is my hometown. (All hail Calico, the Evil Clown of Middletown!!) I met my now husband not long after Clerks came out in the 90's. We were living across the country in AZ trying to figure out what the fuck to do with our lives as 30-somethings just like Dante and Randall around the time Clerks 2 was released. And here we are, 25 some odd years later, we moved back to Jersey and realizing we are getting older, and dealing with all the things that come with that - health issues, mortality, loss.... Clerks 3 is Kevin Smith's story, but in many ways, it's mine too, and a lot of 30 & 40 something years olds stories. Especially if you're from Jersey. I was not prepared for some of the twists, but I loved the movie. I felt seen. If you're even remotely a fan, go see it.

This is a great, and very passionate review. Thanks, Dan. Extra excited for this one now!

I just got around to Clerks 3 and this review after being so touched watching it. Cried like a baby during 3rd act. Easily the best movie Kevin Smith has made in 15 years. I'm proud of him for making this. I didn't know he had this in him anymore.

I watched both clerks and clerks II with a friend in one night and then watched this and I honestly think the three movies create a perfect trilogy. I'm dead serious.

I was looking forward to this movie but now I'm super hyped for it!! Thanks Dan!!

That argument scene was just as good or possibly better than the one in marriage story 🤧

You do a good Silent Bob

“I have seen Yoga Hosers and Cop-Out.” Ha! I’m mostly with you, though. While View Askewniverse is hit or miss for me, Red State and Tusk are just great, great movies. Still hoping for Moose Jaws.

Another reasonable voice making me want to watch this film all the more when I can. Appreciate ya, Dan!

"I'm a big fan of 'Red State,' I am a defender of 'Tusk,' I have seen 'Yoga Hosers' and 'Cop Out.'" Honestly, that was the slickest, smoothest shade I've seen in a good long while! Kudos, Mr. Murrell!

Wonderful review, Dan. Thank You.

There's a scene involving a movie theater that hit pretty hard, coming from a moderate Kevin Smith fan here.

Finally....after over 12 years (and Zack & Miri), Smith finally made a good movie. And what a emotional rollercoster this movie was...

Dude idk why but the silent bob thing at the beginning has me cry laughing

As Silent Bob always says, " ..."

What a wonderful review, of both the movie and the film maker. As always thank you so very much for the video. I was going to see it, eventually... but now first chance I get.

Seen it, loved it. I laughed and cried. Great dialogue

I'm a big fan of roughly 1/2 of Kevin Smith's work. Clerks 1, Yoga Hosers, Dogma & Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back are our favourites. Clerks 3 doesn't appear to be playing in my area, I hope it comes to streaming. The roadshow with Kevin is in Iowa City, which sounds fantastic, but is a 5 hour drive.

This movie hit so close to home multiple times, it had me in tears for 75% of it. Seeing it with the Q & A in Providence,RI was awesome. Did it for Reboot too. I hope thats his release plan for every movie!

I was not prepared for the ending, that was a curveball. I'll give Kevin Smith credit for that, the ending wasn't really predictable.

Bringing back movie fights memories. Now I'm sad

Always love and appreciate Dan sharing his bias up top. This makes me want to see the movie and I was not excited for it before. Thanks Dan!

I watched Clerks on VHS in 1997 when I was 19. I had rented Mallrats the previous year. A friend who had never seen that told me about Clerks, so we did a double bill Kevin Smith movie night. I saw Clerks 2 in the theatre in 2006, when I was 28. After the movie was over, I stood outside the theatre and laughed for ten minutes before I could compose myself enough to walk to the car. I’m now 44 and happened to be the only person in the theatre for the Clerks 3 screening that I attended. I laughed so loud that I’m sure that the staff could hear me, then bawled like a baby. It was a combination of their exceptional acting, my love for those characters, and seeing them young again. It was not a perfect movie and I don’t like everything that he did, but: well done.

I had put off watching Jay and Silent Bob Reboot because I hadn't enjoyed most of his work in the last 20 years, but I decided to check it out before this movie released. The scene with Affleck and Joey Lauren Adams was so well-written and poignant that it unexpectedly reduced me to tears. Clerks III did that tenfold. Kevin is putting some of his best output right now.

