- We love it when fans write in with a summary of scoopage from a Kevin show, especially when he’s filling in a very giving mood and drops some info that we don’t always hear. Good questions always help that along, so keep that in mind, those of you that line up at the mics these days. Take a peek at this review from last weekend’s show:
An evening with Kevin Smith was everything one could expect. Kevin started the night off by completely breaking the ice, by telling the audience about Bears and cubs and how cute they sound.
So last night Kevin talked about almost everything from bears and cubs, to sucking his own dick, to autographing a dude’s ass (who was there with the tattoo of kev’s signature), to working with Bruce Willis.
Hit somebody: “Will be after Red State, we will be hiring/using local Detroit talent for on and off camera use”.
Red State: “Will start production soon”.
Clerks 3: “It’s a possibility. I did Clerks about my mid 20’s, Clerks 2 about my mid 30’s, so Clerks 3 would be about my mid 40’s”.
Clerks comic book: “I think I have a few more stories I could tell there”
On the resurrection of the Clerks cartoon: “I would love to bring back the Clerks cartoon (via adult swim) but when Disney & Miramax separated, the Weinsteins didn’t take the rights for the cartoon. And have stated “We will never work with them again. So I think it’s a dead issue, but id love to do it.”
Batman & Wonder Woman: Kevin said he is working on another Batman comic, & did get asked to do a Wonder Woman story, but he has to find a story that “works for me”.
Also there was a “strict” no photo/video policy, they were taking the cameras from people taking photos, but if anyone got up and asked Kevin for a photo, he gladly obliged and no one seemed to take their cameras. These are a few things that stuck out in our minds if we remember anything else we will be sure to send it. As for us me (Movie Miguel) being from Cleveland & Heidi being from Columbus (my gf) we are planning on attending Kevin’s SModcast @ Peabodys on april 27th. We both really enjoyed the show, and had a great time.
There ya go, folks — That’s the way to write up a review and take good notes! Thanks to our scoopers for the enlightening info from this recent Q&A. Wanna see Kev live? He’s coming to a town near you. Don’t miss the chance.
View Askew NewsBites™
- The great DVD Talk presents a brand new, 3 part interview with Kevin this week. Part one does a lot about “Cop Out”. Here’s a snip to grab your interest:
DVD Talk: For big movies, like Transformers, most people really don’t care what critics have to say.
Kevin Smith: No, of course not. It’s ridiculous and it’s a waste of time to have some critic write a fucking review of Transformers or Cop Out. There’s no point. Get a twelve-year old to review it because that’s who you wanna hear from. I’ll believe a twelve-year old. If they say something sucks I’ll believe it. If a twelve-year old says something rocks, I’ll believe it. I’m not going to believe some fucking dude or chick who says, “I saw the movie for free, had a few hours to digest it, had a chance to think of my political stance on the filmmaker and the studio and had the chance to think about the people I want to push or hold back on, and now I’m going to write my fair and unbiased review.” It doesn’t work like that. I believed that forever since that was the world I was raised in. I believe to this day the New York Times review of Clerks made my career. Janet Maslin opened so many doors with that review. That review meant something. Reviews don’t matter as much anymore. Why? Because you can talk to the fucking audience. That was the only way to hear about. I don’t know, it’s weird. I’m not bitter about it, because I didn’t read many of the reviews. Even if I did, it’s just a lot of energy to spend on a movie that didn’t try to do anything besides making people laugh. That was it and that was our agenda. It has nothing to do with art except for the art of making people laugh. We had very talented artists onboard to make that happen. But for a movie like this, why even bother reviewing it? To me, it just makes a film critic look like a bully. Why bother?
Want more? Hit up DVD Talk and keep an eye right here. We’ll let ya know when more is on the way.
- A sharp-eyed scooper recently caught a “Cop Out” poll presented on popular social networking site Facebook. Check out a screen grab above.
- Kevin’s been all over the world, but how about Israel? Not yet, but they want him, according to this website http://www.kevincome.com/ and blog. Yes, it’s the actual “Kevin Smith, Come to Israel Project” here. Will it happen? Time will tell. This sure seems like a nice first step to us.
