Archive for January, 2009

Wal-Mart Says NO To “Porno” But Reveals More…

January 31st, 2009 @ 11:15 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by Chuck K, Alonso Duralde, Laura Conohan

  • A few weeks ago, we reported that “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” was indeed being produced with a watered-down “Zack and Miri” cover as an option for some retailers. Target stores took them up on this alternate cover, so it came as no surprise to us when word arrived that Walmart would follow suit (making the full titled cover, available signed from the Secret Stash online, all the more rare). Several websites have picked up the story, including The Record, The Toronto Star and Canoe (all Canadian-based publications, by the way).

    What we like about the story is that Kevin gives several new quotes on the alternate cover and the Walmart decision and makes a heck of a lot of sense. After all, why not market what the film is, not selling it to people who will see the title (and cover) and not know what they’re in for? Among other things, Kevin once again confirms that the Askewniverse is closed (along with Jay & Bob), and drops a VERY interesting tidbit about some offers he may have regarding new gigs:

      “‘Zack and Miri’ did some weird things for my career in as much as I guess lots of folks at different studios finally considered it a like, movie-enough movie, where they could be like, ‘Hey, would you like to direct movies for us?”‘ said Smith, who made his first film, “Clerks,” for just US$27,575 in his home state of New Jersey.

    All Canadian releases of the disc will feature the complete title.

    So, whatcha think about these new directing gigs that might be coming across Kevin’s desk, eh? We’re certainly intrigued. 2009 could shape up to be an even more interesting year…

Filed in: DVD, News, Zack & Miri Make A Porno

Two More Shows: Vancouver & Ohio!

January 31st, 2009 @ 11:14 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by Josh Hillrich, Joshua Mansfield

  • First up, on sale NOW through Ticketmaster, Kevin will appear again in Canada — This time, in Vancouver, BC at the Centre For Performing Arts. Event date and time: Friday, March 27th, 2009 at The Centre In Vancouver for Performing Arts. As there is no official notice of this on the venue’s site yet, this is all we’ve got as far as pricing and details so far.

    Also, back here in the States, the Ohio Union Activities Board has announced that tickets are now available for Kevin’s February 12th show at Ohio State University via the union building. Sounds like they’re only selling these to students, at least for now. If anyone’s found another way to nab them, let us know so we can share. This show happens Thursday the 12th at 8:00 PM, in the Mershon Auditorium. If we hear of a way for non-students to get tix, we’ll let you know.

    Kevin’s been on fire lately with live appearances and has lots to talk about, also has been using the audience questions to steer the shows in unknown directions to an even greater degree. There has never been a better time to see Kevin live, and possibly be a part of the show yourself. Get your tix early before shows sell out, and have a blast. No one ever has a bad time and leaves without a bunch of laughs.

Filed in: News

View Askew NewsBites™

January 31st, 2009 @ 11:13 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by Anthony iOn Cruz, Sam

  • Just a brief word on the “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” extra special extras from Blockbuster – Our source tells us that even purchasing a copy of the film there won’t get you that extra feature Kevin recently mentioned. You can ONLY find it on their RENTAL copies. No word yet on this will include the rental copies you get from their online service. Sad, too, as part one of the improv battle with Rogen and Long is a true highlight. You’ll see. It will be worth seeking out a rental copy from Blockbuster to rent (and maybe eventually own) just for this segement.
  • Nerve blogs “The Screengrab” feature cites “Clerks” (along with Kevin’s inspirational love “Slacker”) among their favorite Sundance festival films of all time. (Editor’s note: I lost the scooper on this by accident, drop me a line and I’ll get your credit added).
  • Malcolm Ingram takes the Mosier chair on SModcast #74, which has been up at Quick Stop Entertainment this week and just hit iTunes tonight. As Malc is a longtime Askew associate as well as a Canadian, maybe you’ll see Malc with Kev up in Canada next week, too. As we make our way thru the ‘cast now, they’re discussing a painful pickle jar incident they’re watching as part of an online video. Ah, SModcast! As always, this free entertainment is available exclusively over at QSE for MP3 download at any time. This week’s simple logline:

      SModcast 74: Rurally Gay – In which proctology is discussed at length.

  • Check back with us a little later this weekend for our EXCLUSIVE in-depth look at next week’s DVD/Bluray arrival of “Zack and Miri Make a Porno”…And enjoy the Superbowl!

