Kevin Smith is one of the most criminally underrated filmmakers of the 90’s and he gave us some of the most memorable coming-of-age comedies of all time. Smith is a far better writer than he is a Director, but even so, he’s shown major chops with both over his 25 year career.
I do want to warn anyone reading this: if you’re as big of Kevin Smith fan as I am, you will likely get very angry/stressed with my list. You should continue reading anyway, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
(sidebar: for anyone who actually keeps up, sorry I haven’t written in a couple weeks, I’ve been busy adjusting to my new job. you can expect regular posts again).
Anyway, let’s dive right in:
12- Cop Out (2010)
This 2010 Action-Comedy has the distinction of being the only film on the list not written by Smith, and I think it shows. The characters seem a bit off and forced in a pretty cringe inducing way and on top of that, Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan make a terrible pairing.
It is rumored that Smith and Willis were constantly at adds during filming, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s true. I would be on edge if I was wasting time and money making a steaming shit pile like this movie. I definite smear in the filmography of Willis and Smith respectively, but just about average for Tracy Morgan (considering he’s terrible in almost everything).
SniderScore: 23 (F)
11- Yoga Hosers (2016)
The most recent and one of the most disappointing outings for Smith coming off of the sleeper GEM Tusk. This is a prime example of someone making the wrong choice at almost every opportunity. Smith went a little to off kilter here and that can sometimes work (tusk…), but this time it didn’t. I still have hope for Moose Jaws though!
SniderScore: 45 (F)
10- Red State (2011)
Another of Smiths more recent works, Red State isn’t really bad at all actually, it’s just kind of forgettable in the grand scheme of things. I do admire Smith for taking such a major leap from his usually style of film, but I think he could have committed more towards making memorable film of it.
SniderScore: 61 (D+)
9- Jersey Girl (2004)
This romantic comedy of sorts tends to get buried in his filmography and it makes sense, but equally, it should still be seen. This is Smiths 2nd film be released during the 2000’s, and with a complete shift from it’s predecessor (Jay and Silent Bob Strike back), it contains a stronger sense of maturity in the writing. Not one of his best, but a major step up from a lot of his newer stuff.
SniderScore: 68 (C)
8- Clerks 2 (2006)
When looked at solely as a silly comedy, it fairs much better than when compared to it’s predecessor Clerks. This sequel misses the mark with 1 too many jokes and at around this point you really start to get the sense that Smith might be running out of originality. All in all, it’s pretty memorable though.
SniderScore: 69.5 (C)
7- Zach and Miri Make a Porno (2008)
Smith took a few pages out of the Appatow handbook when he wrote this one. Z and M is a pretty smooth blend if Smiths witty comedic style, and the new age sensibility of people like Seth Rogen and Judd Appatow. Although it’s much better than most of Smiths post JSBSB work, it still doesn’t hold a candle to the likes of his 90s stuff.
SniderScore: 73 (C+)
6- Chasing Amy (1997)
Before I started writing this list, I was really sure this would be top 3 at least but I guess the heart feels how it feels. Chasing Amy is one of Kevin Smiths most mature screen plays, but at the end of the day, it comes off a bit too serious for the amount of comedy forced into it and doesn’t quite have the rewatchability of some of his other stuff.
Chasing Amy appears to be the first 90’s project listed and that doesn’t sit right with me, but I guess that’s how I feel. In any case, there is a huge quality gap between the top and bottom half of this list.
SniderScore: 82 (B-)
5- Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)
A rare time in which Kevin Smiths comedy impulses produced something 100% charming. I can watch this film any day of the week and it’s good for a few laughs. It doesn’t hold up quite as much as it did when I was 15, but I think it’s silly and playful at it’s best. When compared to much more serious Chasing Amy, it’s really a toss up as far as personal experience, but the quality level is about the same.
SniderScore: 82.5 (B-)
4- Clerks (1994)
Now this is going to hurt some people….
Clerks is fantastic for what it is, and definitely deserves praise for how resilient Kevin Smith had to be when trying to get it made, but at the end of the day, it moves a bit slow and doesn’t have as high of quality (both writing and directorial) as some of his next few tries.
SniderScore: 86 (B)
3- Tusk (2014)
I understand the hate and confusion towards this film, but everything that people dislike about it, worked for me. I think Kevin Smith blended horror and comedy perfectly when he made this twisted black comedy project. Tusk is Smiths best script in years, has some of the best acting and production value of his entire filmography, and it was something so fresh when we all thought Smith was done for. I really like this movie!
SniderScore: 88.5 (B+)
2- Mallrats (1995)
Everything that is so great about Clerks was enhanced in this go around. The script was snappier and had a much better sense of pacing. The characters showed major range without making themselves too complex and unrelatable. Mallrats has the exact same 90’s slacker nostalgia that you would expect after the success of Clerks, has way more re-watch value.
SniderScore: 89 (A-)
1- Dogma (1999)
For most people, this would place top 3 but there are also a few people out there with zero taste….
Kidding.
Dogma is the wittiest script by Smith as well as the perfect blend of CONTROLLED chaos. Think, the gap between Chasing Amy and Yoga Hosers.
Dogma boasts the most impressive cast of any Smith film and I truly believe everyone let themselves have fun on set and make a great piece of satire.
SniderScore: 92 (A)
Smith has some of the most memorable screenplays for me and remains a huge influence on me creatively, but weak directorial outings and not knowing which ideas to throw out have riddled some very promising projects (especially later in his career) also. Barring Cop-Out, every Kevin Smith film has a little something to offer and I look forward to hearing what some of you think are his best and worst films.
JesSee's Movies 