- MTV Movies, in a converation with Adam Brody, suggests that the title of “A Couple of Dicks” may indeed be changed.
- Consequence of Sound has a nice piece about the awesomeness of the “Clerks” motion picture soundtrack, a disc whose tunes and dialogue still plays fantastic today on the iPod, by the way. Though, when it came out, who the heck knew what an iPod or even an MP3 was, right? We really dig this story, probably the best we’ve seen written about the soundtrack, and rightfully so, we might add. Here’s a sample:
The Clerks OST was definitive in that it literally sums up everything about 90s young adult derision and its impact on society, complementing attitude with amplitude and allowing room for both witty quotations and suitable background audio. There are obvious moments where a song makes the scene, such as the quintessential opening credits featuring Clerks by New Jersey alt rock outfit Love Among Freaks. The band was local to Smith and he approached them to do music for his film; the movie unwittingly became a vehicle for Love Among Freaks as they also performed the soundtrack inclusion Berserker and reappeared on the soundtrack to Chasing Amy, but unfortunately the group only released one full studio album before dissipating into nostalgic bliss.
Other pivotal moments that are boosted by their musical companions include: the introduction of Jay & Silent Bob receiving the Girls Against Boys treatment with Kill The Sex Player a stoner rock tune (how appropriate) with plenty of fuzz and bass along for the ride; Jay attempting a white boy break dance routine to the sound of Stabbing Westwards Violent Mood Swings [Thread Mix]; the Randal and Dante discussion of contractors killed on an exploding Death Star (one of two primary Star Wars conversations) is enhanced by Bash & Pops Making Me Sick; the entrance of Randal Graves is accented by Alice In Chains bluesy Got Me Wrong before he exits at the end credits to Soul Asylums Cant Even Tell.
- Just to clarify, here are the official UK and US release dates for Kevin’s two upcoming books: “Shooting the Shit” hits US shelves on September 22nd, and UK shelves on October 2nd. The new Special Edition of best-seller “My Boring-Ass Life” arrives in the US on September 29th, and in the UK, on October 2nd, same day as the new book. As always, signed copies from Mr. Smith will be shipping from The Stash immediately, so get your orders in there, or come buy your books in person at upcoming events, inluding the live Jersey SModcast. On a releated note, check out Paste Magazine for a short blub on “Shootin'” as well.
- Mewes continues to conduct press for his own Q&A events happening lately in and around Canada. This article from Ground Control. In this new interview, he talks about the status of “K-11”, producing, directing, acting outside the Askewniverse, and moer. But here’s the most amusing quote, when he discusses his own Q&A strategy:
“It’ll be fun; it’s sort of like Kevin’s ‘Night With’ that he’s doing and they filmed one of for HBO, but Kevin can go for five or six hours or longer because he’s been doing them for years. I’m building up to that [laughing]; I can go for about three hours and while his stories are about fifteen or twenty minutes long, mine are about three to six minutes but I’ll pull my balls out and he won’t.
Has Mewes thrown down the gauntlet? Catch him live…if you dare. For more Jay press, check out a similar blurb at Pulse Niagara.
- One of our fave movie news sites out there, Cinematical, runs a piece titled “Filmmakers Who Love to Talk About Movies”, featuring, well…Just that. There’s video evidence to back up their claims, as well. The entire article is highly recommended, where they call Kevin “The Storyteller”:
The Storyteller – Kevin Smith
You may not like the films of Kevin Smith, but after watching this clip you can’t tell me that this guy doesn’t know how to tell an entertaining story. Listening to Smith talk about movies is like having a conversation with one of your friends, and there are very few people who can connect with their audience like that. Granted, his critiques aren’t always the most ‘highbrow’, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t accurate — and more importantly, pretty damn funny.
Surf over and watch the video, where Kev talks Superman Returns and Star Trek during an “Evening With”.
Come to the Castle – This Weekend!
