• Here’s the story that’s had all the fans a-buzzin’ lately: A post from Kevin recently revealed that Clerks II indeed WILL go out into theaters without a single cut. Having screened with the MPAA, this means one of two things: An unrated version of Clerks II, or an “R” rated version. There’s no in-between. Considerng Kevin’s expectation to go out unrated, his post, which follows, seems to indicate that a different outcome is in store — Did Clerks II actually earn that “R” rating? Having seen the film, we can say it’s actually quite possible, when comparing it to some of the other flicks that have passed the test lately. Defintiely on the FRINGE, but here’s hoping. Check out the post:

An R-rating would ensure that no theater would turn the film down. Some chains still have a no-unrated policy, which would limit the release structure. With talk of only 1,000 or so screens, the film could still find a home unrated, but “R” would make the choices unlimited. We’ll keep you posted.

• Big news today! Finally, the mysterious new domain at www.quickstopentertainment.com has a purpose! It’s our new entertainment supersite! Yes, this site will replace MoviePoopShoot and be titled, appropriately, “Quick Stop Entertainment”. Expect a new design, new content, and a bunch of surprises…But as always, a state-of-the-art one stop shop for anything entertainment related on the web. We want to make QSE your favorite, possibly only web joint to hit to find out everything about, movies, tv, comics, music, magazines, and tons more. We’re stoked for you to see it. And Kevin’s especially excited for the site’s debut. Check out a personal message from Kevin with more details on this exciting new part of the View Askew family of websites. And we’ll of course let you know when the site’s grand opening will be taking place. Stick around.

• Is View Askew breaking new ground yet again? JoBlo is reporting that Kevin has actually recorded an audio commentary track for Clerks II ALREADY — The idea? Download the free commentary to your ipod or similar MP3 player, then listen to the track as you watch Clerks II in the theater! Yes, In-Theater Director’s Audio Commentary. True genius, and an idea that we hope does get realized. And hey, think of all the multiple tickets it’ll sell when we go watch the flick once without, then head back in to watch it through with the commentary running. Gotta love it! We’ll be keeping an eye on this story and let you know if we hear further confirmation.

“Fire Walk With Me” “Clerkin Off: The Extended Cut”

• This one was considered major spoiler territory until the Clerks II theatrical trailer hit a few weeks back, now the contents of the latest Clerks 2 “Train Wreck”, “Fire, Walk With Me” (a “Twin Peaks” reference for those not in the know) are pretty much common knowledge. Still, we warn you that there’s a minor spoiler from the film’s opening in this clip — But it’s worth watching to see what went into setting up this one up — A nice reveal of the Ratface cameo — And of course, the great Scott Mosier filling us in and working hard on the set. We also had the pleasure of visiitng this set as well — Watch for our own report very, very soon!

And as if one new video wasn’t enough, yet another treat on the “Train Wreck” page today — Some extended clippage of “Clerkin’ Off”, the first day on the New Jersey set! Get ready to get into that east-coast mindset, people, we’ve got a feeling there’s more Jersey love to come as Zak and Joey continue their brilliant short film series. Enjoy, exclusively at clerks2.com.

• More Clerks II press to kick off today’s edition of the ‘bites — This time around, a magazine called “Giant” has a one-page writeup on the film, citing that some fans worry about the sequel taking away from the original. We say, never fear. You won’t be disappointed.
• Clerks 2 gets a quick mention in this Entertainment Weekly piece on some flicks making their debut at the Cannes Film Festival this year.
• Attention UK’ers: Dogma will be on E4 this coming Monday (22nd May) at 10pm. Enjoy!
• Remember that Clerks rolling roadshow coming into Quick Stop in Red Bank in August? Well, it may have gotten ever cooler – Cinematical is now reporting that a hockey game will take place prior to the event — Perhaps on the roof, maybe? Ya never know…
• A faithful Askewer looks set to direct another film. Chris Rock, who co-wrote and was set to star in the comedy I Think I Love My Wife, has stepped-up to take on the directorial reigns left open by the departing Charles Stone, while both Kerry Washington (Ray) and Gina Torres have joined the cast.

