Archive for September, 2008

Kevin to receive the Maverick Award at the 9th Annual Woodstock Film Festival

September 3rd @ 6:16 am | No Comments » | Scooped by

  • It’s an exciting time for View Askew, with “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” set to take theaters by storm this Fall, Kevin’s return to comics with “Batman” and a familiar villain, a new live Q&A DVD on the way, and more. So, it’s fantastic to see the recognition that Kevin’s seeing this year, given his numerous contributions to a variety of entertainment venues over the years. New York’s Woodstock Film Festival announces today that Kevin will be honored with their Maverick Award this October.


    Some tidbits from the press release:

      “I can’t imagine a single person in the entertainment industry who embodies the spirit of the Woodstock Mavericks more than Kevin Smith” said John Sloss, head of Cinetic Media, member of the Woodstock Film Festival Advisory Board and a long time colleague of Mr. Smith. “From “Clerks” to “Dogma” to the upcoming “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” he has tweaked the noses of the Establishment and expanded the bounds of propriety in a singularly brilliant and irreverent way. More remarkably, all the while imbuing his work with an uncommon humanism, a quality also historically attributed to the Woodstock community.”

      “Woodstock embodies the Maverick spirit as a symbol of creative, risk-taking, independent thought,” said Meira Blaustein, WFF Executive Director and Co-Founder. “This year’s honorary Maverick Award recipient, Kevin Smith, personifies all of these qualities. His films perceptively pursue humanity with a satiric and fiercely independent eye. He’s an outstanding choice for this award.”


      “I don’t know about the ‘Maverick’ part, but I’m delighted to be getting an award from Woodstock, as I’ve been a Peanuts fan for years,” Smith said. “Truly, it’s an honor.”

    Find more info on the festival, which runs from October 1-5, at their official site. The date the award will be presented, in person, to Kevin has not yet been disclosed. However, our press release states that “Zack And Miri Make a Porno” will CLOSE the festival, which has us guessing Kevin may be there on the 5th at the very least to screen the film. Catch the full press release HERE. Congratulations to Kevin on another well-deserved honor.

More High-Res From San Diego!

September 3rd @ 6:09 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Albert Ortega, Austin Gorum

  • Today’s batch of High Res photos from San Diego feature more of the “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” cast, on the catwalk and at the spotlight panel. The drill’s the same, click and get a closer look at all your favorite stars from the flick. Thanks once again to Albert Ortega for sharing his work with us, and with you — Clicking will get ya some nice super-sized looks at all of these shots.


    Just a correction we wanted to note as well – While Mr. Ortega has forwarded us all the photos, and this week’s offerings have been by way of his camera, the bulk of the shots we hosted last week were shot by his colleague, Austin Gorum – We’d like to give a big round of thanks and applause to Austin for being kind enough to offer up these shots as well, in addition to the Albert Ortega shots featured above and yesterday. Much thanks, fellas.

Kevin To Receive Award At “Woodstock”…

September 3rd @ 6:07 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Germain Lussier

  • It’s an exciting time for View Askew, with “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” set to take theaters by storm this Fall, Kevin’s return to comics with “Batman” and a familiar villain, a new live Q&A DVD on the way, and more. So, it’s fantastic to see the recognition that Kevin’s seeing this year, given his numerous contributions to a variety of entertainment venues over the years. New York’s Woodstock Film Festival announces today that Kevin will be honored with their Maverick Award this October.


    Some tidbits from the press release:

      “I can’t imagine a single person in the entertainment industry who embodies the spirit of the Woodstock Mavericks more than Kevin Smith” said John Sloss, head of Cinetic Media, member of the Woodstock Film Festival Advisory Board and a long time colleague of Mr. Smith. “From “Clerks” to “Dogma” to the upcoming “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” he has tweaked the noses of the Establishment and expanded the bounds of propriety in a singularly brilliant and irreverent way. More remarkably, all the while imbuing his work with an uncommon humanism, a quality also historically attributed to the Woodstock community.”

      “Woodstock embodies the Maverick spirit as a symbol of creative, risk-taking, independent thought,” said Meira Blaustein, WFF Executive Director and Co-Founder. “This year’s honorary Maverick Award recipient, Kevin Smith, personifies all of these qualities. His films perceptively pursue humanity with a satiric and fiercely independent eye. He’s an outstanding choice for this award.”