- There’s another weekend of fantastic live programming happening at the one and only SModcastle this weekend. Remember, Kevin’s starting to film “Red State” later this month, and while the castle will remain open, we’re sure, schedules may change depending on filming. So, if you’re planning a special trip into the L.A. area to attend some shows, NOW is a fantastic time to come in for the weekend and attend a bunch of shows. Some of the most popular and hilarious shows have been scheduled over the next couple of weekends. Let’s take a look at what’s available for the next couple weeks:
Friday, September 3rd: Hollywood Babble-On (Sold Out). Bagged & Boarded @ 10:30 PM.
Saturday, September 4th: Smodimation ($10, 10am-12pm). Smodcast 3D ($25, 8pm). Smovies featuring “Bear Nation” ($10, 10pm).
Sunday, September 5th: Jay & Silent Bob Get Old ($25, 7pm). Blow Hard ($20, 9pm).
Next weekend…The same schedule repeats, with every show still open, including Babble-On.
We expect shows in the 50-seat theater will sell out quickly, especially for this weekend. Also, visiting the ticketing page will get you options to purchase 3 and 4 show packs, which will save you a few bucks and get you into shows for a month at a time. Highly recommended. SModcastle is quickly becoming one of the coolest, most elite spots in town, the place to be this weekend in L.A. Don’t miss your chance to see some of the funniest shows featuring the best and brightest from the SMod network, live and up close. Be there.
The Twitter Report…
- Continued success for SModcastle shows, more online, casting controversy and more from Kev on Twitter recently. Here’s some samples:
Via @rockerprod “just pre-ordered Widening Gyre” Be like this amazing American hero! http://tinyurl.com/GYREcumsInHardcover on 12/13!
It’s Sunday! If you’re not at @SModcastle watching #BlowHard the hear some SMOD! SModcast 131: Limmortal. Get it now at http://smodcast.com
Via @kellybutton “GetOld starts off hilarious, ends up heartbreaking. A+ to you, @jaymewes” Give it a listen: http://www.smodcast.com/getold
Prepare to be blown out the back of (or in the back of) the theater! #BLOWHARD episode 2 is NOW ONLINE! http://www.smodcast.com/blowhard
Via @dmaul53854 “u say @JayMewes fell off the wagon in Apr. He ok now?” Tune in & find out: http://smodcast.com/getold New episode tomorrow!
Local press that GETS it: @ThrillistLA puts @SModcastle on their front page today: http://www.thrillist.com/list/Los+Angeles
We’re moving BABBLE-ON to Mondays & HIGHLANDS to Saturdays. HIGHLANDS feels more like a Saturday show – our own “A Scary Home Companion.”
Via @jpalmiotti “its Joes 10th anniversary as EIC of Marvel” 1 of the few times I’ve ever seen true talent get rewarded. Go @JoeQuesada, Go!
Congrats @JayMewes! # 1 on iTunes Comedy pod chart (& #2 overall!) with JAY & SILENT BOB GET OLD! http://tinyurl.com/GetOldWithMeAndMewes
Via @GetFcked “Hollywood BabbleOn was funny as Fuck. Can’t wait to hear it weekly.” It ALSO went to #1 on the Comedy chart, and #7 overall!
More on @ThatKevinSmith this week, including a few interesting remarks about a run-in with a Hollywood agent relating to “Red State” casting. Sure can’t wait to hear that story told at a future live show…
Also, QS covers “Blow Hard” with a new interview with Malcolm where he talks about the new breakout hit of SModcastle.
View Askew NewsBites™
- Check out the new website of “Jersey Girl” actress Raquel Castro, who has an album on the way and a couple videos to share. There’s also a facebook page where you can fan her and earn a free song download. We wish Raquel luck the best of luck in her new music career.
- Fan Steven was able to nab a quick photo of Jason Mewes at last weekend’s FanExpo – Have a look.
- One of the shows we’re most excited about for the fall is AMC’s adaptation of the graphic novel “The Walking Dead” – Finally a zombie TV series, and done the right way by the right people. Check out the official teaser for a look at Michael Rooker of “Mallrats” fame who plays a role in the series.
- Scooper Jen has been getting into cake decorating, and shares with us a couple images of her work that she made for a fellow Smith fan’s birthday. Nice job!