- SXSW interviews Malcolm Ingram about his new flick, “Bear Nation”, which recently inspired Kevin to participate in a live SModcast with his longtime friend to celebrate the film.
- Speaking of, you just can’t ignore such a funny mistake — This scan and text come to us from the free Dutch newspaper “Spits” (which, in Dutch, means “Rush Hour”):
Director Kevin Smith, known for movies “Zack and Miri make a Porno” and “Cop Out”, is about to start work on a horror movie. The movie will be called “Red State” and will be about hate towards gays in the American Church. Smith, himself bisexual and according to some the inspiration for the character with the same name in cult-horror game “killer7”, wants to make Red State into a very serious and dark horror movie. The release is planned for next year.
Bisexual, eh? That’s a good one.
- Finally today, you gotta love Google Maps — Here’s a couple more great Google Maps image grabs off satellite in the UK – Check out #1 which is a road we think fits right in, and #2 which is a place we’d happily sit down and dine any day. See ya, folks!
SModcast Tour This Spring!
- Kevin announced that he’ll be hitting the road with Scott Mosier in April for a week of live SModcasts! This is your chance to be there live for what is sure to be some epic storytelling. And don’t worry if you can’t make one of the shows, Kevin said that they’ll be available for download from SModcast.com. Here’s the list of shows so far :
April 27 – Peabody’s, Cleveland, OH
April 28 – Sacred Heart Music Center, Duluth, MN
April 29 – FM Community Theater, Fargo, ND
April 30 – Babcock Theater, Billings, MT
We also hear that there’s a possibility of another 3 dates being added to the list. We’ll have those dates plus links to purchase tickets for all of the events very soon!
View Askew NewsBites™
- Kevin’s recent stream of tweets on film critics has been compiled and posted online for you reading pleasure by Filmrot.com. Movieline also picked up on the tweets as well.
- Kevin also dropped the above teaser image from an upcoming SMideo from the amazing Starktoons. “Forgeticus” was a classic SModcast episode and will surely make for a great animated recreation.
“Red State” to Start Shooting Summer 2010!
- We love this announcement that just came over the Twitter wire from Kevin this morning, which takes the dream of “Red State” and makes it reality:
I talk about lots of stuff I wanna do that either happens years later or never happens at all. Happy to report RED STATE is not the latter.
First draft was dated 9/5/07. Looks like we start shooting this July. Took nearly three years, but we’re finally gonna roll on RED.
How exciting is that??? The flick has been described by Kevin as a total 180 from anything he’s done before — A psychological horror flick with an extremely dark done. The few folks who have seen early drafts of “Red State” have spoken of how it stuck with them, how unsettling it was, and that it’s so un-Kevin that it’s exciting to see his take on a totally new genre. We can’t wait. Obviously, a lot happens past announcements like this — Location scouting, casting, rewrites, budgets…All that fun stuff that takes place before cameras start to roll. News Askew will be with you the whole way — We’re stoked to see Kevin’s take on one of our favorite film genres of all time.
So with all this, what about “Hit Somebody”, you may ask? Kevin’s writing it now, and hopes to shoot it on the heels of “Red State”, meaning perhaps late 2010 or early 2011.
“Red”, “Hit” Closer To Reality?
- Recent tweets from Kevin have hinted that his next two film projects are closer to reality. Though nothing is officially on the books yet, reports indicate that the writer/director’s next two projects, “Red State” and “Hit Somebody”, were very close to having funding, on the backs of the financial success of “Cop Out”. With no benefactor confirmed, we’re guessing that this may be a deal with Warner Brothers, who it’s been reported were quite pleased when “Cop Out” crossed the 40 million dollar mark last week. Then again, with the east coast trip being part of the talks, it really could be anybody.
