• “Small Town Gay Bar” is an outstanding documentary achievement for Ingram, and the audience digs it. The film focuses on not one but three gay bars in small towns in Mississippi: Rumors, Crossroads, and Different Seasons. However, it’s not the bars, but the people that are the stars of this one — Topics range from the bars themselves to such issues as hate crimes, tolerance, and gay rights. Ingram interviews both sides and the opinions are sometimes sad, sometimes shocking, and sometimes funny. The film presents an excellent picture of this small part of the world, though one gets the impression that this could take place in any town, USA.

At 2:15, director Malcolm Ingram takes the stage to bunches of appluase. Malc fields questions ranging from coming out to tolerance to his thoughts on filming and interviewing the Reverend Fred Phelps. He reveals that STGB will continue on the festival circuit, even celebrating a screening at the old “Crossroads” site, followed by a bow on Showtime sometime in 2007. Regardless of your sexual orientation or opinions, “Small Town” is a recommended watch, and a true portrait of a segment of this country that many folks ignore, or just misunderstand.

Kudos to Malc on a well filmed and well assembled flick. We’re happy to have finally seen it. At tomorrow’s event, Malc will be debuting a newly cut version of the flick which he says is radically different. He also promises that the eventual DVD release of the film will be loaded with extras, as there’s tons of extra footage around.

• It’s a big honor for us today, as Kevin takes the stage to welcome us to the thon and also reveal that we will indeed be the FIRST audience to see “Catch And Release”. Writer/Director Susannah Grant takes the stage and lets us know that we’re also seeing a version that no one else will never see, and we’ll have a chance to give feedback after the film. The ending that is attached to this print is apparently going to be reshot and changed.

“Catch & Release” is an excellent, fun, flick — Should be the PERFECT date film when it arrives in theaters January 2007. Since we’re privy to such an early look, we’re going to keep spoilers to a minimum here, but we can let you know that the film opens finding lead Garner’s character “Gray” with a suddenly deceased fiance and three male friends (one of which is our own beloved Kevin Smith, as Sam). The flick proves a surprise as the Garner/Olyphant relationship that you saw in the trailer, while important, is only treated as one of the plots, and all the characters get lots to do. Kevin himself probably enjoys more screentime than anyone, and gets major laughs in pretty much any scene that he appears. The dude’s multi-talented, for sure, and many say even carries the film throughout.

Following the film, Grant returns to the stage for a Q&A. We learn that she filmed over three hours of material and quite a bit was cut, including a few subplots. Kevin, however, got most of his material in there, in fact, managed to ad lib to extend the screentime ever more, she joked.

So why the delay in release? “Catch” was due last month originally and would definitely play fine anytime, but since Garner was pregnant, than busy finishing up Alias, the studio decided they wanted to wait for her availability to promote the film to its full extent. Thus, the current January 2007 bow is scheduled. We’re predicting a fine take for the film, which should have couples filling up the seats. Really enjoyed this one. Congratulations to all involved.

• We’ve got ourselves parked in our usual location here, feels like home — Back row of theater one, allowing us easy in and easy out to post updates, as we’ve just realized there’s no service reaching the cell phone inside the theater. We’ve also realized that we really need to watch BOTH the first two films as well as the Q&A’s, as they’re both going to be new to us — First up, top secret flick #1 – Kevin’s first non-Askew starring vehicle, “Catch And Release”. Then, Malcolm Ingram’s documentary “Small Town, Gay Bar”.

The crowd shuffles in and takes their seats, snacks in hand, and we start pretty close to ON TIME (right around 10 minutes past the 10 AM hour) with Kevin Smith and the reveal of our first film.

• We’ve arrived in Red Bank with plenty of time to spare, and while the weather remains overcast, the temperature is just perfect for the massive line that’s formed outside — Looks like everyone’s pretty much claimed their spot in line and ready to rock, as we run into Thonmaster Ming leaving the Stash along with Betty Aberlin. Perfect timing, actually. We’re outfitted with VIP passes from him, and make our way towards the famous Clearview Cinema. On our way, some superfans are waiting towards the front of the line that we recognize – Karla, Silent Boba Fett, and Douglas Fir, who comes in from the UK for all of these events (good on you, sir!). Gotta thank Karla for that cookie, too. Gramp’s lurking outside as well.

