Clerks III (2022) User Reviews

A Reflection of Kevin Smith's Mortality

[walentys · 6/10 · 14 September 2022]

The Clerks franchise, being the one that launched Kevin Smith's whole career off, is clearly his most personal and dearest to his heart out of all of his IP. Therefore it's no stretch to assume each Clerks entry is an amalgamation of what Smith himself is feeling or reflecting on in his personal life at the time of creating it.

And this time around, with Kevin Smith fresh off of a heart attack in his real life, it's no accident that themes of mortality heavily seep into every pore of this film. And what happens when we're smacked in the face with our own mortality? Much like the trope of our "life flashing before our eyes", it's very commonplace to look backwards into the past at good times and view them under a different, more appreciative lens.

This film is exactly that: the artist looking back at Clerks 1 (mostly 1, but a little bit of 2 as well) through that nostalgic lens. Smith's reflection on his own mortality bleed through to the characters flashing back on their lives in the same manner. Smith called this film his "Jersey version of Cinema Paradiso", but I saw it more as his version of Fellini's 8 1/2, especially given that he is literally holding a camera in the film.

The trilogy is now thematically complete: Clerks 1 embodied youth, part II aging, part III dying. While Clerks III may be an interesting enough art piece for these reasons, it's just nowhere near as funny as the other 2. To be fair, it's not really trying to be most of the time with the heavy themes it's taking on. But still, it is a Clerks film and a comedy, therefore it does have humorous lines and moments all throughout, even in the more morose moments. And these were simply nowhere near as funny as the other 2 Clerks films.

Overall this film did an excellent job on the nostalgia & fan service if Clerks means a lot to you personally, but otherwise it is the weakest entry in the series in terms of comedic substance.

Missing something

[CrookedNose94 · 5/10 · 2 January 2023]

Clerks III.... Not a comedy. By a long shot, though there were quite a few attempts.... Definitely a personal story coming from Kevin Smith in many ways. I love his filmmaking. But Clerks III felt rushed. I feel like this was a missed opportunity to get huge laughs and quotes we could spout off to our friends for years to come. And we all know Kev is capable of that. The editing wasn't the greatest either which kinda ruined some of jokes, especially in the first act. The second act picks up a little speed but overall is too much of an ode to the first Clerks. (Which made me just want to watch the first one lol)

The good: Super low budget and they did excellent with what they had. Loved the nods and breaking the fourth wall that are a staple in Kevin's films. Hilarious cameos. I just wish that the story and joke writing could have trumped the sheer star power of the cameos and nods.

I'm really hoping Kevin moves on from sequels and reboots and does something original again soon! He's one of the most clever filmmakers out there and I can't put his movies down.

I grew up watching Kevin Smith movies...

[OnlyAtJMart · 6/10 · 18 September 2022]

I am a big fan of Kevin Smith, the person. In the early-mid 90's his underdog comedies were perfect to me. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back was a perfect blend of everything he had made up until that point. Then he started doing his speaking tours. The first Evening with Kevin Smith was hilarious! I watched the second one, and while not nearly as good as the first, it was still entertaining. Then Clerks 2 came out, and I heard a whole bit that he already did, almost verbatim, as an argument from one of the characters. Also, Jason Mewes getting sober, was a major plot point for his character as well.

I have heard Kevin talk about his heart attack, quite thoroughly. So it was kind of disappointing when his story played out almost exactly how it happened, in what was supposed to be something I hadn't seen. Also, most of the stories that went in to the movie, were also written almost verbatim, how he mentioned they happened when making Clerks, which he talked about in 2004's An Evening With Kevin Smith. It feels like Kevin is creatively bankrupt these days. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy hearing him talk about things. It just means that everything he talks about usually ends up in his next movie. Kevin is a humble, likable, friendly, intelligent guy. It just seems like if you've listened to his stories he's personally told on his, or other people's podcasts, you have heard everything he has to say, and seeing his latest movie will only be a rehash of what he has already said. It's hard to be critical of someone I like and respect, but his movies nowadays, are mostly autobiographical parts of his life, put in to his old IP. Sorry Kevin :(

Not a 10, certainly not a 3.

