"Clerks" newcomer, Rosario Dawson, believes the positive buzz can be attributed to the film's smart yet not overly-reaching approach. People liked that "it wasn't some artsy-fartsy wanna-be jerk-off" production, she said, proving that she can use foul language with the best of them, despite her pretty face. In fact, many things about Rosario may come as a shock. Don't be fooled by her sexy façade. This girl felt right at home in Kevin Smith's crude and salacious world. She even scored extra points by "quoting Johnny Homicidal Maniac" at her initial interview for the role. "It was a really great fit," she insists. "I've always wanted to work with [Kevin]."
Dawson is even a comic book fan, so much so that she's just launched a comic of her own, called "O.C.T.: Occult Crime Taskforce." "It's been really cool-my geeking out. It's actually [been] one of the most exciting things I've even done in my career," she said emphatically. What can one expect from the newly launched comic? "It's got kind of a 'Law & Order' feel, which is great," she gushed. Plus, the main character, Sofia Ortiz, was created in Rosario's likeness. Clerks II co-star, Trevor Fehrman, shared many of our sentiments indeed when he pontificated, "I wonder who's hotter-Rosario in real life or Rosario in comic book form?" We'll give you a minute to ponder that earth shattering question for yourself.
Like Dawson, Fehrman was a new addition to the "Clerks" family. His character, Elias, a Transformers-obsessed, bible camp nerd who gets caught in a compromising, animal-loving kind of situation, added greatly to the movie's shock-value. Did he have any qualms about taking some scenes too far? "Oh yeah," he told us. "I had some reservations, mostly having to do with the donkey part of the film, but I love twisted humor like that…I knew it would be funny, but [also that] my mom was going to have to watch" it. Fehrman wasn't the only one with beasts of burden on the brain. Brian O'Halloran (Dante Hicks) promised "fans won't be disappointed in two words: donkey show," while Rosario Dawson echoed, "you had me at the donkey show." (We think it's safe to report that there may be a scene involving a donkey in this very R-rated film).Speaking of donkeys, or rather cows, we turn to writer-director, Kevin Smith. Smith truly grappled with his decision to go back to the drawing board, reasoning, "maybe I shouldn't f*ck with the sacred cow" that is the first Clerks. He was especially worried that "people [would] retro-actively go back and hate on the first one" if disappointed with the sequel. But eventually, Smith threw caution to the wind, and "went back to the well" to finish the story of Dante and Randal.
This time around, the characters (who are now in their 30's), search for love (circa Rosario), personal satisfaction (the infamous donkey show comes to mind) and potentially less lackluster careers (a stint at fast-food restaurant, Mooby's). The plot essentially leaves off where Clerks left off, only ten years have passed. Aside from Dawson, Fehrman, and colored film (the original was shot in black and white), a five million dollar budget sets the sequel apart from its predecessor. Jeff Anderson, who plays Randal, joked, "The first time around, I would have to clap the scene before it began…[This time], it was hard to get used to things like the 'union.' Like wait a minute, the first time around I was the cameraman for a little while."
All kidding aside, the cast is hopeful for a serious (and broad) turnout at the box office despite the film's "boy movie" reputation. "Chicks I think will totally dig it," insists Rosario Dawson, who claims that taking her to see this movie on a date would be a tremendous idea (if she were single). By the end of the night, "I would be like, 'I'm yours!'" the actress cooed. Smith too remains confident that his followers will turn up to support the flick, stating, "I do think our hardcore fan base will dig the film." As for the rest of the world, the verdict is still out.
Bookmark with:
