Monday, February 22, 2016

Jay and Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie (2013)



Number Rolled: 77
Movie Name/Year: Jay and Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie (2013)
Tagline: Snoogans!
Genre: Comedy
Length: 63 minutes
Rating: NR
Production Companies: SModcast Pictures
Producer: Jason Mewes, Jordan Monsanto, Jennifer Schwalbach Smith, Meghan Wysocki
Director: Steve Stark
Writer: Kevin Smith
Actors: Marc Bernardin, Ming Chen, Kevin Conroy, Eliza Dushku, Brian Faraldo, Walter Flanagan, James Franco Jr., Neil Gaiman, Ralph Garman, Ben Gleib, Paul Hipp, Ray William Johnson, Stan Lee, Jon Lovitz, Jason Mewes, Scott Mosier, Brian O’Halloran, Jennifer Schwalbach Smith, Kevin Smith, Tara Strong, Steve Stark, Lisa-Marie Stark

Blurb from Netflix: After hitting the lottery jackpot, Jay and Silent Bob use their newfound cash to become crime-fighting superheroes Bluntman and Chronic

Selina’s Point of View:
This was a damn good week for randomness. Both movies we rolled were movies that each of us wanted to see. That being said, let’s get to the review.

I love Kevin Smith (Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Tusk, Yoga Hosers). He’s made some of my favorite films of all time. However, I’ve got to ask….

What the FUCK did I just watch?

I know the problem. I went into this movie thinking it was one of Smith’s hilariously ridiculous comedy films, but it was more like a parody. That might not seem like much of a distinction, but it is. There’s a huge difference in the kind of comedy between the two genres.

Once I came to terms with the parody genre, I found myself enjoying the random mash up of DC and Marvel references and nods to the rest of the View Askewniverse.

Yes, this film is definitely a part of that Kevin Smith universe. According to what I saw, I’d say the events in this film fall sometime after Clerks II, likely as part of the Bluntman and Chronic comic book series first shown in Mallrats. After all, this movie does feature Jay and Silent Bob as their superhero alter-egos. The film also notes the upcoming Clerks III and has some continuing story line from Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.

Keep in mind, this film is not for everyone. It’s as hilarious as it is over-the-top ridiculous. It’s crude, there are fourth wall breaks…. it's… um… lewd….

I swear I’m not talking about the Deadpool movie. Jay and Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie was twistedly cute but definitely not as epic at the film showing the origin of the Merc with the Mouth.

If you’re a fan of Kevin Smith or parodies sporting a ton of nerdy references, this movie is right up your alley. Everyone else? Not for you. Move along. Don’t spoil the ratings by watching a film you were never going to like. Don’t be that dick.

Cat’s Point of View:
Right off the bat, I’m going to admit that I’m totally biased when it comes to Kevin Smith (Catch and Release, Live Free or Die Hard, Fanboys). I love his work. I’ve seen every “Jay and Silent Bob movie” (sure they all have their own plots and whatnot but they’re all really about that duo, right?!).

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this one. Having seen their animated series, I wondered if it would be closer to that or the actual live-action films.

My first note is that this is NOT a cartoon for kids. There’s nonstop foul language, rampant sexual innuendos, explicit sexual references and situations, pot smoking – everything one could expect from Jay and Silent Bob uncensored. 

That being said, the movie was hilarious.

It was a bit of a game of catch that cameo or spot the Easter egg, for me. It was fun!

There were some awesome choices in the casting, as well. Of course, Smith was joined by his hetero-lifemate Jason Mewes (K-11, The Last House, Yoga Hosers) in embodying the title roles for the film.

The surprises were in the rest of the cast.  For the sake of avoiding spoilers, I’m not going to give away their characters. I promise you’ll figure it out when you watch.

Graphic novelist, Neil Gaiman (Stardust, Coraline, Lucifer) makes an appearance. His character even looks like he does in reality. Eliza Dushku (Open Graves, Dollhouse, The Scribbler) plays a key role, also.

Kevin Smith’s wife, Jennifer Schwalbach Smith (Clerks II, Red State, Tusk), is also voicing a character in the film.

The voice that I am geeking out over the most, though, is Tara Strong (Monsters University, The Powerpuff Girls: Dance Pantsed, Ted 2). She is one busy lady. The juxtaposition of her particular character and the other voice roles she’s well known for is rather hilarious.

The movie is full of pop culture references, movie references, and moments that harken to the prior “Jay and Silent Bob movies.” If you’re a fan, this is a must see.

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – None
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 24%

Netflix’s Prediction for Selina – 3/5
Selina’s Trust-the-Dice Score4/5

Netflix’s Prediction for Cat – 2/5
Cat’s Trust-the-Dice Score3.5/5

The Random Rating: R

P.S. Stick around for after the credits, there’s a hell of a cameo in the extra scene.

Movie Trailer: 

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