SModcastle Continues To Wow…
- Fans attending SModcastle shows can’t stop talking about the place’s greatness. Recently, lucky fans who went to SMovies saw the rare extended cut of “Jersey Girl”, which has only been screened a handful of times in the past, and is, in our opinion, the superior BEST version of the film. New show “Blow Hard” is taking over Twitter with overwhelming praise, and the breakout hit of the new shows. You can now listen live to the first episode. Kevin’s also placed the first episode of “Jay & Silent Bob Get Old” online, along with a new episode of the original great SModcast, #130. Details and links all contained below via Kevin’s recent twitter posts.
Remember, the 50-seat theater needs to sell out for shows to make their way online. If you can’t be there, buy a ticket and donate it for a local — You’ll help a fellow fan and get one step closer to making that episode available for all to hear.
Perhaps the ultimate package for fans is the new SMarriages, where Kevin will conduct a private SModcast episode for you and up to 50 of your friends and family, in the castle, and get you married to boot! Full details at the SMarriages site – Serious inquiries only.
Here’s the latest links and tweets on the happenings at the castle. As always, the latest schedules and ticket purchase info are available online — Purchase single shows OR monthly packages.
On November 23rd, only @SModcastle, the girl will rescue the boy! And only 50 people will get to watch it happen! DETAILS WEDNESDAY MORNING!
Be here Wednesday morning to see if @AmandaPalmer picks up the gauntlet I’ve thrown down! Or if she just picks ME up. (Yes, with a crane…)
Submitted for your approval… a BRAND NEW SMODCAST! SModcast #130: RawStralia – In which our heroes waltz Matilda. http://smodcast.com/main
It’s HERE! The DEBUT of our brand new #SModcastNetwork show: @MalcolmIngram: BLOW HARD! http://www.smodcast.com/blowhard/index.html #LISTEN
Via @cristiankirk ” #Blowhard is hilarious. How often you going to do it?” Depends on you guys… http://smodcastle.com/shows/blowhard.html
Congrats to @mcBlowHard on a stellar #2 (not poo) debut for #BLOWHARD: http://viewaskew.com/10.jpg HEAR IT: http://www.smodcast.com/blowhard
Get a @SModcastle MONTHLY PACKAGE for HIGHLANDS, #BLOWHARD or BAGGED & BOARDED! 4 shows for the price of 3! http://smodcastle.com/tickets
NOW! Hear the SModcast Network debut of JAY & SILENT BOB GET OLD! @JayMewes is Funny! Foul! Touching! Gripping! http://smodcast.com/getold
Via @DrJoshua09 “Listening to #Highlands put a smile on my face” And just think: THAT SHIT’S FREE! http://smodcast.com/peephole/index.html
HIGHLANDS 3D no longer weekly @SModcastle. Next 2 weeks cancelled. Starting September, we’ll alternate weekly between GET OLD and HIGHLANDS.
Via @granitemouse “I adored the 160min JerseyGirl. Always said that flick has so much heart, even more longer. Incredibly touching” SMovies.
Another great night @SModcastle: @SMosier told a harrowing tale of watching someone die and @JayMewes talked about smoking crack in prison!
Now there’s a BETTER reason to get married than free sex: SMarried@SModcastle! Where YOU are the star! http://smodcastle.com/smarriages.html
We’ll keep you posted on the Wednesday news, which looks to be a November 23rd appearance featuring Neil Gaiman and his talented wife, musician Amanda Palmer, limited to just 50 elite seats. More SModNews as it comes in.
The Twitter Report…
- A few cool bits dropped from the twitter of @ThatKevinSmith this week so far, including a few words on the “Hit Somebody” script, a peek at the recent Red Bank appearance and Kevin’s stint at the Geek Awards, and good news for those of you who missed those awesome Etnies shoes. Read on:
Even though RED STATE was written pre-weed, I’ve read StonerKev’s first green-induced script (HIT SOMEBODY). As much as I love ClerksKev, StonerKev’s a WAY better writer. Actually, all of StonerKev’s productivity’s through the fucking roof. StonerKev built the SModcast NETWORK!