Filed in: Clerks, Multimedia, News, Zack & Miri Make A Porno

One Week ‘Til Kevin Takes Over Canada!

January 29th, 2009 @ 9:44 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Brad & Chris, George C, Richard Elgie

  • On Friday, February 6th, and Saturday, February 7th, Kevin will begin his largest ever Canadian-organized event, with “An Evening With Kevin Smith” Q&A sessions at the Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto. Last we heard, a handful of tix were available for the Friday night show, though that may have changed by now. Saturday sold out a LONG time ago. This two-night event will feature Kevin taking the stage with new anecdotes, taking your questions, and making you laugh until you cry. As each show will be audience-driven via questions, both shows will be very different, so you might want to hit both if you’ve got the means.

    Following this, Sunday the 8th thru Tuesday the 10th, Kevin will spend 3 more days in Toronto at the Bloor cinema, as their 3-night Kevin Smith Fest features 6 great View Askew flicks and live Q&A sessions with Kevin after each. For all intensive purposes, this is a “best of” Vulgarthon without the title. Fans from across the globe are expected to be there, so you should too. Again, we have not heard of a sellout at the Bloor just yet, but we expect every seat to be taken, so your best bet it to nab a 3-night ticket for all 6 films for $60. If you prefer to take your chances on tix for any of the screenings still being available at the door, they’ll cost you $20 PER MOVIE each night ($15 per movie when purchased in advance).

    To promote the gigs, Kevin phoned in to 102.1 the Edge Toronto to talk about it all this week. He was on the show for a good half hour and also revealed he’d appear on the show all week when he’s in town (so we’re expecting
    that means starting Friday the 6th, hopefully). Miss it? You can listen to the program via a podcast available on iTunes under the “Dean Blundell Show” , or visit 102.1 The Edge’s Podcast Website for a direct download of Part One and Part Two in MP3 format.

    Five straight days of Kevin in one of Canada’s greatest cities, where his fans are some of most devoted in the world. This is the first 5 day in a row event we’ve ever seen from Kevin in View Askew history — Almost like a View Askew Woodstock (with some downtime during the day to take in some of Canada’s great sites). We hope many of you can make it.

Filed in: News

Kevin In Hartford: Photos!

January 29th, 2009 @ 9:44 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Mike, Nakowicz, Kristen Pavlik

  • We’re told that Kevin was in top form for the Hartford show, from old school stories on shit demons, Mewes’ member, and those unexpected gems that only happen one time when an unexpecting audience member steps into the spotlight. Some lucky fans even joined Kevin onstage for the entire event for a night they’ll never forget. These photos come to us from Mike Nakowicz, who calls this “one of the best I have been to”, and he’s seen Kevin live SEVEN TIMES. The man’s truly in top form, and there has never been a better time to see him doing the live thing onstage.

    Click above for Mike’s wonderful photos from what certainly looks like a crazy evening of fun improv.

Filed in: News

Hartford Details: “Amy” Doc, “Red State” News?

January 25th, 2009 @ 12:28 pm | 2 Comments » | Scooped by Ben Rosol

  • Reports from last night’s Hartford Q&A session with Kevin are coming in, reporting a fantastic session full of great energy, questions, and lots of fun.
    So far, two potentially major scoops broke as well. First up, Kevin revealed that a “Chasing Amy” documentary is currently in production for a future release — We can only assume this will be the new long-awaited DVD and Bluray release of the film’s 10+ anniversary edition, including the Arclight reuinion footage and Q&A and lots more. Of course we’re just speculating, but the fact that a documentary on the Askewniverse flick that many call their favorites is in the works can only mean good things. We’ll let ya know as details unfold.

    Also, some potential good news for “Red State”, still set to be the next movie that Kevin goes behind the camera with. Kevin and Scott have not forgotten the project and are continuing to seek funding for the low-budget flick. We’re going to cross our fingers and predict that we’ll have good news on that project in the next couple of months.

    Were you there? Got a scoop? Wanna weigh in on your experiences? Drop us a scoop or post a Talkback comment.