The Fox Searchlight film, which starts filming in New York this month, is a remake of the 1972 Eric Rohmer comedy Chloe in the Afternoon. In it, Rock plays Richard Cooper, a happily married man with a young daughter, whose former flame (Washington) reenters the picture causing him to question his marriage.

Rock co-wrote the script with Louis C.K. and this will be his second film as director after 2003’s Head of State with Bernie Mac.

• Between Myspace, the blog, and the board, Kevin’s got posts popping up a lot of spots on the internet lately, so we’re happy to keep you up to date on any interesting tidbits that you may have missed. Today, Kevin stopped by the View Askew Board for some quick Q&A. You can find the threads fairly easily over there, though we’ve compiled some parts that we thought may interest some of you. Here ya go:

• The film after Clerks II is ” a comedy, but one that’s not set in the Askewniverse, and maybe not set in Jersey. Writing it now.” It is “Less ‘Rats’, more ‘Clerks II’ type of comedy.”.
• Still no news on if the “Evening 2” DVD release will be bumped up to coincide with the new Clerks II theatrical release.
• No official guests have yet been announced for Vulgarthon East later this month. Mosier may have to miss the event due to Clerks II test screenings.

• The latest issue of Wizard magazine’s got TONS of Askew goodies in it this time — With Clerks II rapidly approaching screens, it’s time for the press machine to kick in, so expect to start seeing more and more of this.

First up: A large article/inteview covering a celebrity poker game that Kevin held at his place. If you’re poker players like we are, reading this stuff is always a blast, so reading about Kevin and some of the biggest names in comics sitting at a table together is an added bonus.

Kevin scores a quick mention in a nice little interview with “Veronica Mars” hottie Kristen Bell.

Then there’s a great side column proclaiming Chasing Amy to be the greatest “Geek” movie of all time. Quite an honor, indeed.

Finally, Brodie takes the #2 spot in a column called “Real World Geeks”. You can read this, and all of these excellent pieces of Askew, in the latest Wizard, OR by click the appropriate scans just above you here. Enjoy!

• Just a few more details about that show “Icons” that will be covering Kevin Smith and View Askew. It sounds like it’s going to be a FANTASTIC, must-see episode of television for all of us. Events covered will be the Red Bank Vulgarthon, a drive around Red Bank, Cannes, the Philly Wizard convention, and more. So, if you’re attending any of these events, look for the Icons crew and maybe you can be a part of the show! No airdate is finalized at this point, though the goal is to have the episode air the week of the Clerks II theatrical bow, so we’re hoping to see the show on G4 the week of July 17th. We’ll keet you posted.

• Roasario Dawson is featured in the latest issue of comics super-mag Wizard, with a new interview (featuring a couple of shots from Clerks II). The bulk of the text focuses on her comic fandom, which is vast, but you will find a few specific View Askew questions at the end with some great, flattering answers from Rosario. Click the scannage above for super-sized scans for your reading pleasure.
• BBC News lists sometimes-Askewer Matt Damon as #3 in their top 5 for actors/actresses that give autographs to fans.
• Jason Lee’s film “Dead Sexy” was released on DVD late last week…But only in Australia. Expect a US release later this year.
• Why put the voice of Jason Mewes in a Scarface videogame? This clip of Pete Wanat, Exec. Producer of Vu Games talking to Morgan Webb on the game “Scarface: The World is Yours” reveals just that. Michael Rooker (”Mallrats”) also does a voice for the same game. It’s a video voiceover Mallrats reunion!

• We started hearing rumors of a Clerks II release date switch yesterday and were skeptical since things have been pretty mum about any change at all. Today, those rumors prove TRUE, as Kevin confirms that we’ll get to see the film in theaters almost a full MONTH earlier! July 21st, 2006! Check it out:

In this webmaster’s opinion, while Monster House and Lady in the Water are definitely higher profile flicks, neither trailer is overly thrilling. We’re still on the side of realism with Kevin regarding a first place finish, but have a feeling that the dollar amounts aren’t going to be that far apart, really. Keep in mind Clerks II will have a much smaller release, screen-wise, so we’ll want to keep a close eye on those per-screen averages come July. Just a little over two months and counting now!