Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back (15): Your enjoyment of Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back is really going to hinge on two things: your familiarity with the not-so-dynamic-doped-up-duo and your tolerance for what Mary Whitehouse (may she rest in peace) would no doubt have called a torrent of incessant and unnecessary foul and abusive language, writes Mark Stay.

Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (writer and director Kevin Smith), the two pot-dealing, convenience store loiterers, first appeared in Smith's debut, the cult classic Clerks. Their hilarious lack of inhibition as the film's Greek chorus has led to their appearing in every one of Smith's movies so far and even spawning their own comic book series Bluntman And Chronic. It's the news that this twisted comic book of their lives is to be made into a movie that spurs Jay and Bob to make the epic journey from Jersey to Hollywood.

Along the way we're treated to cameos from the likes of Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Chris Rock, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon whose Good Will Hunting sequel provides one of the film's highlights.

There are also some inspired spoofs of the original Planet Of The Apes, Charlie's Angels and Scooby Doo, and it wouldn't be a Kevin Smith movie without some mention of Star Wars.

The performances are a little uneven and not everyone seems to be in on the joke. Mewes seems forever doomed to play himself but Smith is excellent despite having only half a dozen lines (they don't call him Silent Bob for nothing). But the fact they both come dangerously close to being out-performed by a talented Orang-Utan will give you some idea of where the performances are pitched.

The plot doesn't bear any scrutiny whatsoever but there are more than enough belly laughs to ensure that the film doesn't outstay its welcome.

If you've enjoyed Smith's previous movies then youll enjoy this admittedly indulgent farewell to two of his favourite characters.

But beware. One grey-haired gent walked out of the screening I was at after only 20 minutes. This is not a film for granny. In fact, it's probably not for anyone over 30. Instead they can rent The English Patient while the rest of us can enjoy this comedy.

Out now.

December 11, 2001 16:04