Filed in: Chasing Amy, News, Red State

View Askew NewsBites™

January 23rd, 2009 @ 6:57 am | 2 Comments » | Scooped by Aaron Larson, Rob Pouria, Aaron Pennington, Shawn Magill

  • Rotten Tomatoes looks at “Directors Who Made a Splash at Sundance” and lists Mr. Kevin Smith among the elite:


      Kevin Smith

      The world of indie film is full of outsized personalities, but few made a bigger splash on the scene than Kevin Smith. His debut, the micro-budgeted Clerks, was filmed at the convenience store where Smith toiled, and he captured the speech patterns and daily rhythms of over-educated, underemployed slackers with remarkable clarity. Smith picked up a Filmmakers Trophy for his effort — pretty impressive for a spiritedly profane black and white feature financed by maxing out his credit cards.

  • Among all the other excitement in Toronto early next month (see stories above and after this), we forgot to remind you that Jason Mewes will ALSO be in town on February 5th hosting the F-U Awards, featuring local bands sponsored by 102.1 The Edge. With Mewes in town, we’re betting you might also see the Jay to Kev’s Silent Bob appearing at some Kevin’s live Q&A events that week. Toronto will definitely be THE place for View Askew fans to be in early February.

  • Yet more press on the famous flying car today from scoopers, so we’ll run it here (we hope you’re not getting sick of reading this stuff) — Discovery Channel has pics and video of Randal’s dream invention come true! At some point we’ll have to back down on all the flying car news or risk becoming the flying car site over News Askew, though…

Filed in: News

Kevin Smith Film Festival at Bloor Cinema in Toronto, Canada

January 21st, 2009 @ 9:55 am | No Comments » | Scooped by

  • Kevin’s coming to Canada for a historic 2-night appearance in Toronto doing the Q&A thing next month (February 6th and 7th) — And even more curiously, mentioned that there might be more to come in a recent post. Well, we think we’ve gotten to the bottom of what that extra is gonna be. How about a mini-Vulgarthon?


    Yes, that’s right, taking a look at the Bloor Cinema’s website , you’ll see a THREE DAY “Kevin Smith Film Fest”, showing 2 movies a night, starting Sunday, February 8th. “Clerks” and “Clerks II” on night one (the first double-bill of these we’ve ever seen), “Mallrats” and “Chasing Amy” on night two (films 2 and 3 of the Askewniverse), and “Dogma” and “Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back” on the final night.

    Okay, so we know you’re intrigued, right? Wanna go? Here’s how it works. First off, tickets are gonna cost you $60 (Canadian) and that gets you into ALL SIX MOVIES. Kevin will appear LIVE at the fest for a 30 minute Q&A session after each film. Yep, just like at Vulgarthons here in the US. So, now it’s your turn, Canada!

    Here’s the official word from the Bloor cinema:

      KEVIN SMITH FEST. The honourary Jersey Canuck joins the Bloor Cinema for a series of half hour Q&A’s following screenings of six of his flicks!! Love him or hate him, Kevin Smith was one of the nineties’ most influential American auteurs, channeling pre-millennial slacker angst into comedies that are frequently more beautiful and loving than they have any right to be. We all have our favourites, but they are best appreciated as a package, the better to tease out their interconnectivity; just as with a good TV show, watching the mythology develop and weave back into itself is half the fun. SEE ‘EM ALL FOR ONLY $60.

    Ticketweb has tickets for sale RIGHT NOW (and these are going to sell out really, really fast, so buy right now).

    Showtimes:

      Sun Feb 8, 2009
      7:00 PM Clerks.
      9:30 PM Clerks II

      Mon Feb 9, 2009
      7:00 Mallrats
      9:30 Chasing Amy

      Tue Feb 10, 2009
      7:00 Dogma
      10:00 Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

    OF FINAL IMPORTANT NOTE: The website says: “Please note that these are Bloor Cinema Member tickets only (must show valid Bloor Cinema membership card for each member ticket purchased – not just one membership card for several tickets).” We read this is that if you are your 3 friends are going, all 4 of you must join the Bloor Cinema as a member before you can buy these tickets. Membership is $3 and we believe is available at the door — If folks know a way to purchase a membership by phone or online, let us know.

    This is a FANTASTIC opportunity and winds up almost a full week of Kevin in Canada, the biggest event we’ve ever seen come to Toronto. News Askew readers across Canada are already coming in for the Q&A shows, now’s your chance to extend the fun for this historic 3-night film festival. Be there!!! And get your seats now before they’re gone, trust us.

