Kevin Smith’s Dynamic Movie Duos
Writer/director Kevin Smith loves making buddy films. His latest, Cop Out, partners Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan as what else, cops. Safe to assume, this is highest profile flick Smitty has done thus far. It’s got big stars, a big budget and big expectations. No pressure, Kev.
It’s also the first film Smith helmed that he didn’t write. So, all those funny or non-funny lines can be attributed to the Cullen Brothers, Robb and Mark, who used to pen TV’s Vegas. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not. Guess I’ll find out when I see the movie.
Whoever’s responsible for the script, it’s still a buddy story, which is right up Smith’s alley. Throughout his career, the portly indie phenom has created several memorable dynamic duos, and a couple that fell short of the mark. Let’s take a gander at the best and worst of these prolific pairings.
TS Quint and Brodie from Mallrats
Smith suffered a major sophomore slump with Mallrats. The magic just wasn’t there and it had much to do with his leads. Skateboarder turned actor Jason Lee was okay, but Jeremy London was a train wreck. The skinny on set was London clashed with pretty much everybody. Needless to Say, Quint and Brodie were no Batman and Robin.
Zack and Miri from Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Credit Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks for conjuring a surprisingly good amount of on-screen chemistry playing best pals/lovers Zack and Miri. This movie would’ve been a miserable mess with different actors. Instead, it’s a solid laugher. I wish I had a “friend” as hot as Banks who was willing to let me bang her in a porno. That would rule.
Bartleby and Loki from Dogma
Not quite Good Will Hunting, but Damon and Affleck aren’t too shabby playing rogue angels desperate to re-enter Heaven. They fire guns and sprout wings and try to annihilate humanity in this zany romp. Smith caught hell (get it?) from the Catholic Church, but Dogma is damn hilarious. Shit monster, anyone?
Ollie and Gertie from Jersey Girl
Smith went for drama in Jersey Girl and struck out. Affleck’s role as single dad Ollie was not a welcome departure. He stunk. Little Gertie’s cuteness couldn’t carry this trash. Even the great George Carlin was wasted. The lack of dick and fart jokes caused Smith’s loyal fans to revolt. Hard to blame them.
Holden and Banky from Chasing Amy
Smith’s most complete film features one of his best duos. Lee and Affleck kill it portraying longtime buds and comic book creators, Holden and Banky. Their scenes together are well-written and, dare I say, well-acted. The “Easter Bunny” exchange alone is worth its weight in cinema gold.
Dante and Randal from Clerks I and II
The worst convenience store and video store employees in the history of film were Smith’s first terrific twosome. Whether debating the finer points of hermaphrodite porn or which “Star Wars” chapter was the best, Dante and Randal delivered the goods in a groundbreaking debut.
Jay and Silent Bob from Everything Smith Does
A modern day Laurel and Hardy, Jay and Silent Bob are the Batman and Robin of the Kevin Smith catalog. Slackers, weed dealers, prophets, heroes, call them what you will. One thing is certain, this dynamic duo have been part of the pop culture lexicon since they first graced the big screen back in 1994. Snoochie boochie!
