So, the wife was out for the evening – i cracked open a bud and kicked back to watch the latest offering from Mr Kevin Smith – one of the finest film-makers working today. The film in question – Cop Out. Prior to watching, I had listened with interest to the opinions of the critics – which was a general and resounding thumbs down. Unperturbed, I decided to watch anyway.
First things first – Mr Smith did not write the script or the story. His credits on the film run to direction, that’s it. So regardless of anyone’s opinion of the story or script, that ain’t his fault! Yes, this is a standard Hollywood run of the mill action comedy, but I kind of get the feeling that was what the studio were going for. The scope for Smith to be innovative, creative – clever even with the film were limited at best. No matter who directed this film, it was always destined to be entertaining, but nothing special. Did Smith achieve this? No – he of course did better…….
I could have been watching any standard action comedy, but every now and again, Smith’s genius would claw through the standard cheese. Cleverly handled dream / fantasy sequences of next door neighbours, Smith inspired quirky one liners popping up at just the right moment, and simply fantastic moments of Askewniverse breaking free from the classic Smith Jersey based quintet. Ok, this is not your usual Kevin Smith movie, nor is it within the comfort zone of the majority of Kevin Smith fans – BUT – the man has done a good job with the tools he was given. For what it’s worth, I enjoyed the flick – it didn’t have the gritty finesse of Clerks or Mallrats – the edgy story of Chasing Amy – or the sheer madness of Jay & Silent Bob – but like I say, i’m sure Warner didn’t have any of that in mind for the finished product of Cop Out. My guess is they wanted a steady hand to make the best out of a project that could easily have been a straight to DVD production. What they got was a good return on their investment – I say, job done and well played Mr. Smith. For me at least, your integrity remains intact…. 
As for the critics – bloody grow up. Recognise that some films are for pure entertainment and are not supposed to be “works of art”. I say if the critics are so hungry for a new Smith masterpiece, they should chip in the money for it themselves – pass it all to Mr Smith and tell him to make whatever his heart desires!! Beyond that, let the man do his job – and do your job properly!