We took some shots of the crowd outside to give you an idea of what a sold out crowd here at the Clearview looks like. So check out the photos and see if you can spot yourself. Ming set us up with a couple goodie bags, which you’ll see a shot of here as well (the contents inside).

Right on schedule, the doors open with Kevin Smith himself greeting each and every attendee with a firm handshake and a hello as they enter the doors. Two wristband colors this year, purple and yellow, each indicating the theater which patrons are supposed to file into and stake out their seats. We’ve decided to set up camp inside our usual theater one, the larger of the two.

• Thanks to the miracle of modern technology, we’re happy to bring you our first update on the day of Vulgarthon 2006 while we’re actually EN ROUTE to Red Bank, New Jersey. We’re quickly approaching the Clinton area which will soon have us turning towards the Garden State Parkway. Then, it’s only around 15 minutes or so (depending on rush hour traffic) into town. Weather’s looking a bit overcast at the moment but VERY warm, we’re expecting the clouds to burn off and leave us with a beautiful day — Quite possibly the best weather EVER for a Red Bank event.

We’re now activating the link to our Vulgarthon 2006 coverage page — All the postings through the day will not appear on this front page then, but rather, on the Vulgarthon 2006 On Location area. Click the image above to get there and check it out.

We’re likely to learn more about the secret films, special guests, and the plan for the day once we roll in Red Bank. Look forward to spending the day with you here at News Askew! We just hit a traffic jam so the GPS is estimating us getting into town in around an hour. Check back for live updates all day and all night. See you back here soon!

• We’re still stuck in that traffic jam so time continues to slip on our Red Bank arrival — Luckily we left plenty early (though waking up at 4:30 AM, not really recommended)…We don’t anticipate any problems getting into town in plenty of time, and look forward to checking out the line outside the theater and saying hello to all of the fans throughout the day.

Those of you checking us out through your mobile internet methods at the event — Hello! And for the rest of you who can’t be here…Stick with us for the latest breaking news from Vulgarthon 2006!

• The event of the year is HERE! Vulgarthon 2006 brings the event home to Red Bank, New Jersey. We’ll be on hand tomorrow to take in the spectacle, meet and greet, and be your eyes and ears from the event. If technical difficulties don’t hurt us, we’ll be reporting live throughout the day with the latest breaking news, stories, photos and more. So, if you couldn’t score a ticket or make it to the event, be sure and stop by tomorrow. We’ll make ya feel like you’re there with us. Should be a fantastic time.

As always, we’d like to remind the returnees as well as the newcomers that there’s some great tips and tricks to use throughout a ‘Thon. We’ve also scoured the boards and, thanks to some already in town, gathered up details for those of you arriving in tonight or early tomorrow morning as we are. So read on for all you need to know to be prepared:

• Parking: Parking is at a premium in Red Bank, and there’s only one lot close to the theater — The others are a bit of a hike. The GOOD news is that the lot won’t be full with locals due to it being a workday, and meters need to be fed every four hours. 25 cents per half hour. So, doing the math, from 9-6 (when the meters are checked) it’s going to run you $4.50 in quarters. Come prepared. It’s still cheaper than paying a parking ticket, trust us. Also: The earlier you get there, the easier time you’ll have snagging a spot. If you miss the main lot, Ming’s been kind enough to highlight the other options for you in this nice aerial shot.
• Cameras & Video: Ming has the complete word – “Still cameras will be allowed into the theater but they may not be used while a movie is playing. Feel free to use them at the post-movie Q&A’s, in the lobby and in the theater between movies.

  Anyone caught taking photos while a movie is playing will be ejected without a refund and all media and cameras will be confiscated. This includes all film, digital and cellphone cameras.

  Video cameras will not be permitted anywhere inside the theater. If you must have one on you please keep it inside a bag or case and do not attempt to bring it out at any time inside the theater. Anyone caught capturing footage while a movie is playing will be ejcted without a refund and all media and cameras will be confiscated. ”

  And yes, folks, this goes for digital cameras that take video, too — Don’t try using it. We’ll be watching. Just enjoy the show, and be sure and take some nice stills of the event to send to us for our coverage!

