I can’t deny it – I’m a fan of Kevin Smith.  His films are always funny (nobody mention Jersey Girl) his dialogue is fantastic and insightful and he obviously still has fun directing films.  His comedy is brilliant and his influence has been far wider reaching than I think he ever thought it would be – hell, I even own a Jay and Silent Bob teddy bear. Being personified in bear form is the ultimate in pop culture iconography status. 

So when the tubby stoner fanboy from Jersey decides to make a movie about making a porno, populates it with recognisable characters, situations many of us can relate to and promises Brandon “Superman” Routh and Justin Long as a gay-porno-making bitter married couple you can expect either a real treat or a nightmare of Phantom Menace proportions. 

And the funny thing is that this film is a treat.  Smith delivers a funny film which has genuine moments of heart, some great performances with Smith’s signature pointed wit, and a few pure gross out moments that show that Smith hasn’t forgotten his primary stoner fan base.  The chemistry between the two leads is obvious but the chemistry between the rest of the ensemble is a great bonus.   

I’m trying really hard to tell you to go and buy this film – and buying it instead of downloading is important.  The film, while very good, was crapped on by the distributor so never got a theatrical screening here, and now the DVD is out the only special feature on it is the deleted scenes (Although the Blu-Ray version is better equipped for the fans).  Buying this film sends a clear message to the distributors that this film and its director are both under-appreciated and in need of some love, downloading just says you like to steal movies. Unless you download it legally, of course.

So the film is great, funny, lovable charming and oddly disturbing in a good way (see the “Dutch Rudder for a proper “oh god why” moment.) It’s very much a five star film in every respect, but the DVD itself leaves a lot to be desired.  One of Smith’s charms is his ability to spin stories, and a Smith commentary is always a treasure to listen to.  But alas the standard DVD version of the film lacks anything fun and informative, only the cast offs, the deleted scenes.  Not even the great “I’m fucking Seth Rogen” directed by M.Night Shyamalan makes an appearance and it should because it’s a great fun clip. 

So buy the film or you’ll be the one fucking Seth Rogen and Kevin Smith in a threeway of illegal downloading kinkiness and butt fuckery – it may be fun, but one day you’ll regret having done it.