      “I don’t know about the ‘Maverick’ part, but I’m delighted to be getting an award from Woodstock, as I’ve been a Peanuts fan for years,” Smith said. “Truly, it’s an honor.”

    Find more info on the festival, which runs from October 1-5, at their official site. The date the award will be presented, in person, to Kevin has not yet been disclosed. However, our press release states that “Zack And Miri Make a Porno” will CLOSE the festival, which has us guessing Kevin may be there on the 5th at the very least to screen the film. Catch the full press release HERE. Congratulations to Kevin on another well-deserved honor.

View Askew NewsBites™

September 3rd @ 6:07 am | No Comments » | Scooped by GAKish, Ed Janda, Tim Alsop, Alex Eschbach, Nathan Peebles, Eric Kazen, Doug Schultz, Matt Benson, Alex Eschbach

  • Today’s new IMDB poll asks viewers their “Favorite cinematic stoner duo”. Guess who has been running away with the title? You guessed it, Jay & Silent Bob, with a commanding 40+ percent of the vote at presstime!
  • And hey, speaking of that IMDB, they link a Metromix article today citing movies that can “save 2008” in their Fall Preview – “Zack And Miri Make a Porno” shows up on that list with a “curiosity level” of 7:


      “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” (Oct. 31)

      Seth Rogen shifts gears from Judd Apatow to Kevin Smith in the indie icon’s latest raunchy comedy. Rogen stars as Zack (Rogen) who reevaluates his long-time platonic friendship with Miri (Elizabeth Banks) after they decide to make an adult film to earn money. Count on Smith, who won an appeal to lower the NC-17 rating to R, to embrace the dirty stuff while finding the heart within. Plus, Traci Lords plays a character named Bubbles. Nice.

      Curiosity level: 7

The R-Rated NSFW “Zack And Miri” Trailer Has Arrived!

September 2nd @ 4:11 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by Brad & Chris

  • UPDATE (11:45 EST TUESDAY): We’ve moved the links in this story to a new, even bigger, clearer copy over at the main IGN site. Heck, now we’ve gotta go watch this thing 5 or 10 MORE times! Check it out. More news in a bit.


    UPDATE: This trailer is the one and only, folks, and it’s R-rated, meaning NOT SAFE FOR WORK! At least, watch it on mute if you’re in the office today. Pay no attention to the title calling it a teaser, as this is THE trailer.


    The long wait is over folks! Here it is — The official R-rated trailer for “Zack And Miri Make a Porno”! Don’t let the date on the link contained here throw ya off, just click in and enjoy this awesome exclusive.

    This trailer marks the first footage from the actual film seen ANYWHERE, and will hopefully whet your appetites as the march towards October 31st begins.

    Click above for some stills we grabbed and watch away. We’ll be back with more commentary and info shortly after we take it all in ourselves.

    UPDATE: Some screen grabs above, just a few. The trailer hits all the right notes, especially coming from our point of view as an audience who’s stayed spoiler free on this one. TV spots will obviously be a lot less graphic than this, but there’s some great gags here already. Knowing Kevin’s ability to rapid-fire the jokes, these just scratch the surface. And one line delivery from Craig Robinson about halfway through gets funnier every time we hear it. A perfect cast that we can’t wait to spend 1:40 with in theaters. Hopefully soon we’ll have access to an HD quality Quicktime of this and enjoy the jokes over and over, ’til then, watch the exclusive streaming copy courtesy of IGN.

Zavk and Miri Screening @ Jacob Burns Film Center

September 1st @ 5:26 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by

  • Given all the sudden activity that been going on surrounding “Zack And Miri Make a Porno” screenings over the next couple of months, we felt it would be good practice to write up a post summarizing all that we know, details we can confirm (and also speculate) on each of the screenings, and a few new details as well. If anyone’s heard of anything else we missed, let us know. These will all be rare chances to see the feature film with an audience in advance of the October 31st theatrical release — Though we’re expecting all of you to go see it AGAIN (and bring some friends) once it hits theaters, too. Once you see it and love it, we’ll assume you’ll want to share the fun with others. OK, so let’s take a look at what we’ve got here:

    • SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 – UNOFFICIAL WORLD PREMIERE AT TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL – This showing was added after we first announced the September 9th showing, and is at a different venue. Kevin will be in attendance though no other cast and crew have been confirmed. Showing at 9:15 PM on a Sunday night though, at the Ryerson Theater, we have a feeling this one might attract some big names. We see no way to buy tickets online for this particular event, though you could always call the box office this week and ask.
    • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 – TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL SCREENING – This event takes place at the Visa Screening Room in Toronto and is in the afternoon, 3:00 PM to be exact. We’re sure Kevin will show to introduce the film, though have not confirmed any other guests. We’re betting the Sunday showing MIGHT have a few more “names” in the room, but you never know. As of presstime, the TIFF website still has tickets on sale for this showing.
    • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 – FANTASTIC FEST OPENING FILM – The film will kick off Fantastic Fest 2008 in Austin, Texas. Kevin will be on hand to introduce the film as well as hold a live Q&A session following the screening. Tickets for the fest are selling out fast , and this one’s likely to be the hottest of the show. There is a SLIGHT chance you can get a specific ticket for the show on the day of the screening though it will likely be a standby situation. Your best bet is to have a festival pass.
    • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th – Pleasantville, NY – Jacob Burns Film Center Benefit Screening. 7:30 PM, SOLD OUT! Tickets were $20 for members and $30 for non-members. We have confirmed that Kevin will be on hand for the screening, but can not speak for any other cast at this time.
    • MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 – OFFICIAL WORLD PREMIERE – This will be considered the official world premiere, and likely held in Los Angeles. This is the one with the red carpet and all the celebs that you typically see on Access Hollywood and shows of that ilk. No further details, and obviously this one is by invitation only, typically reserved for cast, crew and friends. We’re assuming this will be the most celeb-packed affair.


    Amongst all the premiere announcements, we HAVE seen something we hadn’t seen confirmed before – A running time of 101 minutes along with the confirmed “R” rating. So, for the math-challenged, that’s 1:41 minutes, from opening frame to end of credits. Should move at a fast pace at that rate. For those of you lucky enough to have scored tix to one of the shows, enjoy — We’d love to hear reviews but obviously will stray from spoilers at this site until after the film has opened. So send away without spoilers or save ’em up for November.


    That wraps up our review of the screenings that we know of until opening day. So that’s 2 in Canada, one on the east coast, one in the deep south, and the world premiere, likely on the west coast. If more opportunities come up, you can bet we’ll have the scoop for ya here — And, as always, we’re thinking you might be able to catch Kevin on opening day/weekend around the Arclight Theaters in Los Angeles, where he sometimes surprises audiences with a Q&A or an appearance to thank fans for coming out on opening day (again just speculation, but it’s happened before). Remember — If it’s happening, we’ll have the story here at News Askew.

Zack and Miri Screening @ Toronto Film Festival

September 1st @ 5:20 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by

  • Given all the sudden activity that been going on surrounding “Zack And Miri Make a Porno” screenings over the next couple of months, we felt it would be good practice to write up a post summarizing all that we know, details we can confirm (and also speculate) on each of the screenings, and a few new details as well. If anyone’s heard of anything else we missed, let us know. These will all be rare chances to see the feature film with an audience in advance of the October 31st theatrical release — Though we’re expecting all of you to go see it AGAIN (and bring some friends) once it hits theaters, too. Once you see it and love it, we’ll assume you’ll want to share the fun with others. OK, so let’s take a look at what we’ve got here:

    • SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 – UNOFFICIAL WORLD PREMIERE AT TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL – This showing was added after we first announced the September 9th showing, and is at a different venue. Kevin will be in attendance though no other cast and crew have been confirmed. Showing at 9:15 PM on a Sunday night though, at the Ryerson Theater, we have a feeling this one might attract some big names. We see no way to buy tickets online for this particular event, though you could always call the box office this week and ask.
    • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 – TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL SCREENING – This event takes place at the Visa Screening Room in Toronto and is in the afternoon, 3:00 PM to be exact. We’re sure Kevin will show to introduce the film, though have not confirmed any other guests. We’re betting the Sunday showing MIGHT have a few more “names” in the room, but you never know. As of presstime, the TIFF website still has tickets on sale for this showing.
    • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 – FANTASTIC FEST OPENING FILM – The film will kick off Fantastic Fest 2008 in Austin, Texas. Kevin will be on hand to introduce the film as well as hold a live Q&A session following the screening. Tickets for the fest are selling out fast , and this one’s likely to be the hottest of the show. There is a SLIGHT chance you can get a specific ticket for the show on the day of the screening though it will likely be a standby situation. Your best bet is to have a festival pass.
    • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th – Pleasantville, NY – Jacob Burns Film Center Benefit Screening. 7:30 PM, SOLD OUT! Tickets were $20 for members and $30 for non-members. We have confirmed that Kevin will be on hand for the screening, but can not speak for any other cast at this time.
    • MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 – OFFICIAL WORLD PREMIERE – This will be considered the official world premiere, and likely held in Los Angeles. This is the one with the red carpet and all the celebs that you typically see on Access Hollywood and shows of that ilk. No further details, and obviously this one is by invitation only, typically reserved for cast, crew and friends. We’re assuming this will be the most celeb-packed affair.


    Amongst all the premiere announcements, we HAVE seen something we hadn’t seen confirmed before – A running time of 101 minutes along with the confirmed “R” rating. So, for the math-challenged, that’s 1:41 minutes, from opening frame to end of credits. Should move at a fast pace at that rate. For those of you lucky enough to have scored tix to one of the shows, enjoy — We’d love to hear reviews but obviously will stray from spoilers at this site until after the film has opened. So send away without spoilers or save ’em up for November.


    That wraps up our review of the screenings that we know of until opening day. So that’s 2 in Canada, one on the east coast, one in the deep south, and the world premiere, likely on the west coast. If more opportunities come up, you can bet we’ll have the scoop for ya here — And, as always, we’re thinking you might be able to catch Kevin on opening day/weekend around the Arclight Theaters in Los Angeles, where he sometimes surprises audiences with a Q&A or an appearance to thank fans for coming out on opening day (again just speculation, but it’s happened before). Remember — If it’s happening, we’ll have the story here at News Askew.

“Zack And Miri” Screenings – A Summary!

September 1st @ 5:15 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by Brad & Chris

  • Given all the sudden activity that been going on surrounding “Zack And Miri Make a Porno” screenings over the next couple of months, we felt it would be good practice to write up a post summarizing all that we know, details we can confirm (and also speculate) on each of the screenings, and a few new details as well. If anyone’s heard of anything else we missed, let us know. These will all be rare chances to see the feature film with an audience in advance of the October 31st theatrical release — Though we’re expecting all of you to go see it AGAIN (and bring some friends) once it hits theaters, too. Once you see it and love it, we’ll assume you’ll want to share the fun with others. OK, so let’s take a look at what we’ve got here:

    • SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 – OFFICIAL WORLD PREMIERE AT TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL – This showing was added after we first announced the September 9th showing, and is at a different venue. Kevin will be in attendance though no other cast and crew have been confirmed. Showing at 9:15 PM on a Sunday night though, at the Ryerson Theater, we have a feeling this one might attract some big names. We see no way to buy tickets online for this particular event, though you could always call the box office this week and ask.
    • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 – TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL SCREENING – This event takes place at the Visa Screening Room in Toronto and is in the afternoon, 3:00 PM to be exact. We’re sure Kevin will show to introduce the film, though have not confirmed any other guests. We’re betting the Sunday showing MIGHT have a few more “names” in the room, but you never know. As of presstime, the TIFF website still has tickets on sale for this showing.
    • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 – FANTASTIC FEST OPENING FILM – The film will kick off Fantastic Fest 2008 in Austin, Texas. Kevin will be on hand to introduce the film as well as hold a live Q&A session following the screening. Tickets for the fest are selling out fast , and this one’s likely to be the hottest of the show. There is a SLIGHT chance you can get a specific ticket for the show on the day of the screening though it will likely be a standby situation. Your best bet is to have a festival pass.
    • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th – Pleasantville, NY – Jacob Burns Film Center Benefit Screening. 7:30 PM, SOLD OUT! Tickets were $20 for members and $30 for non-members. We have confirmed that Kevin will be on hand for the screening, but can not speak for any other cast at this time.
    • MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 – HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE – This will be considered the official world premiere, and likely held in Los Angeles. This is the one with the red carpet and all the celebs that you typically see on Access Hollywood and shows of that ilk. No further details, and obviously this one is by invitation only, typically reserved for cast, crew and friends. We’re assuming this will be the most celeb-packed affair.

