For the first time, Kevin and Scott revealed details about the current NC-17 rating for the new flick. After several attempts to make cuts, the guys accepted the rating of NC-17 and are now under the formal appeals process, as Kevin no longer has any cuts he wants to make. At the first screening, the film ran 1:45 and got the NC-17. Still having cuts to make anyway, Kevin knocked 12 minutes out, resubmitted, yet the MPAA deemed two scenes still too dirty for the “R”. One shot is a half a second (14 frames of film) and Kevin hates to take it out. It’s that good (but may also be the sticking point for the board).

Twice before, the guys have visited the MPAA for an “appeals screening”, for “Clerks”, “Jersey Girl”, and now, this one. The appeal happens THIS WEEKEND, so keep the guys in your prayers as they watch the film with the ratings board, and afterwards, gives a verbal appeal as to why they want the film to have an R. Pretty interesting, eh? Let’s wish the gang a lot of luck, as the third time is typically the charm — Though Kevin fears they’ll have the biggest fight they’ve yet faced. We’ll look forward to hearing the results of the screening from Kevin, and hope to see that “R” announcement in the next few days.

Wanna hear it for yourself, as the guys dish on the schedule, the rating, internet porn, and lots more? Grab SModcast #58 FREE FREE FREE exclusively over at Quick Stop Entertainment. Listen and enjoy. For those of you who like hearing Kevin dish on View Askew news, this one’s definitely for you.

Along with the “Spaced” gang, Kevin hits the con in San Diego this weekend, you can hear he and Scott chat about all his upcoming panels arouns 6 minutes into SModcast #58 this week. Kevin does a panel Thursday, 2 on Friday (one being his very own, where the first live footage of “Zack & Miri Make a Porno” may be seen), and a final star-studded event on Saturday. Whew! We’ll of course have the full dish on the panels and other events at San Diego as they come in — We swear, one of these years we’ll figure out a way to snag press passes and get the heck out there! Keep your eyes open for a weekend wrapup as reports from the con hit the News Askew desk. If you’re there, or were there, don’t forget to drop your old pals Brad & Chris a line and let us know what’s up.

EXCLUSIVE – For our wonderful readers (that’s you!), Ron of Laser Blazer has done something amazing – He has an extremely limited amount of SIGNED SPACED DVDs available for immediate purchase. And we are talking WAY limited here, like a number that is less than 50. Less than 40 even. Yeah, that few. So if you want one, order RIGHT AWAY. Here’s where you can get one. Don’t delay, as these will be gone really fast. Maybe even by the time you read this.

NETHERBEAST INCORPORATED is a quirky twist on the vampire tale set in modern day corporate America. Employees of Berm-Tech Industries, Inc. have kept the family secret for a long time. For years it has been business as usual, until the top “vampire” in charge, contracts a dreaded disease and invites the first humans to work in the office in more than a century. Soon the new employees discover that some of their associates are not what they appear to be, especially the dead one in the cubicle with a wooden stake through his heart. It will celebrate its limited theatrical opening at Harkins Valley Art in Tempe, Arizona on Friday, September 12th. See a trailer over at YouTube. Mewes plays a supporting role.

Also today, it’s just been announced that Jason Mewes will play the lead role in genre picture “Silent But Deadly.” From the press release:

“This satirical take on the slasher flick will mark the feature film directorial debut of eight time Much Music Video Award (MMVA) winner Stephen Scott. Filming over 21 days on location in Chatham, Ontario this August, “Silent but Deadly” takes a fresh look at a classic genre staple of the 70’s and 80’s. This slasher flick doesn’t revolve around immoral teens, but instead our mysterious serial killer takes aim at the cesspool of sin that is a Hollywood film set, as he unleashes his own brand of retribution on the cast and crew.”

So, a starring role for Jason. Very cool indeed. We’ll keep our eyes on this project and let you know as we hear more.

Congrats to Jason on his continuing film career, and continued success!

