The Michigan Daily - Monday, July 31, 2006 - 11 'Clerks' series still vulgar and funny By Anthony Baber Daily Arts Writer FILM REVIEW i i k In 1994, director Kevin Smith ("Jer- sey Girl") created "Clerks," a simple movie about simple people doing sim- ple, everyday things. It was instantly a cult favorite and led to a scramble of movies with Clerks 11 related characters At the Showcase such as "Mallrats," and Quality 16 "Jay and Silent Weinstein Bob Strike Back" and "Dogma." Apparently Smith doesn't have much else to do. Twelve years later, he has released an unexpected sequel to the hilarious classic. "Clerks II" begins similar to its pre- decessor, with Dante (Brian O'Halloran, "Drop Dead Roses") going to open up the Qwik-Stop for yet another long day, only to findthe store in flames. In adown economy, Dante and his partner Randal (Jeff Anderson, "Now You Know") find themselves working in the embarrassing fast-food haven Mooby's. Contrary to the original, Dante now actually has plans for his future. Though Randal still enjoys his lackadaisical life- style, Dante is engaged, moving to Flori- da and succeeding in the business world (Well, sort of: He runs a carwash.) Even with the rest of Dante's life completely planned out by his domi- neering fiance, he still seems to hold a torch for his boss, played by Rosario Dawson ("Sin City"). Only a movie directed by Kevin Smith can include a corny white guy working in a burg- er joint, getting lucky with Rosario Dawson. As surreal as their feelings seem, they make it work. The emo- tional attachment shown by the two is refreshing compared to the comedic interactions that dominate the movie. The many life-altering issues of the characters are kept light, mainly by the antics of loiterers Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes andKevinSmith,"Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back"). They remain the same lazy, weed-selling vagabonds from the original, but after a brief stint in rehab, they resist the temptation of drugs through the power of God. At times, the movie seeks laughs at an extreme level, especially with a show of interspecies erotica involving a very sexual donkey that is not for those with weak stomachs. "Clerks II" goes scene by scene with ups and downs of hilarious mis- haps, messages of true friendship and "Look at our careers ... yep, there they go." even the continued feud between "Star Wars" geeks and "Lord of the Rings" nerds. The laughs come steady and the lessons are a bit too obvious. Not as funny as its parent film, Smith tries a new route, with a serious tone to accompany the crude humor that just doesn't mix. Next time, maybe Smith should try one or the other. Ben Lee makes the big time By Mala Wertenberger Disease" and "Into the Dark" make very similar things. They both con- For the Daily you want to romp around in a mead- front the internal and external bat- ow. So how do these two seemingly tIes of everyday life while keeping different artists relate? their heads on the ground. The only While they may not seem like it, real difference is that Lee is a little a Forget the Brits. It's an Australian you need to look out for. After seeing him play one show, Chris Carraba of Dashhoard Confessional Ben Lee knew Ben Lee Friday at 7:30 p.m. was just the At The Michigan Theater man to open his band's sum- mer tour. So he's coming to the Michigan Theater this weekend to do just that. Since having his demo singled out more than 10 years ago, the Sydney native has written, recorded and toured with almost no recognition for his work. But with the release of his fourth full length-album, Awake is the New Sleep, and the single "Catch My Disease," Lee is finally receiving the attention he deserves. Dashboard Confessional is the most recent of many acts Lee has played with. In the past he's played with the likes of Nickel Creek and Ben Folds. But this pairing with Dashboard seems a hit odd. While Dashhoard Confessional's music leans to the depressing, moody end of the spec- trum, Lee's newest album is consid- erably more upbeat. Or at least, the songs tend to have a more optimistic slant. Even songs like "The Debt Col- lectors" and "No Right Angles" are warm and fuzzy, while "Catch My both Dashboard and Lee sing about less emotional about it all. Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp Presents The International Youth Symphony Orchestr Formaeperminute Saves You Money On International Calls! China 4'S Japn 52 How It Works: Eur pe 34 India 144 Come to the Shop 22rWLibey Ask Cashier the Price for the Number You're Calling Ann Arbor, Choose Your Own Private Phone Booth Ne ToHelo sFiza Direct Dial to Any Number in the World Ope Ever ay Talk As Long As You Want 9AM-8PM Pay Cashier Only for Time Used! second annual Try to find the "Fake ad" in today's paper and throughout the month. if you think you have found the ad, e-mail your guess (with your name and page number of the ad) to: displayomichigandaily.com (subject: fake ad contest) Contest sponsored by Papa John's Pizza. Winner will receive i Free Large Pizza Winner will he chosen at the end of each month and will be contacted by e-mail. Special 40th Anniversary Concert Wednesday, August 2nd at 7:30 p.m. Hill Auditorium in Ann Arhor, Free Admission I ';