Clerks II

Kevin Smith's long awaited return to "Counter Culture" is ostensibly an update on the lives of our immortalised comic book protagonists Dante (Brian O'Halloran) and Randal (Jeff Anderson). Now in their early 30s, adulthood, it seems, may finally encroach. With their transition over to the land of the elders depending on factors such as a foreboding fiancé, an attractive boss (Rosario Dawson) and a date with a donkey, it's clear from the off that the Clerks are in for a rough ride and a certain duo of chronic dealing Mallrats are fresh out of rehab to take it with them. Growing older with the original's fans, Smith makes it admirably clear that he's not too concerned about appealing to a new generation here; he has his niche and those already inducted into the View Askew Universe will do. A triumph of sorts then, but much like an adviceless Silent Bob at one pivotal stage of the movie when he'd normally pitch in, Smith has little new to say to advance beyond the existential crisis of 'Garden State'. [Dave Kerr]