[helghast-1337 · 7/10 · 14 October 2022]

I like all of Kevin smiths movies. Some more than some and this would rank toward the bottom, but it's not that its bad, it's just that his other movies are that good. If you go into this movie with zero expectation of it being his best yet, you'll enjoy it along with the homage from the previous clerk movies.

As my title says, it's not a 10, but it's definitely not a 3. Some of the reviews (both 10's and 3's) have missed the mark of what this movie is supposed to be. A closing film of the clerks franchise.

Granted the first 45 minutes or so weren't that great, which is why my rating is only a 7, but the second half makes up for it in a big way.

I recommend watching it, just make sure you know clerks 1&2 inside and out or watch them both, in succession, prior to watching 3 so you have everything fresh in your mind.

A huge (but surprisingly charming and heartfelt) mess

[Jeremy_Urquhart · 7/10 · 16 September 2022]

It's mawkish, messy, not particularly clever about its meta commentary, and some of the jokes fall incredibly flat... but you know what? A good deal of this really works. The emotional stuff feels like it's straining, but it still got to me when it needed to. Emotions were felt.

I'm truly thankful I liked this for the most part, as I thought Kevin Smith's last two movies were genuinely awful. I can safely say that it's a huge improvement on Yoga Hosers and Jay and Silent Bob Reboot. It may be that I just have a soft spot for Clerks, but either way, I thought this was really good in parts, to the point where I can overlook some (but certainly not all) of the obvious flaws.

A real mixed bag of humour, emotion and stunning unoriginality.

[stevelivesey67 · 6/10 · 14 October 2022]

This is a film in three parts. The first reacquaints us with Quick Stop crowd and is quite funny although depressing that these guys haven't moved on at all in the last thirty years.

The second is a boring mid section that drags on while the two main characters make/ or remake the first Clerks movie.

The third is a well made emotional journey that, hopefully, says goodbye to the franchise forever.

Considering the awful Silent Bob and Jay movie as well, this whole set of characters are totally played out. Finished. Over-cooked.

I hope that Kevin Smith now moves to something a little more original.

A very big disappointment after how great the first two are.

[NickGagnon942 · 2/10 · 9 June 2023]

I was a huge fan of Kevin Smiths films when I was younger. Clerks 1 and 2, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and Mallrats I watched a bunch during my teen years.

Clerks 3 is about Randall having a heart attack and him wanting to make a movie of the adventures they has at the Quickstop over the years.

Watching Clerks 3...was just a total bummer. I did hear this was a little darker, but the first two Clerks films got rather serious at times but had a nice balance of comedy to them. I mean I found really nothing funny here. I was more sad than anything. I mean was there a point to kill off Becky and Dante? What a dark way to end this trilogy. And usually, I like depressing and dark films. So basically, this was major disappointment.

A love letter to nostalgia

[jtindahouse · 9/10 · 14 October 2022]

I did not expect 'Clerks 3' to be one of the heaviest movies I watched in 2022. I love the 'Clerks' movies and consider the second one to be one of the all-time great comedies. It feels crazy to think that was 16 years ago. We finally got the third one and it was a very different experience to what I was expecting.

I would describe this movie as a love letter to nostalgia. It isn't always subtle about it, but it is hilarious about it. If you know the back story behind 'Clerks' then you are going to get a lot more of the jokes and references this movie is making.

I knew I'd laugh in this movie, however I didn't realise how upsetting it was going to be. I feel like Kevin Smith hit me with a sledge hammer - in the best (and worst) way possible.

The opening sequence in this movie is amazing. So much so that I had to go back and watch it again after the film was finished. I don't think 'Clerks 3' will be as rewatchable as the first two (I'm not even sure I'll be able to work up the courage to watch it again) but it may just be that little bit more memorable. 9/10.

About What I Expected

[b_parks-42863 · 7/10 · 1 October 2022]

Clerks III has some funny and charming moments, but is also strongly rooted in original Clerks nostalgia and Kevin Smith's personal life health crisis. I am not saying that's a bad thing, just the way this movie will play out even for the most committed fans of the series. We all enjoying seeing actors and characters we consider old friends still hanging in there, and my being in my late 50's helps to identify with the darker side of the life and death situation. This was fun to watch but will never be the original of course, what film ever is going to be that?

I say just give this movie a try and enjoy.