It was a good and sad flick not gonna spoil for those that haven't seen it yet, but Dante made me cry

I forgot there even was a second Clerks

"This is the best acting of any we have seen this year" this is such a unironically cool comment Dan, I remember seeing Jay and Silent Bob in the theater with my brother and laughing until I peed and its one of my favorite memories. Thank you Dan and Kevin!

This is his best movie since Clerks 2, even if much of the movie is member berries on steroids. It has a ton of heart and thankfully isn't just wall to wall weed jokes.

Clerks 2 had some extremely funny scenes. If Clerks 3 can match that and add some substance to it then I'm in. ps Those Movie Fight episodes with Keven Smith were pretty great, still remember them!

Sometimes I think kevin smith is trying to turn jay and silent Bob into something that it will never be

one of the best death scenes I've seen, this is probably one of my favorite Kevin Smith movies he's done.

This film is going to destroy me emotionally. I just know it.

I watched a screening on Tuesday in Toronto. Absolutely loved it!!

One of 2022s best films.

First time watching your vid, that intro joke was so simple but got me 😂. Haha, nice man.

We never got the Smith v. Wood movei fights rematch... dang

ALSO… Jay and silent Bob were perfectly used in this movie. In the roles they were meant to play. Small roles come in make a stupid joke. They were used exactly how they should be. Very very reminiscent to the Clerks cartoon

Wish this was getting a wide release

Just saw it today. It did not play fair with it's emotional impact. But I loved every minute of it.

Greatest intro to a movie review I've seen in a long time.

I wish this movie was easier to track down in a theater.

Yep, that acting in the third act was sublime

Clerks 3 was a huge surprise 👌🏼 Haven’t cried like that during a Smith movie since Chasing Amy

I laughed, I cried, I was amazed at how good everyone was in the movie, especially Brian O’Halloran. You could tell how good of an actor he was in the other Kevin Smith movies he did. But in Clerks 3, he takes his chops to a higher level. If this were any other movie besides a Kevin Smith movie, he could be considered for an Oscar.

Clerks 3 is depressing as hell. The end of Clerks 2 was so uplifting and hopeful for the characters. This film just destroys it in a brutal way. I couldn't believe the decisions that were made here. I completely disagree with the thinking that people who are big fans of Kevin Smith and these characters will be happy with this movie. It's not a particularly good film (though the acting is pretty great at points) and anyone, fan or otherwise, can see that. But only fans with investment in these characters will be as grimly disappointed as I am. Things that happen to beloved characters in this film are done purely so it can hit some emotional beats (which are some of the well acted parts mentioned earlier), but they are in no way worth the sacrifice of these characters and their stories. It all seemed very cheap. If Kevin wanted to bring the experience of his heart attack to this film as well as doing a meta call back to the making of Clerks that would have been great. I can see a bunch of ways he could have done that and have it been a wonderful story, a fitting continuation of these characters stories and plenty emotional. Instead this film left me with a pit in my stomach and just feeling sad. I doubt any Kevin Smith fans that haven't seen the movie will be reading this comment but if any are I would recommend that you don't bother watching this one. Instead just go and give Clerks 2 another watch and have the warm feelings you have for those beloved characters at the credits be where their story ends for you. It's what I wish I had done.

If you haven't seen it wait until after the credits are done.. Marvel Style... The real life Silent Bob alter Ego comes to life and he pours out all the why and whens you really want to see it.

I watched Clerks 3 a few days after it was released on dvd and boy did it hit me hard for several reasons, to sum it all off it was incredibly emotional for me not just by watching the characters grow older but from a personal point of view. the third act really hit me the most because a year ago my dad died from heart failure and watching this movie was a personal wake up call for me as a fatal reminder that one day I could end up like him if I don't change my ways. its really a scary thought when you've experienced death firsthand. at the same time I found the movie enjoyable with many throwbacks to the previous 2 clerks movies. kevin smith really gave it his all in this installment.

Silent Bob hit the tanning booth too hard

Love that you’re wearing that jaws t shirt I got that from last exit to nowhere I get all my movie shirts from there

Also I can't wait to hear Ben's song in the movie

Awesome! Can't wait for the streaming release.

Thanks Much !.