    Amongst all the premiere announcements, we HAVE seen something we hadn’t seen confirmed before – A running time of 101 minutes along with the confirmed “R” rating. So, for the math-challenged, that’s 1:41 minutes, from opening frame to end of credits. Should move at a fast pace at that rate. For those of you lucky enough to have scored tix to one of the shows, enjoy — We’d love to hear reviews but obviously will stray from spoilers at this site until after the film has opened. So send away without spoilers or save ’em up for November.


    That wraps up our review of the screenings that we know of until opening day. So that’s 2 in Canada, one on the east coast, one in the deep south, and the world premiere, likely on the west coast. If more opportunities come up, you can bet we’ll have the scoop for ya here — And, as always, we’re thinking you might be able to catch Kevin on opening day/weekend around the Arclight Theaters in Los Angeles, where he sometimes surprises audiences with a Q&A or an appearance to thank fans for coming out on opening day (again just speculation, but it’s happened before). Remember — If it’s happening, we’ll have the story here at News Askew.

Oretga High Res Pics – San Diego!

September 1st @ 5:13 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by Albert Ortega

  • Our high resolution San Diego Comic Con series continues today, with the official Albert Ortega series now beginning (we saw his colleague’s work last week) — This first batch features some great shots of Kev rockin’ the podium, as well as some of the best shots to date of the “Zack And Miri Make a Porno” cast, including some beautiful photos of the stunning Elizabeth Banks. Some great full-cast photos, too. So, as always, click away, and pay thanks to the great Albert Ortega who shares all of these great shots with us at News Askew free of charge, for your viewing pleasure. More to come in the next update!

View Askew NewsBites™

September 1st @ 5:09 pm | 1 Comment » | Scooped by John Breslin, Zach Eastman, Dave James, Chuck Gould, Alonso Duralde, Rich Howells

  • The webcomic called “Hijinks Ensue” continued their 2 part arc covering Kevin’s ability to see Geek movies before everyone else this weekend. You can catch our previously mentioned Watchmen edition HERE, and the continuation which mentions “Star Trek” HERE.
  • CORRECTION: It seems that “Fanboys” may see a theatrical release after all. In our last update, we mentioned a December 23rd arrival for the DVD, but it turns out that a September 19th release date was announced in San Diego. Certainly worth seeking out from the sound of it (and we’re sure that Kevin’s cameo remains intact).
  • We’ve been known to post some tidbits or video segements from Kevin’s Q&A sessions here, and of course there’s the DVDs, but it’s rare that we’ll see a long form Q&A with another of View Askew’s vets, Jason Mewes! Mewes has been hitting the convention circuit lately, promoting some of his upcoming film efforts, taking pictures, signing autographs, and the like. This one comes to us from Monster Mania and was posted in a four-part Youtube video filmed by one of the attendees. The worst part is probably some low audio here and there, so get your headphones or turn up your audio and listen closely. Mewes seems to work the crowd and relate to the attendees really well, so watch the dude work the room and enjoy!

  • Longtime fan Tony Teofilo had a chance to sit down with Toby Keith and Mallrats alum Claire Forlani to chat up their new film “Beer for my Horses”, and guess what — He asked her about “Mallrats” and working with Kevin again! It’s always neat to hear her British accent as she’s often seen playing American roles, so worth the watch just for that, and also to see that rare connection made to the Askewniverse. Nice job, Tony — And yep, for the record, she does say she’d do it again – Wouldn’t that be cool? How about Forlani for “Red State”? We’d dig that.
  • If you look closely at the first paragraph of this review of “Babylon AD”, you’ll notice that the reviewer mentions the superior nature of the “Jersey Girl” director’s cut to the theatrical version that most of you have seen. We’re still hoping that somehow that wonderful director’s cut can see the light of day. If a Vulgarthon comes up in 2009, let’s hope Kevin breaks that one out again.
  • While certainly not at all a laughing matter, one shopkeeper had some good humor in advance of Hurricane Gustav’s arrival in Lousiana with this “Clerks” tribute spray painted on his plywood window coverings. Stay safe, everyone.