Honest review

[haskel-72951 · 4/10 · 8 January 2023]

What happened to Kevin Smith? Seriously. It's been a long time since we've had anything from him that is really worth a watch. This one doesn't change that at all, sadly. It feels desperate to be honest. I had high hopes, but I was also more than a little cautious about getting my hopes up. After two fantastic entries in the Clerks series maybe a letdown was to be expected, but this one feels worse than that. First, the jokes fall flat most of the time. The ones that DO work are solid but there's just not enough of them. Second, the incredibly serious overtones feel out of place here, and that just gets more dire in the third act. Bottom line: it isn't as absolutely horrible as Yoga Hosers but it isn't in the same league as the first two films in the series. It isn't even half as good as Mallrats. My rating of 4 is given partly out of nostalgia for what it is. I can't say it earned it.

Here it is...you want the truth?

[gregoryparmer-49843 · 10/10 · 14 September 2022]

Want to know what a 45 year old white guy has to say about Clerks 3? Well, right now, I'm trying not to cry between the public theatre and my own apartment.

Are you kidding me, Kevin?

Why did you go and make the best film I've ever seen in my entire life when I'm this old?

I have survived two heart attack deaths so I understand the depression and desires that follow them. I also had a 100% blockage on my last one, 20% survival rating and had the same through crotch doo-hickey performed. And once open, I could also breathe.

This film was too close to me.

Way too close to me.

This was close to me not because of the two heart attack deaths I had, but because the two people I have loved the most in life had to deal with them.

As a convenient clerk for most of my miserable life I knew that if anyone could understand me It'd be those two Jersey boys, Dante and Randal.

But more than that, the writer of those cats, Kevin Smith, and his awesomeness sidekick, R2-Jay (bahaha)

"You touched a brothers heart," alright .... (a little Pumpkin Escobar for you)

But you've also made me laugh since I was 17.

And that...."that's a mighty long time...and I'm here to tell...you.... There's something else..."

Sorry, Now I'm going lyric mad...it happens

I'm so emotional right now and the cat won't even hug me.

Look man...

I just want to thank you for always being apart of my life and being the Sir Kevin Smith of GEN-X, our Captain Kirk, our Jedi Commander, our savior from boredom, our savior from the public nuances that we had to deal with on crap paying jobs...

Only to come from the screen In a voice approved by The Lord, "CROM" or whatever Elias believes in

To tell us it wasn't all for nothing.

Thank You Thank the entire Cast I'm going to go cry now.

***IMDB: There are no spoilers here...go see the film or the Clerks 3 Convenience Tour***

Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased?)

[southdavid · 6/10 · 19 May 2023]

I had initially wanted to rerun through all of Kevin Smith's films before getting to "Clerks 3" but as it's on Amazon Prime now, it's probably better to watch it whilst I can. I think I'd view this as being one I watched appreciating its aimable charm, rather than one actually liked.

When a heart attack causes him to question the value of his life so far, Randall Graves (Jeff Anderson), decides to turn his experiences into a low budget film, set in the convenience store, starring himself and Dante (Brian O' Halloran), and utilising Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith) who own the weed store next door. Though Dante agrees to help, a personal tragedy in his own life threatens to overwhelm him.

When I saw "Reboot" a year or so ago, I thought that perhaps it would be impenetrable to anyone who wasn't already a pretty big fan of Smith's work, and not a good film to anyone that was. "Clerks 3" is better film, in my opinion, even if I still think that unless you've got a pretty good memory and a gnawing affection for "Clerks" it's just not going to mean much to you. I do have those - so came away generally feeling that the film was an acceptable time, but more because of how poignant and sweet the film becomes, in line with, I think, the director himself as he's become older.

I didn't find it funny though, which could be considered a pretty big failing for what is essentially a comedy. The religious aspect, with Trevor Fehrman's Elias denouncing God for Satan in light of Randall's heart attack feels forced, indeed most of the lines attempting comedy, from Randall or Jay feel like (or in fact are) call backs to previous movies. The use of NFT's as a plot point feels hilariously out of date, for a movie that was only released last year.

"Reboot" was just a cavalcade of "remember this character, here they are" and though "Clerks 3" has some of that, it's written into a comedy drama that has a more interesting and complete plot. It's pretty far from perfect, it's pretty far from good, even.... But I came away feeling positive about it, despite its flaws.