Thanks for the great review Dan, similar to you I was about 14 when I saw Clerks and have been a huge Kevin Smith fan ever since. However, I have been disappointed with some of his newer movies and was worried Clerks 3 would have the same problems. You’ve given me a lot of hope though and I’m psyched about seeing the movie now :-) Keep up the great work!!!!

This movie hit me in the feels so much harder than I was expecting. I can't wait to watch it again.

I'm going on 2 years of my spouse passing. I feel like Daunte. I enjoyed the film, but it hit my in the unexpected ways.

Brian O Hallaran acted his face off in THAT scene!

I thought the jokes in the beginning acts it was corny and force joke then boom i cried in theater like an audible cry. Lump in throat etc. Dante was really good

"...I have seen Yoga Hoosers and Cop Out" 🤣

I liked it. A great combination of classic clerks humor, nostalgia, and a emotional storyline.

The worst parts of the film is when it tries to recreate the first film. Unfortunately that is a large part of the 2nd act. Thankfully Bryan O’Halloran saves it and the 3rd act is fantastic

That makes me happy to know u enjoyed the film. Really excited now!

I know you’re friends with Kevin and the “triumph of the Will” pull he did on you was either brilliant or low but very glad to see ya review this ! I met Kevin once and he was nice

Hey Dan you were my favorite part of screenjunkies I didn't know you started your own channel until now. I am subscribing right now and look forward to watching more of your videos.

This film was great but the ending really had me reflecting for days after I saw it. I think it's Keven Smith's best work just after Dogma.

I've been waiting over 10 years for this movie, Clerks 2 is still one of my all time favorite movies, and I'm so glad that it's done as a labor of love by Smith.

That's all life is, a series of down endings. Dante Hicks.

I'd love to hear your spoiler thoughts on this, Dan

I was NOT expecting this movie to break my heart. When I realized where act 3 was going, I gasped out loud. KindaFunny said there was a woman in their theatre who just kept saying “No. No. No.” and I feel that deeply. I’m so happy I got to meet the Clerks cast this year. (And make Kevin Smith laugh.) (I wish Brian were nicer but Jeff, Kevin and Jay were so damn fantastic that it made up for it.) My feel on the movie is that it’s not a perfect film by any means but it’s a perfect final chapter to this trilogy.

I love this movie so much that I think I would do a tattoo of something from it, or at least from the KS-universe. I think I know what third act scene you are talking about and I agree. The script, acting and music combined. Masterpiece!

Big fan of Kevin since first seeing Clerks back in the 90's. Can't wait for this. 😁

It's a shame this would never be screened in the Philippines. Would just have to wait around for the streaming release.

I love I have seen yoga hozers and cop out... Nice Dan not offending Kevin haha

While I liked it, I did some issues with the 3rd act. As a recent widow, I really connected with what Dante had gone through, but it was there mostly to move the plot, as it were, forward and to keep them all within the same arc the 2 main characters have been on for 30 years (which I understand it a problem with many movie sequels.) And as such, it kind of made Randall feel like more of a dick than he should have been to start, in that he got a 2nd chance, while Dante never did.

Great review.

I'm not a Kevin Smith fan boy and I was moved to tears with this film. So good. Master filmmaking.

You just made me want to watch it now and I had no desire before! I’ll have to re-watch the first and second one again so I can be as emotionally invested. I’m curious to hear what you thought of Jason Mewes directorial debut with Madness in the Method.

I just watch Clerks 3 tonight. I agree with your assessment. The first 2 acts are ok. Act 1 is a lot of "where are they now", and Act 2 is fun if you're a fan of the original Clerks, but there movie up that point depends heavily on nostalgia. Act 3 really ties the movie together though. I've never been a fan of Brian O'Halloran's acting chops, I like the character but he's obviously not a top tier actor, but man does he delivery the best performance of his career in that 3rd act. I would say Clerks 2 is a better stand alone film, from beginning to end, but act 3 of Clerks 3 is the best act in the series.

i think it was unimaginative and a copout , just like his Masters of the Universe cartoon, smoking weed hasn't made him more clever, it's made him a doofus

Look forward to probably catching it on streaming

Taking the meta to a deeper level, Kevin Smith wrote Clerks with the idea that HE would play Randell before realizing his lack of acting experience and thus, took the Silent Bob role

I finally got around to watching this and it made me CRY 😢 it's a beautiful cap to the series