With a script already complete, “Red State” would likely come first. Kevin theorizes that the film, an intense horror/thriller, and a total 180 from anything he’s done before, could be made on the cheap and on the quick. With a script that he’s had in his pocket for a couple of years now, a green light on this one could come sooner than later. If the cards fall in the right way, we wouldn’t even be shocked to see this one cut together before the end of 2010. Of course, a lot of that depends not only on funding, but scouting locations, finding the right cast, and so on. We’ve got our fingers crossed that “Red State” may be a reality soon. With its low profile and cost, it could be a real earner, too.
Then, there’s “Hit Somebody”. This is Kevin’s passion project and the one he’s most excited about bringing to life. Since the script is not yet complete, this one’s looking a little further off, unless of course, the studio supplying the cash likes the project more. With Kevin’s close attachment to the Devils, this summer’s Gretzky street hockey tourny, and his own personal pick-up games, there’s no doubt that he’s the best guy working in the industry today to bring a hockey movie to life. Sounds like others have taken notice of that, as well. Once again, nothing official on the books, though last week, it seems those final steps were taken when Kevin made a trip back east for some meetings.
Here’s a few of the tweets relating to the potential funding and the plan:
This week in NYC was all about securing the financing for the next two flicks.
Via @murdochjay “So you secured financing for Hit Somebody?” There’s not even a script for HIT yet. But we met w/potential true-believers.
Via @TAFKARR “Just to clarify, which is first on the To-Do List: Hit Somebody or Red State?” Looking like RED’s up first. Writing HIT now.
We’ll keep you posted on these breaking stories, in the hopes we have some official good news for you soon.
Grab Your Putters…
- While nothing more than a pipe dream right now, the chatter regarding the concept of a View Askew-theme miniature golf course was a fun ongoing twitter thread yesterday. Take a look at some of the highlights:
Via @Samantha_Senn “Best idea ever: a mini golf course based on ViewAskewniverse.” Jesus Christ… that IS the best idea ever! Seriously!
Yo @MingChen37! Contact http://www.holeinoneminigolf.com/The%20Course.htm and see if they wanna partner up. I heart you @Samantha_Senn.
Reason #11845 I Love Twitter: Because of a @Samantha_Senn Tweet, I’m now obsessed with immortalizing the Askewniverse in Putt-Putt form.
Via @DominikH “Must have at least 37 holes” GREAT idea; one of many flying at me, fast & furious. Please HashTag for reference: #AskewniGolf
Via @zarquon “all the golf clubs should have bongsaber-shaped handles. #AskewniGolf ” All the golf clubs are shaped like hockey sticks, duh.
Via @dalecard “Hole 5 MUST be Hit Somebody #AskewniGolf ” Hole 5 will be rooftop hockey, w/Randal in net, legs opening & closing.
Vulgarthons will be built around Askewniverse Open weekends. Compete for the Carlin Cup (Glick was my only golfing character). #AskewniGolf
Via @bangfalse “hole where u put ball in the back of a Volkswagen #AskewniGolf ” I’ll bet this is EXACTLY how Disney built HIS theme park…
Via @zarquon “How about a Skeeball hole featuring the Buddy Christ?” We’d DEFINITELY have a Skeeball run inside.
Via @sandman420 “Sponsors would include Mooby’s” The current pizza shack would BECOME Mooby’s, complete with menu! #AskewniGolf
Via @HeyDigDiggy “All employees wear shirts w/”Porchmonkey 4 Life” on back” No. But Elias’ Mooby hat will be part of uniform. #AskewniGolf
I found the official putters for Silent Bob’s FattyShack: http://tinyurl.com/HesACinderellaBoy #AskewniGolf
Via @Chris_grsmr “all characters that appear should be made like the inaction figures” Done in near-life-size, yes. #AskewniGolf
Via @TheArtimus “Make it a whole complex with Randal’s Go Karts too. #AskewniGolf ” AHHHHH! BRILLIANT! You play free for life, sir!
When (not if) #AskewniGolf happens, you can all take a little pride in the fact that your enthusiasm (and free Twitter time) made it happen.
Final Hole: Silent Bob vs. Azrael with blessed putter. You get hole in, Lee’s chest opens up and you hear “But… I’m a fucking demon…”
Via @JasonMaggini “If expanded, you could include a Derris Wheel. #Askewnigolf ” LOVE it! Toddler rides will be AskewniverseBabies-themed.