Overacted comedy + forced sentiment ruins a heartfelt message about life and death

[ObsessiveCinemaDisorder · 4/10 · 17 January 2023]

Clerks III, the ninth entry in Kevin Smith's View Askew universe, is a disappointing, upsetting mess that dangerously ruins the entire Clerks canon.

Inspired by Kevin Smith's own heart attack experience in 2018, Clerks III's haphazard tone of weed-fueled overacted wackiness mixed with forced sentimentality ruins Smith's own earnest message about life and death.

Whereas Jay and Silent Bob Reboot was a big inside joke movie servicing the most diehard View Askew fans, Kevin Smith has stepped into family video territory with Clerks III.

Kevin Smith's fan-service approach in his post-marijuana era has long run its course. From Yoga Hosers onwards, the self-referential inside jokes have become so inside that it's completely vacuum-sealed from being enjoyed by non-fans.

The only reason I could follow Clerks III was that I've seen all the View Askew films and listened to some of Kevin Smith's podcasts. The so-called "jokes", which either reference the previous Askew movies or a funny thing lifted verbatim from a Kevin Smith Q+A or podcast, are not funny. The comedy is not comedy, but rather a memory test.

The acting is quite poor and uneven; the actors are all directed to mug and ham it up to the nth degree for comedic effect. It's hard to buy any of the gags because people don't behave this way, high or not. When they shake it off and get serious for the dramatic scenes, it's incredibly jarring.

Jeff Anderson and Brian O'Halloran struggle with an inferior script. The chemistry is still there but they have fewer interesting things to do than in the previous Clerks films. They both fared much better in the dramatic scenes when they didn't have to sell a gag. The running gags with Trevor Fuhrman's Elias were downright atrocious.

I could see what Kevin Smith was trying to convey drawing from his own heart attack. It's an endearing and heartfelt message. The way it was delivered completely ruined it all. Overall, I don't know why he needed to say it through the Clerks characters.

The truth is, I miss the old Kevin Smith, including witty dialogue and original stories through his independent film, Catholic, comic-book-lover voice. The rhythm of his dialogue from his early films felt musical and was exciting to listen to. Smith used to balance the raunchy humor with an emotional core that kept the characters grounded and relatable. He's lost that touch.

As a fan, I'd really like Kevin Smith to just tell stories that are challenging and edgy again as a filmmaker and stop this phrase as a podcaster that occasionally makes movies for his subscribers.

A Tribute Film that struggles to fly

[mythoti-80905 · 6/10 · 19 May 2023]

I was so stoked when I saw the trailer for this, waited years for the final release and boom, we get closure alright, but... SPOILERS Ok first off I laughed at times, and pretty hard too, but absolute nowhere close to the level as hard as the Lord of the Rings bit that I still use as a clip to hook friends that never heard of it to this day, honestly Alyas is the true driving force behind this film and that's what was great about it, he kicked ass, where it falls short is in virtually all the main characters and the somber grumpy tone they take with it, all the way to the grave, which is beautifully done, I'll give it that, I certainly cried and I'm sure that was the point, my issues lie with the execution that leads to dread, and worse yet, a line from this movie strongly bothers me because of it's glorification of a substance that is literally killing hundreds of thousands of people each year, unnecessarily mind you, we got along just fine without it a decade ago, but here we are, watching junkies passing out on the bus and smelling burnt chemical rubber/hair forced down our throats everytime we get trapped in a tin can with one of these lost souls, and Kevin still saw fit to have the doctor lady say "HE'S HIGHER THAN A KITE ON FENTANYL!" like it was the best damn experience he was going to have in the movie, worst part is it probably was, gave him that motivation to hop his ass up and make a movie, sure that's not what it's about, he didn't turn into a junkie or use it further in an abusive way, but in an age where there's a substance like this literally destroying our society, why on earth would you glorify it or validate it in any way as a creator that lends ideas to his fans on what's "real" with pop culture today and people as a whole? It's dangerous and irresponsible, could have left out wait pain killer gets used or suggested a more generalized one that isn't a current plague on our people, reaching for the wrong crowd, we have alternatives like magic mushrooms and the spirit molecule out there if you want to bring up creative and harmless hot button substances, Colorado understands the benefits behind these substances because they actually hold medical value, strange how they rarely truly receive that same validation outside of comedy, anyways my last gripe is that the motivation behind Randal switching the movie to be about Dante was weak and flimsy at best, one second he half didn't give af if he died in the ER and the next he's changing the movie in some rushed hurry to make things right because Alyas told him about Emma paying for the movie, like so how does that make any difference? That made no sense to me, I know Randal is known for being a little 2 dimensional about his thinking but he's always put his friendship with Dante first, come on, that nonchalant heartless way of thinking was outside his character, made him feel more petty and hallow than we've come to know him as, his change of perspective after his dance with death literally killed his best friend, and even though it ended on a familiar tone showing hope for the future, something about the whole experience just left a bad taste in my mouth, but I suppose it's better than no goodbye film at all, so it was appreciated to some degree, anyways thanks for the laughs Alyas, like I said you and your little silent homie Blockchain made this film and I'd legit watch a spin off series with you 2 as the main characters, fr 👌