Program #4 — 1:30–2:30
Short films for all ages
Dig
Gena Shaw
Misunderstood by her parents, quirky, 9-year-old Charlie White acts out in a way that at first seems defiant but ultimately changes her parents’ perspective of their daughter. (L) (11:00) (USA)

Marilyn loves to meet her fans and is always incredibly gracious. Stop by and say hello if you’re in the area on Sunday.

See ya back here soon with more news from this busy week and weekend.

We could go all crazy and make you answer trivia or something silly like that, but nope, we’re easy to please. Just send an e-mail to scoops@newsaskew.com with the Subject: “Contest”. In the e-mail, include your name, e-mail, and mailing address where you’d want the prize sent. Don’t worry, we don’t give this stuff away or sell it, your privacy is safe with us. We delete all entries after the contest so it’s not about collecting your info.

One simple rule – ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. It doesn’t matter if you have 5 mailing addresses or 50 e-mail addresses, enter once. We’ll write to confirm your entry. Anyone caught with multiple entries will be immediately disqualified.

Winners will be picked from a random draw. Contest ends at 11:59:59 EST on July 30th. We’ll announce the lucky winners and their prizes right here at News Askew. One grand prize winner will get a DVD and the signed poster. Other winners will receive a DVD, signed poster, or poster.

Check out “Brutal Massacre: A Comedy”, from Starz and Anchor Bay, in stores everywhere for purchase or rental TOMORROW – Tuesday, July 22nd! Our thanks to our friends at Starz and Anchor Bay for their support and the prizes.

Remember, one entry per person to scoops@newsaskew.com with the subject of “Contest” (without the quotes). Good luck, and thanks for reading News Askew.

Our scoopers tell us that this is the most flattering review of the movie that they’re seen yet. Check it out over at JoBlo. We did do a quick eye skim and manage to find this paragraph which is totally non-spoiler and sums it up nicely:

I don’t want to give too much of the plot away, and I won’t, but I’ll say that the film is a real crowd pleaser. It falls in line with the smart, raunchy yet heartfelt comedies, like “Knocked Up” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and truth is, it’s a breath of fresh air. Kevin Smith makes a balls-to-the-walls Kevin Smith comedy, without the in-jokes and movie trivia that alienated some of the more idiotic element of moviegoers. This film has the same broad appeal as the Judd Apatow films, with a Kevin Smith touch.

Kevin’s recommended that fans stay away from reviews to enjoy the film in its purest form, and we certainly agree. So, we’ll be doing our best to steer you clear of spoilers, and hope that you’ll wait until the Fall to enjoy it on the big screen without having spoiled any plot or jokes. It’s getting closer, folks — We sure can’t wait to once again experience View Askew projected bliss with a live audience. Only a few short months to go.

Rating Reason: Rated NC-17 for some graphic sexuality.

Of course, we’ve known of this or a while, given a few statements from Seth Rogen and Kevin himself, but this tells us that the MPAA did indeed grant the film this rating. “Pending appeal” tells us that the film’s producers have taken the “Clerks” route and have the MPAA taking a closer look, likely without any cuts, in the hopes they’ll be re-assigned an “R”. This isn’t new territory for View Askew, though the first scuffle in some time, as “Clerks II” surprisingly went through the ratings system with an “R” and no objections last time around, with Kevin very vocally expecting otherwise. A verbally graphic “Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back” scene with hookers was excised but eventually made it to DVD.

Fans who have seen the film in screenings tell us that while it does push the envelope, they can’t see why the harsh rating is being given. Here’s hoping that the film can get re-rated to “R” as it stands, or, if any changes are needed, they can be such a few slight frames that we won’t miss anything essential. Either way, we know we’ll get to see it all (probably much more) on DVD, and are sure the final theatrical product will be a blast regardless of the rating. Our money’s on an “R”, likely without cuts, if the guys can put up a good enough fight — With all the Apatow gang’s been getting away from lately in their flicks, we’re thinking this one will make it by as well.

Stick with News Askew as we continue coverage on this one.