After a lull weekend of Little Man and You, Me, and Dupree, the weekend of July 22nd kicks back into action with four anticipated blockbusters: Lady in the Water, Clerks 2, My Super Ex-Girlfriend, and Monster House. This weekend I only had a chance to see two of these flicks and plan on seeing the remainder this week. However, here is what I’ve collected so far:

First up is Monster House. With CGI technology becoming more and more prevalent, the animation genre has lost its novelty. Yes it is now possible for poorly written CGI cartoons to exist. This is why it is so refreshing for a new concept to come alone. Something that blows mediocre generic trash out of the water. While Cars charmed my socks off as Pixar films tend to do, Monster House impressed me with its boldness to gloss over forced humor and mega-stars, and instead focus on a twisted horror story that, despite the whimsical marketing campaign, is not for little kids. This is an animated film with an emphasis on direction from newcomer Gil Kenan, and the creepy atmosphere is what keeps blood pumping through its veins. Monster House may not be child’s play, but I think it is one of this summer’s fresh surprises. While the overrated Pirates attracts the same people over and over, I fear this animated gem will go overlooked. I highly suggest this film for older children and adults alike.

Grade: A-

Next up is the long-awaited sequel Clerks 2. If you are familiar with Kevin Smith, then you probably know Dante and Randall. They are the two customer-hating twenty-somethings that spent every hour of their lives scraping by on minimum wage while working at a convenience store. Well the duo is back ten years later. After the convenience store is burnt to a crisp, Randall and Dante are forced to find solace in the fast food industry. However, now in their 30’s, the disgruntled pals spend the day reflecting where their lives have gone, and what they should do next to improve themselves. And yes, there is Jay and Silent Bob.

Like most sequels, this is inferior to the original film. On a higher budget in crisp color, it lacks the depressing tone that the original brought with it. Seeing non-professional actors Brian O’Halloran and Jeff Anderson on high quality film is a little befuddling at times. However, Smith’s humor is still intact, and the R-rated humor is a breath of fresh air. Despite a few over-the-top gags involving bestiality, and Smith going the distance with a mushy romantic subplot, Clerks 2 made me laugh. If all comedies were R-rated, this sequel may pale in comparison. But let’s face it: Hollywood wants money from the watered-down PG-13 comedy. Comedy writers with the freedom to curse is a gift from above. Clerks 2 is not comedy gold, but I certainly enjoyed the jokes and the way it chooses to close the book on Jersey’s favorite slackers. However, I am sure this will not be the last time we get a dose of Smith’s quirky shenanigans.

Grade: B

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