Via @piugi “toddler ride escalator? #Askewnigolf ” A little slide (complete w/burlap sack) called THAT KID IS BACK ON THE ESCALATOR AGAIN
We think Red Bank, NJ or Leonardo really need this — If the Hole in One doesn’t take Kevin up on the offer, any other backers? Let’s make it happen! There’s gotta be a little open land near the Stash or the Quick Stop somewhere, right? A View Askew family fun park…We’re so there. Sounds like Kevin and the fans would love to see it happen, too. Could be a major event brewing here, folks…
View Askew NewsBites™
- TONIGHT! An all-new Smith/Mosier SModcast will hit the web, in an episode the host swears is somehow going to be even funnier than last week’s fleshlight-centric tale. Keep your eyes peeled at www.smodcast.com or get your iTunes client fired up and ready for download. And speaking of podcasts, Kevin reveals that there are plans in the making for a live edition of “Tell ‘Em Steve-Dave” with Walt and Bry this summer. Coooool.
- Shacknews reports that the great Jason Lee will voice the lead character of “Coach Frank” in the upcoming Xbox 360/PS3 game “Skate 3”. The game hits North America on May 11th, and the rest of the planet on May 14th. Catch Lee butting heads with Bruce Willis in “Cop Out”, now in theaters.
- Another London scooper, vacationing near Hyde Park, caught a glimpse of the famous “Jay Mews” street sign which always gives you a chuckle. Take a look here.
The Podcast Report…
- Alright, so is everyone up to date on what’s happening with the SModcast network of podcasts? Let’s make sure.
Original SModcast hits episode #110 (and celebrates the return of Mosier) this week with “Pink Lip Moan”, a new episode where “our heroes secure both a sponsor AND a lover.” Followers of Kevin’s twitter may already know who that sponsor is, the rest of you will want to head on over to www.smodcast.com to find out. Don’t forget, episode #109 was the great Steve-Dave crossover episode, a landmark event that you shouldn’t miss. Speaking of…
Tell ‘Em Steve-Dave has hit episode #3 , “An Affair to Forget”: “Desperate to impress their special guest, Bry’s depravity sinks to new lows with the admission of a 20 year-old secret. Walt’s toadyism gives douche chills to even the most practiced ass-kisser.” If you’re not listening, you’re missing one of the top-rated comedic podcasts in the nation. Yes, Steve-Dave is a hit.
Don’t forget the newest member of the family, The “Mo and Glo” show from Toronto, Ontario, starring Malcolm Ingram and his Mom. Episode #2, “Salut and Sayanora”, went live last week. Like its brothers, this is another top-rated podcast on iTunes and well worth your valuable listening time.
New episodes of all three programs appear exclusively at www.smodcast.com all week long, and yes, all three are TOTALLY FREE. You can download at will, or subscribe via iTunes or your podcast program of choice, and they’ll show up as soon as they’re live (no more waiting). Enjoy, and much thanks to the entire family for the free, fun, weekly entertainment.
The “Twitter” Report…
- After being held captive by the awesome “Breaking Bad” series on Bluray (seasons 1 and 2 now available, season 3 kicking off this Sunday, and one of the best shows on TV today)…Kevin’s back with some more love for the twitter followers, as well as this hilarious video of the man (looking quite thin these days, we might add) he contributes to the “Night of 140 Tweets” — Stick around to the end. Here’s a few more from the feed:
Via @GothyChainsaw “saw COP OUT. I totally loved it!” This week it’ll be the first film I directed to have a 4 at head of box office gross.
Via @AnZsDad “Fantastic episode. Glad to have Scott back. Now to order a Fleshlight” In two weeks: SCOTT’S tale of Fleshlight ribaldry…
If you love(d) Carlin, come see him get blown posthumously @ NY Public Library’s George Carlin tribute event, March 24th. I’m totally going.
Lots more fun as always, direct on the feed – We’re just spotlighting the big news. For all the fun, humor, and random comments, you gotta follow @ThatKevinSmith.