Don't expect a comedy! This is a drama.

[bcprabhu · 25 October 2022]

Anyone who actually watched this sequel is painfully aware of this fact. The movie doesn't even try to be funny most of the time and when it tries it fails. At the end it has some mediocre jokes anything before that falls flat with the soul-less delivery.

I should call this false advertising which seems to be Kevin's thing lately (He-man).

It is nowhere near the previous two Clerks. Not in quality, writing, dialogue... The actors are old, probably too old for this. Nostalgia alone can't make a good film.

I seriously dislike the events. Clearly there wasn't a problem with the availability of actors so they choose this miserable plot. Disappointing.

A nostalgic sendoff for the Clerks series

[siderite · 7/10 · 7 February 2023]

If the first Clerks was a mumblecore experiment and the second Clerks was a more rounded film feeding on the love for the first, the third is a loving goodbye to the series. I like that each film in turn was different from the one before, but fully acknowledging its existence. One might not see it immediately, but there are few situations like this, where the sequels are not just cash grabbing opportunities, clones of whatever came before, but evolutions of both story and characters. Clerks didn't really have a story to begin with, so anything is an evolution from there, though, right?

OK, trolling aside, I loved Clerks III. It wasn't perfect by any means, a bit too meta (why does everything have to be meta these days?!) and I felt like Kevin Smith inserted himself as a filmmaker in the story a bit too much. Also some changing of pace and character development was way too abrupt. However, for someone having seen (and grown up with) the other films, it felt like a bittersweet farewell to an old friend.

Bottom line: if you haven't seen the other movies, it makes no sense to watch this one, but if you did and you enjoyed them, I can't see how you're not going to like the end of the trilogy.

You're not even supposed to be here.

[chand-suhas · 6/10 · 1 November 2022]

The bittersweet goodbye to the Clerk series, Kevin Smith comes up with a movie which is more of his own emotional message to the fans. This time the movie is entirely about Clerks. Randal suffers an heart attack which the doctor terms as widow maker, only few make it through and Randal is among those few. To cope up with post heart attack depression, the doctor suggests Dante to keep Randal occupied and happy. Ergo, they come up with the plan of making Clerks titled Inconvenience, to document their own lives up and till then. What we get is to view what went behind the scenes while making Clerks, a rewind of sorts.

Dante however is still stuck in the past, unable to get over the loss of his beloved. So for him, to go through the events again during the making poses as a tough ask. Kevin Smith dwells into the characters of Randal and Dante, letting them have their respective epiphanies and a proper showdown to finally let their heart out. Randal gets a proper character arc as well. This is an out and out fan service with everyone getting to replay their bit. The voiceover during end credits by Kevin Smith best sums up the movie.

Clerks III: Size 14 Clown Shoes

[scottyrob · 1/10 · 5 February 2023]

If you are a fan of anything "Clerks.", I do not recommend ever watching this movie. Having watched this movie, I will from now on consider the original ending of the first film as the true ending of "Clerks." Everything that supposedly happened after that night is a hypothetical timeline of what would have transpired if that guy decided to rob a 7-11 instead. It's too depressing to think that 27 years go by and all these hapless guys have to live for is one day in 1994 and one day in 2006. I mean, the guy finally finds love and is going to have a child and then you kill them both, right after the events of the last movie nonetheless. Then, he does nothing of importance for the next 16 years. If people want to be reminded about how crappy life can be, all they have to do is live or turn on the news. They "don't need to actually throw down hard-earned dollars" and waste two hours of their life on this garbage.

