Posted by Johnboy at tcache-mtc-tj01.proxy.aol.com on August 19, 2001 at 02:44:54:
In Reply to: Hell, I thought I was one of the older posters. posted by PeteDude on August 19, 2001 at 02:21:20:
-fully revisit Amy. Since any complete resolution given to that film's action would have pissed off some fans. Since he chose the open ending the first time, why not leave it alone this time.
Anyway, I'll give you that, in Hollywood terms, Kevin has delivered the goods. This film will make oodles of cash for Miramax. This is a good thing for Kevin, the Weinsteins, hell, even the Disney shareholders. The film was visually appealing, funny jokes, etc etc.
That said, well, I'm not surprised to find the film a bit juvenile since I'm out of the moviegoing demographic. Took a class on movie marketing while in grad school (UCLA MBA). The then-head of Paramount marketing (can't remember his name now) said that movies are generally seen by 12-25 year olds with the most movies seen by 12-19 year olds. In other words, this movie isn't made to appeal to me. And I will concede that Kevin hit the mark for the target demo.
But damnit, I still prefer the mature Kevin Smith. I liked Jay better in Clerks. He had dignity then. His argument with Dante about pot vs cigarettes being morally equivalent really made sense. And Silent Bob was great in Clerks, with his one line crystallizing the action, and in Amy he came close to that level again. I've never liked the mugging clowns Kevin has turned Jay and Silent Bob into. Although of course they _are_ his creations to do with as he pleases.
Somehow, in Amy, Kevin made the slow turn from hilarious, pointed comedy to heartwrenching drama. I'm hoping he'll come close again with his next movie. And nothing beats the scene in the rain when Alyssa runs Holden down. Kevin touched the essence of love in that scene. For that reason alone, I'll show up for a Kevin Smith movie opening weekend every time. But I'm still hoping he'll equal his former brilliance.
Pete, thanks for your well thought out comments. Us old guys (who can spell (g)) need to stick together.
John
A few PSs:
: Actually, I'm glad it didn't. . . I occasionally like to see movie endings _not_ get wrapped up in some tidy little package.
Heh heh...yes, Homer. Maude is fine.
: And heck. . . I thought there was supposed to be "something new about Banky". . . but I must've missed it.
Probably his supposed gay relationship with Hooper. As with all KS movies, you're never quite sure what's real and what isn't.
: See a few times? I'm already planning to _own_ this movie on DVD.
Oh, who isn't? Probably everyone on this Board will buy it. Shoot, I stood in line 5 hours at Dave's Video for a signed DVD of Dogma, which I didn't even like that much, just to support the man.