• Secret Stash Hours: You need to pick up your tickets at the Stash. The pickup area is located in the back of the store. Here’s the store’s hours this week:

  Jay & Silent Bob’s Secret Stash Hours – May 29th – June 2nd:

  Monday May 29th: 11:00am – 6:00pm
  Tuesday May 30th: 11:00am – 9:00pm
  Wednesday May 31st: 7:30am – 10:30pm*
  Thursday June 1st: 9:00am – 10:00pm*
  Friday June 2nd: 9:00am – 6:00pm
  * May be open later depending on volume of people.

• What you get in your packet: You’ll find out what theater you’re assigned to, along with a movie schedule, directions/map for Quick Stop/RST Video in Leonardo, armband, and nametag.The movie schedule is AMAZING and as follows:

  Theater One

  10am-12pm Super Secret Movie #1
  12pm-2pm small town gay bar
  2pm-5pm Jersey Girl Extended
  5pm-6:30pm Dinner BreakBig Helium Dog
  6:30pm-8:30pm Super Secret Movie #2
  8:30pm-10:30pm Oh What a Lovely Tea Party

  Theater Two

  10am-12pm small town gay bar
  12pm-2pm Super Secret #1
  2pm-4pm Oh what a lovely tea party
  4pm-5:30pm Dinner BreakBig Helium Dog
  5:30pm-8:30pm Jersey Girl Extended
  8:30pm-10:30pm Super secret Movie #2

  Yes, BHD plays during Dinner Break, so if you wanna see it again (or for the first time) pack yourself some grub to munch on. Brian Lynch is under the weather and sadly unable to attend the thon to present his film.

  ALSO — Yes, that’s right, TWO super secret films. Plus you east coasters are just gonna LOVE Jersey Girl extended. So be ready for an amazing day tomorrow and Thursday.

• Seating tips: Seats are first come, first served. Try and pick seats you like when you get there, and keep them for the event. Moving around just confuses things. Bring a jacket or some other non valuable to mark it. And folks — If a seat’s taken, don’t take it. Also, remember these are SOLD OUT shows — So keeping those empty chairs in the middle and around you won’t do much good, they’ll just be taken eventually. So pack it in, folks, and find some good friends to sit close. We’ll be hanging out for 12 hours or so. And if you wanna say hi — Look for us in the back of theater one, our usual hangout at the show. We’ll be the dudes snapping photos and doing live updates via laptop. Don’t be a stranger. Say hi.
• Weather: The absolute PERFECT day to hang outside between flicks, waiting in line, and the like. Partly Sunny in Red Bank with a high of 77 degrees and a low of just 64. GOTTA LOVE THAT!!!!

That about does it, folks — We’re expecting major excitement tomorrow and quite possibly the best Vulgarthon…Heck, the best View Askew EVENT…EVER. See you tomorrow, bright and early!

“The 8 Minute Big O”

• One of Kevin’s self-proclaimed most amazing life moments is now available for your eyes, via the Clerks II and YouTube sites. The eight minute standing ovation at Cannes was captured by the brilliant Zak and Joey, but oh, that’s not all you’ll get here. Yes, you’ll see Kevin and the cast’s arrival at the premiere (along with some nice Rosario camera-mugging), Kevin introducing the film, and then, of course, the magic that followed. Congratulations again to Kevin, Scott, and the entire cast and crew on the amazing showing in Cannes.

• Yep, they’re coming in every day, and nothing but praise from the lucky Clerks II Cannes premiere attendees. Let’s take a look at today’s offerings, starting with a BIG positive from major publication Variety. As always, watch for spoilers in the full reviews where noted:

• Foreign Clerks II release date! Attention Australians: The Great Union cinema chain has just updated their “Coming Soon” section and it includes an AUGUST 31ST release date for Clerks II. Quite often, UK release and other regions mirror dates, so this COULD be that overseas release information we’ve been waiting to share with you. We’ll keep you posted as we learn more.

• And finally today, our good friends from our local News Askew Forums (NAF for short) continue to “NAF The World”, this time from board member Caliban and his family, who visited Stash West with his wife, kids, and 3 friends, who confused Bryan Johnson as they displayed their travelling banner outside. Good on ya, folks. See ya during the ‘thon tomorrow!