Very funny and surprisingly touching

[darkreignn · 8/10 · 14 September 2022]

Yes, I was the guy who was practically sobbing during the finale of "Clerks III." If I wasn't so embarrassed to weep while sitting next to one of my best friends, I can tell you with full confidence that I would have been ugly crying before this film drew to a close. And that fact is what makes "Clerks III" one of the most unorthodox comedy films in recent years, but also one of the most emotionally satisfying ones.

Admittedly, I am a huge Kevin Smith fan - admiring him more as a person than as a filmmaker, I think Mr. Smith is a hilarious, humble person whose storytelling techniques make for funny anecdotes and engaging narratives. His question and answer sessions are legendary in terms of their comedic value, and I find myself enjoying the man so much that I can't help but look forward to his movies. And - unlike his abilities to recite the spoken word - his filmmaking skills do seem to be hit or miss. While I have enjoyed a majority of his films, I do recognize that many of them suffer from a lack of focus; relying too much on overindulgent humor and overly drawn out editing that lingers on jokes and scenes so much so that they wear out their welcome, Kevin Smith movies can be diamonds in the rough. Granted, bits of dialogue and drama that border on genius are always sprinkled throughout Smith's films, always elevating his movies, risking making them great if only these sequences weren't in between sequences of crude humor that, no doubt, alienate mainstream audiences. And "Clerks III" is no different, except for the fact that it contains a surprising emotional punch that shows Kevin's newfound maturity.

Yes, "Clerks III" has all the juvenile humor your precious heart could ever want, but it's all wrapped around a touching story of friendship and loss that will manage to cut deep into the souls of even the most jaded viewers. My theatre was full of uproarious laughter, but also of sniffles and nose-blowing, demonstrating to me that Kevin finally struck the perfect balance of drama and comedy - making "Clerks III" a dramedy, if you will. But that's exactly what makes this movie so good. Cleverly subverting expectations after giving audiences exactly what they expect, Smith created an emotional and simultaneously laugh out loud film that is sure to crowd please while also forcing viewers to come face to face with their own mortality.

So, if you're a fan of the previous movies in this series, you'll certainly find a lot of entertainment value from the sharp dialogue and witty gags that Smith has written into this film. While the humor doesn't hit as hard as it did in the first two movies, it still offers enough chuckles and belly laughs to tickle the funny bone of most viewers. The humor is more outrageous than the first film, but more subdued than the second, finding its footing in between stretches of emotional resonance.

When watching "Clerks III", you'll be privy to weed humor and potty-mouthed adults, but you'll also witness a very human story about friendship and coming to terms with life. I'm telling you, I didn't expect to practically break down in the theatre, but as tears rolled down my face I began to realize that I was watching Smith's most thoughtful movie since "Chasing Amy." And it is exactly this thoughtfulness that makes "Clerks III" work on multiple levels; you can walk into the theatre expecting a raunchy comedy, and you'll get it. You can walk into the theatre expecting an adult drama, and you'll get it. By giving audience members what they want in various different ways, this movie is a truly satisfying experience. That works for both Smith and non-Smith fans alike.

The more I think about this movie, the more I love it. With a wholly satisfying and life affirming ending, "Clerks III" is the drama wrapped in a comedy that I never knew I needed. If you are a Kevin Smith fan in the slightest, you owe it to yourself to watch this movie - and even if you're not a fan of Smith, I'd still recommend this film based on its dramatic merits. Not interested in seeing it? That's okay - after all, you weren't even supposed to be here today.

It's no "Jay And Silent Bob Reboot" but still a deceptively clever bookend to the low-budget 'Clerks' trilogy

[danieljfarthing · 7/10 · 22 October 2022]

Fun, low-budget comedy "Clerks III" bookends the 'Clerks' trilogy with Jeff Anderson & Brian O'Halloran (poor actors both - which kinda works) shooting an uber-low-budget b&w movie of their lives together as New Jersey convenience store clerks (ie writer / director Kevin Smith's first ever film "Clerks") supported by old pals like Smith himself, Jason Mewes & Rosario Dawson (and rad cameos from the likes of Ben Affleck, Anthony Michael Hall, Danny Trejo & Sarah Michelle Gellar). Smith's a genius writer (especially with pop culture references & meta) and while this doesn't touch his "Jay And Silent Bob Reboot" the deceptively clever screenplay still carries it through ok.

