Full Review

In 1927, Al Jolson's "The Jazz Singer" sealed the fate of silent films. With its incessant lewd and unfunny banter, director Kevin Smith's interminably infantile "Clerks II" (Weinstein/MGM) is one of the stronger arguments in recent memory against the introduction of sound.

A sequel to Smith's 1994 indie cult hit, the movie, again set in suburban New Jersey, revisits aging underachievers Dante Hicks (Brian O'Halloran) and best buddy Randal Graves (Jeff Anderson). When the Quick Stop Grocery where they worked in the original burns down before most viewers settle in their seats, the duo find themselves flipping burgers at a fast-food joint. But apart from switching dead-end jobs little else changes. They still spend their time slacking off, engaging in foul-mouthed, sex-fixated discussions, while ticking off customers and harassing nerdy Christian co-worker Elias (Trevor Ferhman).

As before, Dante finds himself in a relationship dilemma, torn between rich-but-controlling fiance Emma (Jennifer Schwalbach) and kindred-spirit boss Becky (Rosario Dawson).

There is an occasional wisp of wit, but for the most part the writing is utterly sophomoric and smutty. There's also a message about friendship and staying true to yourself near the end and a pinch of sweet romance -- and one of the characters makes a morally commendable decision (after an earlier irresponsible indiscretion) -- but that hardly excuses the wall-to-wall vulgarity, much of which redefines distasteful, that precedes it.

At one point Dante asks Randal why he enjoys indulging in such juvenility. The same question could be posed to Smith.

The film contains pervasive rough and crude language and raunchy sexual humor, including a gag involving bestiality, some irreverence and profanity, drug references, masturbation, partial frontal and rear nudity, and some racial slurs. The USSCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Movies have been evaluated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop's Office for Film and Broadcasting according to artistic merit and moral suitability. The reviews include the USCCB rating, the Motion Picture Association of America rating, and a brief synopsis of the movie.

The classifications are as follows:

• A-I -- general patronage;
• A-II -- adults and adolescents;
• A-III -- adults;
• A-IV**
• L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. L replaces the previous classification, A-IV.
• O -- morally offensive.