Clerks II

Set 10 years after the low-budget, black-and-white cult classic that kicked off Kevin Smith’s filmmaking career, the full-color, bigger-and-bolder Clerks sequel admirably remains true to the original while also adding some heart and some dimension to its characters. It’s raunchy as hell, but underneath all the dick jokes and donkey-sex gags, there’s a surprisingly charming soul, reflecting the maturity Smith has gained since his debut. Brian O’Halloran and Jeff Anderson are back as über-slackers Dante and Randal, pondering their aimless existence as employees of the town burger joint after a coffee-pot fire destroys their former haunt, the convenience store. Dante is about to marry a rich girl who ignored him in high school, but the wedding plans are complicated by his unspoken love for his manager, Becky (Rosario Dawson). Meanwhile, Randal—as simultaneously hilarious and mind-blowingly offensive as always—plans the ultimate bachelor party for his pal. Ultimately, if you loved the first installment, you’ll love this highly quotable one as well.