Movies are magic. They transport us to other worlds. I know it’s camp, but Nicole Kidman’s AMC speech is spot on. There’s an indescribable feeling when the lights start dimming, dagnabbit. That kind of magic inspires filmmakers to do what they do. Some of them wear this inspiration on their sleeve, building it into every project they work on. Kevin Smith is one of those filmmakers.
I started watching Kevin Smith movies when I was a teenager. They hit me at just the right time. There was something raw about them. They made movies feel possible. Even the big ones! Smith could have a big budget movie full of stars and still feel like he’s hanging out with his friends (for free). The dialogue sounded like a new refined version of conversations I had with other movie-loving friends. Because what was most clear was that Smith loved movies as much as I did.
Even when he’s at his weirdest, Kevin Smith is always Kevin Smith. You can tell if you watch one of his movies. Part of that is because he often writes the films he directs. The other reason is that he puts his all into his films. You can always feel his sensibilities, whether you agree with them or not. The man loves making movies and now, he’s bringing his inspiration to the big screen.
Smith’s next film is called The movie 4:30. It’s about teenagers going to the movies in 1986. One of them is trying to date his high school sweetheart. Hijinks ensue. The trailer, released this morning, is delightful. Smith has assembled a talented cast of young actors (as well as a host of old favorites). He’s working with an up-and-coming filmmaker. Looks like a blast!
There is something very heartfelt about the trailer. Smith’s love of going to the movies takes center stage. He draws from his childhood memories by going to the best place on Earth. It’s incredibly infectious. There’s a glow to how everything looks, filtered through the director’s nostalgia. Even in the silliest situation, there is a serious sincerity. I’m excited for this movie and can’t wait to go see it on a big screen with some snacks and some friends.