Did #CopOut for the love, not the $$$. Gave up 83% of my salary cuz I believed. Still do. Glad I did, too – as RED STATE came out of it.
Via @LTfeatures “did you see the EPIX video from your birthday party? http://epx.ms/9Vez2X ” I look like DaveSemenko. AFTER he ate Gretzky.
Via @DailyMarauder “At the @GeekAwards. Movie winner Kev just got MrMoviefone to say the word cock” I was pretty proud of that. Big thanks.
Via @moviefone “Pics from the Geek Awards (& our award to @thatkevinsmith) : http://bit.ly/d5R51K ” I will cherish it always. Thanks, folks!
Via @rockerprod “any new etines shoes coming out soon?” @etniesCulture said they’re making 300 more pair in that style, then changing color.
We’ll drop our contact at Etnies a line to find details on when the next set of 300 will arrive, and what the next color might be — Stay tuned, we’re expecting the next 300 pair to sell just as fast as the first batch.
View Askew NewsBites™
- Drew Struzan, who has created some of the greatest movie poster artwork ever, is the subject of a new feature-length documentary titled “Drew: The Man Behind the Poster”. The trailer features some fantastic talent and even shows his “Mallrats” work. Find out more at http://drewthemovie.com/
- Jason Mewes will be appearing with the cast of “Todd & the Book of Evil” at FanExpo in Toronto, Ontario. The convention runs from August 27 – 29. Kevin last appeared at this convention back in 1999, where he was presented a personalized Maple Leafs jersey with the number 99.
- Speaking of Mewes, the logline for the film “Big Money Hustlas” says he’ll appear, but we can’t spot him anywhere in the trailer.
- Take a gander at the lovely Ali Larter (“Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back”) who will appear in 3D in the new Resident Evil film , as she discusses the role from a recent con appearance in San Diego.
The MASSIVE Twitter Report…
- Realizing we’d fallen a bit behind on summarizing Kev’s tweets lately, we’ve scoured through the sea of the last week or so to split up some of the more significant tweets from Mr. Smith, by topic. Read on for details on upcoming live SModcasts, planned release dates for new comics, an airdate for the 40th birthday Q&A, deets on “Hit Somebody” and “Red State” status, and more:
On Flicks..
Sweet BDay gift from @RyanJReynolds (not GreenLantern RR): #CopOut banner with 1500 opening night tix: http://tinyurl.com/ryanspresenttokev
Via @artvander “Saw #CopOut. SWS has never been funnier.” Made me want to cast him in HIT SOMEBODY. But now he’s circling GOON. *sigh*
Via @Film_2_140 “has SWS read HIT SOMEBODY script yet? Is it Near done” No – been a busy month, so still on pg101. Hence he’s circling GOON.
Via @Film_2_140 “surprised he’s looking at Goon?” Nah: they’re ready to roll. HIT’s not ’til AFTER RedState – so mid-2011 the earliest.
Via @boomertl “goon and HS are very similar” Not from what I’ve been told. At all. Besides: the more hockey flicks, the better. #SellTheGame
Via @thaskizz “will you be acting in Red State or Hit Somebody?” Nah. Those days are over. Rather be in front of a microphone than a camera.
Speaking of #CopOut – SIGNED BD/DVDs! http://www.jayandsilentbob.com/copoutbldvds.html OR http://www.jayandsilentbob.com/copoutdvdsib.html
Via @YourRealDad76 “Am I ever gonna get to play a Jay and Silent Bob video game?” If any VG company had serious interest, I’d be into it…
On Live Appearances…
Via @CJDavis0605 “What’s the good word? Boston show going to be rescheduled?” I’m hearing December 12th. Will confirm that soon…
Via @dselig119 “when will your bday DVD be out?” Not a DVD; an @EpixHD 2 hour special! Peep it here on October 23rd: http://www.epixhd.com/
Via @insidehw “EPIX exclusive comedy special – KevinSmith:TooFatFor40 http://epx.ms/aeRK1i ” For press release/air date, click READ IT.
Via @MikeDuyn “didnt u tell the story of why last movie felt like work at bday Q&A?” Iceberg’s tip, sir. One day. Too soon.