Terrible

[horrorules · 3/10 · 2 November 2022]

Terrible, the worst way to close this funny franchise, I don't understand why Smith wanted to screw it up like this by making a third chapter absolutely unnecessary, depressing and almost never funny, if in the first two chapters we had some extraordinary dialogues that did really laughing here instead you hardly ever laugh, it just seems a sort of self-celebration of the first film, which, being it a cult, did not need to be celebrated again.

Randal and Dante are always nice, but everything else doesn't work, the ending is bad, I understand what Smith went through, but he didn't have to end the saga like this, it's an offense to the fans.

I am very disappointed, in my humble opinion Smith should have closed the story of these characters with the second film, this third, weak and useless chapter, for me it DOES NOT EXIST.

Really not what I was expecting

[valken_the_ranger · 8/10 · 16 March 2023]

I have grown up with Kevin Smith movies and frankly This is a wonderful heartfelt love letter to the thing that started it all.

This felt really personal and seemed at times like it was something that Kevin Smith made for himself and that we were all just getting a glimpse of his own personal love letter to everything he built his career on.

I was truly expecting the same as many other Smith films.. A focus on quirky comedy, weed and disfunctional characters blowing simple issues up into something so over the top and stupid that it truly reminds me of my wonderful friends. What I actually got was a spattering of that wrapped around a big thank you and a reminder to appreciate those friends.

Given the amount of time since Clerks made its debut this really felt like it had naturally matured. Well done Kevin Smith you made a grown man shed a tear and feel the need to reach out to his friends...

Cinema

[M0n0_bogdan · 7/10 · 17 February 2023]

It was a sweet and funny way to finish the trilogy. It was a third part of a trilogy that felt most as a finish to a trilogy. They were very self-aware and Kevin Smith brought a lot of meta to meta commentary.

It also had a lot of sweet and sad moments that hit a bit too hard and I really didn't expect it...but they did. It's all thanks to Brian O'Halloran in those scenes because he really brought something deep, or so it seemed. I also liked the casting scene, even though it felt gratuitous and they were all friends of Kevin Smith in there that wanted to be in the end of a memorable trilogy. Also, there is again a lot of anti-religious sentiment from Smith along with a bunch of critique moments for movies and shows that came out from the last Clerks that I enjoyed and felt like member-berries.

Also, a very personal film for K. S. because of all the heart attack plot lines.

Self Indulgence On The Grandest Scale

[damianphelps · 3/10 · 29 March 2023]

Its full of in jokes and pandering to the cast members/friends in the film. It proports to be a finale to the franchise, but who asked for it and who needed it.

Its had most of the jokes and charm sucked right out of the Clerks universe.

I have always liked Kevin Smith but must admit I was put off by him a little in a live show where he belittled Jason Mews for his problems and delcared himself Mews' saviour. It was tacky. In Clerks 3 I saw much of the same, Smith making sure those who didn't know, would know Clerks is his baby and the others should consider themselves lucky to be a part of it.

Largely the film is boring, unfunny and a little sad.

for Clerks fans

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 16 November 2022]

Dante (Brian O'Halloran) and Randal (Jeff Anderson) are still the owners and operators of the Quick Stop. Dante continues to mourn the death of Becky Scott (Rosario Dawson). Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith) have moved into the VHS rental next door and opened a marijuana shop. Randal survives a widow-maker heart-attack and has an epiphany. He wants to make a movie from his experience as a convenient store clerk.

This is a nice wrap-up for fans of the original and Kevin Smith's journey. It's great to see some of the old cast. It's funny that Kevin Smith is using the Degrassi theme. They are still doing the same things. The Becky Scott revelation adds some real pathos for Dante and that wraps up the franchise. This is really a picture of people who sadly and comically are stuck in the 90's. It reunites all these Kevin Smith friends and he uses Dante as his avatar. It's not a film for first timers.