Filed in: Events

Kevin Smith Film Festival In Toronto!!!!

January 21st, 2009 @ 9:50 am | 2 Comments » | Scooped by Justin Carpenter

  • Kevin’s coming to Canada for a historic 2-night appearance in Toronto doing the Q&A thing next month (February 6th and 7th) — And even more curiously, mentioned that there might be more to come in a recent post. Well, we think we’ve gotten to the bottom of what that extra is gonna be. How about a mini-Vulgarthon?


    Yes, that’s right, taking a look at the Bloor Cinema’s website , you’ll see a THREE DAY “Kevin Smith Film Fest”, showing 2 movies a night, starting Sunday, February 8th. “Clerks” and “Clerks II” on night one (the first double-bill of these we’ve ever seen), “Mallrats” and “Chasing Amy” on night two (films 2 and 3 of the Askewniverse), and “Dogma” and “Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back” on the final night.

    Okay, so we know you’re intrigued, right? Wanna go? Here’s how it works. First off, tickets are gonna cost you $60 (Canadian) and that gets you into ALL SIX MOVIES. Kevin will appear LIVE at the fest for a 30 minute Q&A session after each film. Yep, just like at Vulgarthons here in the US. So, now it’s your turn, Canada!

    Here’s the official word from the Bloor cinema:

      KEVIN SMITH FEST. The honourary Jersey Canuck joins the Bloor Cinema for a series of half hour Q&A’s following screenings of six of his flicks!! Love him or hate him, Kevin Smith was one of the nineties’ most influential American auteurs, channeling pre-millennial slacker angst into comedies that are frequently more beautiful and loving than they have any right to be. We all have our favourites, but they are best appreciated as a package, the better to tease out their interconnectivity; just as with a good TV show, watching the mythology develop and weave back into itself is half the fun. SEE ‘EM ALL FOR ONLY $60.

    Ticketweb has tickets for sale RIGHT NOW (and these are going to sell out really, really fast, so buy right now).

    Showtimes:

      Sun Feb 8, 2009
      7:00 PM Clerks.
      9:30 PM Clerks II

      Mon Feb 9, 2009
      7:00 Mallrats
      9:30 Chasing Amy

      Tue Feb 10, 2009
      7:00 Dogma
      10:00 Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

    OF FINAL IMPORTANT NOTE: The website says: “Please note that these are Bloor Cinema Member tickets only (must show valid Bloor Cinema membership card for each member ticket purchased – not just one membership card for several tickets).” We read this is that if you are your 3 friends are going, all 4 of you must join the Bloor Cinema as a member before you can buy these tickets. Membership is $3 and we believe is available at the door — If folks know a way to purchase a membership by phone or online, let us know.

    This is a FANTASTIC opportunity and winds up almost a full week of Kevin in Canada, the biggest event we’ve ever seen come to Toronto. News Askew readers across Canada are already coming in for the Q&A shows, now’s your chance to extend the fun for this historic 3-night film festival. Be there!!! And get your seats now before they’re gone, trust us.

Filed in: News

View Askew NewsBites™

January 21st, 2009 @ 9:49 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Marco, Thomas Head, Josh Gilmore

  • “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” starts playing in the Netherlands tomorrow, and once again, the country is not disappointing in the promotions department — This time, a contest is being held to actually create your own “sexy adult video”. Talk about a distributor who knows how to go all the way when marketing a flick, huh? If you win, you get to make an actual adult video, directed by Monique Sluyter. Crazy stuff going on over there.

  • And of course, don’t forget SModcast, which has been going strong with a DOUBLE episode treat this week. First off, number 73 in the series:

      SModcast 73: Irma-licious –

      In which Buddy has a bad day and our heroes are beside themselves at the news… until the Quickening kicks in.

    Quick Stop Entertainment is your only spot in the whole Internet world where you can nab the great SModcast, so get over there and get your copy in MP3 format. THEN, listen to the immediate BONUS SEQUEL, SModcast 73.5:

    Enjoy this double-shot of SModcast, with thanks to the guys for their continued weekly dose of audio entertainment! Catch ya back here soon…

Filed in: Mallrats, Multimedia, News, Zack & Miri Make A Porno