A lot of people don’t know this, but Marvel Studios isn’t the end of the Saturday festivities in Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con. For many years now, the grand finale has been Kevin Smith’s panel, where he talks openly and freely with his legion of fans. It’s a place where Smith digs into his personal and professional life in a candid way. And this year, part of that conversation dealt with his latest movie, The 4:30 Movie, which looks to be another example of Smith at his best. Because, and I don’t think I’m wrong in this, Smith is at his best when his films come from a personal place, bringing to life the people and experiences that shaped him. It’s why the Clerks movies are so beloved.
The 4:30 Movie is an ’80s coming-of-age teen comedy about a trio of teen buddies who love sneaking into the movies, one who finally snags a date with the girl of his dreams, and the hijinks that ensues. Some of the film was shot at Smith’s New Jersey movie theater, the same one he went to as a kid.
Smith has assembled a cast of fresh-faced newcomers and comedy veterans, many of which he’s worked with in the past. The ensemble includes Austin Zajur, Nicholas Cirillo, Reed Northrup, Siena Agudong, Betty Aberlin, Diedrich Bader, Jason Biggs, Rosario Dawson, Rachel Dratch, Ralph Garman, Jason Lee, Logic, Justin Long, Jason Mewes, Kate Micucci, Jenny Mollen, Adam Pally, Sam Richardson, Genesis Rodriguez, Jennifer Schwalbach, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Harley Quinn Smith, and Ken Jeong.
SYNOPSIS: Writer-director Kevin Smith presents his most personal film to date with this coming-of-age story — set in the summer of 1986 — that follows three sixteen-year-old friends who spend their Saturdays sneaking into movies at the local cineplex. When one of the guys invites the girl of his dreams to see an R-rated film, all hilarity breaks loose, as a self-important theater manager (Ken Jeong) and teen rivalries interfere with his best-laid plans. Justin Long, Rosario Dawson, Jason Biggs, and more contribute outrageous characters to this poignant comic valentine to moviegoing and the youth of the ’80s.
The 4:30 Movie opens in theaters on September 13th.