I can't wait to see this movie. I love Kevin Smith's films. Clerks is still my favorite. Although Chasing Amy and Dogma were amazing too. In college I ran the film club and tried to get Kevin Smith to come and speak to our school. He wasn't available but I almost got Scott Mosier to come. I remember calling the View Askew office and they were so nice. In my own student films I constantly worked with the same actors. I know in part this was influenced by Kevin Smith's work. He legitimized indy filmmaking for my generation. He showed that you can make a movie with the help of family and friends and it can make an impact. I watched Clerks with my Mom. I think that and Ed Burns Brothers McMullen showed my parents that a filmmaking career is possible for a working/middle class kid on the East Coast.

I never expected to cry during a Clerks film. Also was pleasantly surprised by the two Clerks: the Animated Series references

Like the Porsche 911? Kevin Smith is all about refinement

Clerks 3 deserves multiple oscars!

I’m on my way to go see Clerks 3 in about an hour and I’m honestly nervous to go see it after Dan’s review. Not because I don’t think it will be good but because of the way he describes the 3rd act. For 2 main reasons. 1. I only have managed to watch Jay & Silent Bob get Rebooted once because the 3rd act of that film was very triggering for me. My biggest regret in life is that I don’t have kids, and not by choice it’s because of things outside my control, I very much want children but it’s now far too late. Also HAD I ever had a daughter I intended to name her after a beloved cousin/de facto older sister who died of brain cancer, AMY. So Holden’s speech about how magical and life changing his daughter Amy is at the end of that movie is, well, more than I can handle. And B: the day the Clerks 3 trailer dropped earlier this summer, the one that revealed the plot, I saw it sitting in a hospital bed after a HEART ATTACK waiting for surgery to place stents in the arteries around my heart. Also I own my own store so it’s not like I’m not going to see a lot of parallels to my own life in this film. Here’s hoping whatever emotional life changing revelation Randall has in act 3 is more emotionally positive for me than Holden’s speech about Amy was. I’d hate to be the only person walking out of a hysterically funny Kevin Smith screwball comedy crying like a little girl, again.

I've gotten to see the movie twice. Once at a private screener and again recently at the New Jersey premier. I'm a huge Kevin Smith fan. I've been a fan since Mallrats. This movie is a wonderful ending to our friends behind the counter at the Quickstop. Kevin created these character we all grew up with and in someway we formed a relationship with. He made us care about these fictional characters in a way that its kind of a lost art now a days. On a side note, Kevin gave me an opportunity to showcase my Ranger Danger animation in the movie. Thank you, Kev

Good review dude. I haven't seen the film yet, but I plan on it. And I plan on buying it of course, when its available. Whether I like it or not, out of sheer respect,. And I have to complete the collection.

So happy with your review Dan. As a certified Kevin Smith Stan…I love this movie. I’ve seen a lot of negative reviews, but by critics who I don’t think like or get Kevin in the first place. This was one of the more emotional View Askew movies…and the honesty in this movie shined through. I saw it at the Warner Theatre in DC last weekend. And seeing it with Kevin Smith doing a Q&A after was truly a magical movie experience. This movie was a fitting ending to a amazing trilogy!! Kudos Kevin!

I first saw Clerks when i was 14 because of a good friend giving me a box of vhs tapes for my birthday that were recorded off of HBO i think. Back in 99. The tapes included Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Full Metal Jacket, A Clockwork Orange, and of course Clerks. My life changed that day, for the better. Thanks Liz!!!!!

Dan, I trust your reviews because you try very hard to be unbiased but also recognize how hard that is and spend the time and effort to self-reflect to identify your biases AND disclose them. I completely agree with you that a review by definition is not objective, though many reviewers present their opinions as undisputed facts. In contrast, when you give us your opinions you also let us know what personal beliefs or experiences shaped your views. This really helps me determine whether I might hold a similar view or not. I appreciate your integrity in sharing your thoughts from a genuine passion for this work and I’ve at least kept an open mind to certain works from genres or creators I wouldn’t have considered based on your recommendations.

Dan, I left a comment about Jaws in last week's Charts episode and it was replied to by a person/bot with your profile picture. Just thought I'd let you know, because it looks a bit suspicious. P.S. I loved the Silent Bob bit at the start🤣