Posted by chris_c at 12-224-22-124.client.attbi.com on July 09, 2002 at 03:40:59:
With no expectations at all, it's arguably much easier to make a film. Was Clerks that film?
And although I think View Askew's various failures in the box office are unjust, one must wonder if the success of Clerks went to Kevin Smith's head. (This is a critic speaking by the way). Was Mallrats the film that brought Smith back to earth?
(Okay, now this is a fan speaking). Fuck no! Mallrats was pure comic genius that critics shitted on because that's what they're trained to do when a new "indie-film" director decides that he's going to take a step into Hollywood.
(I've magically transformed into a balanced view). Clerks was deservedly praised, but it was all carried a little too far. People came into Mallrats expecting Clerks, and when they didn't get Clerks, they were confused. It wasn't until years later that Mallrats was given due praise by fans.