Via @ValShelby “can you do another day where you answer ? 24hrs” Yes: Labor Day – to raise $$$ for http://viewaskew.com/thewaynefoundation
Via @Ptrst “How will that raise money?” I’ll Tweet the donation link all day, keeping a running tally, shaming into giving. #Tweetathon2010
On SModcast and SModcastle…
Via @Qatami “starting a podcast, could you take a pic of your personal recording set-up as example” http://tinyurl.com/WhatSModGearLooksLike
Via @deadpool60169 “Is Malcolm’s Gay Clown Show going to be posted online?” Like most @SModcastle shows, if show sells out, show get posted.
The @SModcastle exists because of @CamelToad. Thank him by supporting his pair of Friday Night shows: http://smodcastle.com/tickets.html
Via @Coreyranes “You should have NHL 10 tournament again” Coming soon to @SModcastle, via Lit101 guy: http://www.smodcastle.com/tickets.html
Via @JayMewes “Coming home next week. recording HIGHLANDS: http://www.smodcastle.com/tickets.html ” Mewes is PERMANENT Highlands 3D cohost!
@shawnwrites “what cartoons can we expect on Saturday? Old? New? Both?” This week, it’s all @Starktoons action! But in the future, we wanna open it up to submissions: if you’re an animator who wants to see their stuff on screen, contact @SModcastle or @CamelToad.
On Comics…
Via @JackBauer2417 “ever consider becoming full-time Batman writer?” Been asked, but I can’t keep to a schedule. I’m content w/ CACO & GYRE.
Via @RChazzChute “Just read Gyre #6. Delicious! Thanks! When’s volume 2?” Starts in Jan. GYRE Hardcover is just in time for Christmas: 12/8.
Via @Dedlok “by christmas meaning december-ish?” Yes – right around time of CACOPHONY soft cover. GYRE hardcover will have extras…
Via @JakeGalliher “went to Comic shop to pick up GYRE 1-6 couldn’t find 2,3” I’m your pusher: http://www.jayandsilentbob.com/comicbooks.html
All the tweets you can handle for free by following @ThatKevinSmith.
View Askew NewsBites™
- Shock Til You Drop has what they are calling a logline for “Red State” though we don’t think this is necessarily studio official, just a summary of what we’ve known about the film since Kevin revealed he’d written the script a couple years back:
A group of kids encounters a crazed preacher (based on Fred Phelps, founder of the Westboro Baptist Church) who gives a whole new meaning to the term “extreme fundamentalism.”
Just in from Kev’s twitter. He says: ” If I didn’t write it, it’s not official. And I never wrote that.”
“Red State” begins filming on September 22nd.
- “Clerks” comes in at #6 in KoldKast’s list of “The 15 Cheapest Movies that Went on to Become Cult Classics”:
ESTIMATED BUDGET: $27,000
Though officially Clerks only pulled in $3 million or so at the box office, its legacy is undeniable. In order to make the film in the first place, Kevin Smith sold most of his comic book collection, maxed out his credit cards, dipped into college funds, and spent the insurance money he’d been awarded when he lost his car in a flood. Long story short, if it had flopped, he would have been in a whole lot of trouble. The film eventually found an audience, spawned sequels, an animated series, and most importantly, launched the nearly fifteen-year career of Kevin Smith. Empire magazine even named it “one of the 500 greatest movies of all time” in 2008.
- Askew vets Rosario Dawson and Ethan Suplee both appear in the trailer for “Unstoppable” from director Tony Scott. The film’s about a runaway train and arrives this November.
Tickets For Upcoming SModcastle Shows Still Available!
- Next weekend is shaping up to be another fun one for fans of all things ViewAskew. Bewtween shows of “SModcast 3D”, “Having Sex, With Katie Morgan”, and “Highlands 3D” you can check out a screening of Brian Lynch’s “Big Helium Dog” or relive your wasted youth with 2 hours of your favorite classic Saturday morning cartoons! We’re betting on Sunday night’s “Gay Clown, With Malcolm & Kevin” to be the standout show of the weekend. Surf on over to SModcastle.com now and get your tickets before they all sell out!
