REVIEW: Kevin Smith’s SModcastle opens in NJ, and it’s awesome!
Photo: The new SModcastle is next door to the original Quick Stop Groceries from the movie Clerks. Photo by John Soltes.
Kevin Smith, one of the most beloved sons of New Jersey, has given back to his state in numerous ways over the decades. He’s the filmmaker behind such cultural trendsetters as Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, and everything Jay and Silent Bob. With his right-hand man, Jason Mewes, he has created an empire of media consumption, and his success has not drawn him too far away from his home state.
On a routine basis, Smith heads to New Jersey to appear before the throngs of fans who have grown up with his work. Last year, during the pandemic, he offered a drive-in podcast special with Mewes. This November, he’s headed to the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, New Jersey, for a special screening of a new documentary called Clerk. He also owns a comic book store in Red Bank, New Jersey.
And now there’s SModcastle, billed as the Garden State’s first-ever podcasting theater, and it’s location is perfect: two storefronts down from the original Quick Stop Groceries featured in the movie Clerks (the actual store where Smith worked way back when).
Friday, July 9 saw the official opening of the SModcastle with three different programs, including the premiere of a new animated movie and a vegan-centric podcast featuring Smith and his actor daughter, Harley Quinn Smith.
This reviewer headed to Leonardo, New Jersey, located on the northern tip of the Jersey Shore, a stone’s throw away from Sandy Hook, for a live taping of Jay and Silent Bob Get Old, the decade-long podcast featuring Smith and Mewes. The premise for this project is Mewes’ well-earned sobriety. Over the course of 75-90 minutes, the two talk about anything and everything, but most of the dialogue is framed around Mewes’ recovery and some memories of the darker days.
At the SModcastle’s opening show, which was sold out with 50 fangirls and fanboys in attendance, Smith and Mewes brought their unmistakable comedy chops. They riffed on drugs, relationships and growing up in the local area. They relayed memories of Highlands hangouts, including one infamous bridge, and how their experience has been this time around in New Jersey (the two are apparently calling the Garden State home for these summer months).
As in everything Smith does, there were repeated gratitudes sent to the audience and those tuning in at home. He is a cultural phenomenon built on his creativity, but also the fanbase’s undying love for his artistic output. He offered thanks, thanks, thanks for the continued support, and he even posed for pictures with each and every fan after the show.
The actual SModcastle is a cool place to catch a podcast recording. It holds something like 50 seats, has great lighting and sound, and food and drinks are allowed from the Quick Stop next door. The stage is intimate, backed by curtains and an enormous TV screen. Everything went off without a hitch, which is a credit to the hard-working staff.
Smith will be around all weekend for more podcasts. Although Saturday, July 10’s offerings are sold out, there is still availability for Sunday, July 11. Also, hints were dropped that Smith will be at SModcastle all summer long, and after that, he’ll make monthly visits — 30 years later, and he’s still putting New Jersey on the map.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
SModcastle is now open in Leonardo, New Jersey. Click here for more information.
