Review by Mike Vaughn
Directed by: Jason Mewes
Starring: Jason Mewes, Gina Carano, Jaime Camil, Kevin Smith, Mickey Gooch Jr, Brian O’Halloran, Teri Hatcher, Dean Cain, Zach Gilligan, Harley Quinn Smith
Quentin Tarantino’s meditation on '60s cinema, Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood, may be the talk of the the film industry, however Madness in the Method also has something to say about show business.
Jason Mewes is an actor who seemingly got trapped in the role of the pot smoking Jay in Kevin Smith's movies, however he wants to break out and be taken seriously in the business. After reading a method acting book the ambitious actor goes down a rabbit hole of dark and funny misadventures on his quest to be taken seriously in his profession. In this cut throat industry, Mewes just might need to literally cut some throats.
After being in front of the camera since the '90s, Mewes takes a step behind the camera in his feature directorial debut, with some mixed if not interesting results. Madness in the Method feels like a movie that has a lot of great ideas but sadly they get lost in its own plot at times. Tone wise the film also is on the uneven side. Having said that, I will say I respect the hell out of how real and raw the film gets, and Mewes isn’t afraid to put his own checkered past in the spotlight. That, my friends, takes a lot of balls and I have to give huge props for that.
[ READ MORE: New to DVD - The Hunt ]
I don’t know if I have ever seen a movie where a type-casted actor directs himself as an actor dealing with type casting. It’s a theme that Mewes runs with, to great effect. This movie also has a lot of heart and some brilliantly executed moments. Mewes defiantly puts a piece of himself into this film and it shows. The moment that stands out the most is a big blow up scene between Kevin Smith and Mewes. Both actors are incredibly great and the scene adds a much needed gut punch.
I also have to mention the incredible acting and fun cameos throughout. Of course Smith plays himself, along with his daughter Harley Quinn Smith, and fellow Clerks actor Brian O’ Halloran. We also get stellar appearances from Vinnie Jones, Dean Cain (in a hilarious bit as himself), Teri Hatcher, Danny Trejo and Stan Lee, whose cameo is touching as it is sadly his last. Other notable stars include fan favourite Zach Gilligan, Judd Nelson and Casper Van Dien, just to name a few. As a critic and a fan it’s a lot of fun to see the actors playing themselves, but in such an unflattering way. O'Halloran, an incredibly nice guy in real life, plays a slimy douche-bag who clings to his Clerks role.
[ READ MORE: New Release Review - Metamorphosis ]
Madness in the Method has a lot of heart, is at times really funny and the cameos are a pure delight to see. Flaws aside, this is an interesting feature film debut and I can’t wait to see what else Mewes does behind the camera.
Bottom line, it’s easy for critics to jump on this movie for its uneven plotting, however I can see that a lot of elements work well. Plot points are set up and paid off nicely and the acting, music and editing are all on point. Given slightly more polished material, Mewes could be a force in the industry.
Jason Mewes is an actor who seemingly got trapped in the role of the pot smoking Jay in Kevin Smith's movies, however he wants to break out and be taken seriously in the business. After reading a method acting book the ambitious actor goes down a rabbit hole of dark and funny misadventures on his quest to be taken seriously in his profession. In this cut throat industry, Mewes just might need to literally cut some throats.
After being in front of the camera since the '90s, Mewes takes a step behind the camera in his feature directorial debut, with some mixed if not interesting results. Madness in the Method feels like a movie that has a lot of great ideas but sadly they get lost in its own plot at times. Tone wise the film also is on the uneven side. Having said that, I will say I respect the hell out of how real and raw the film gets, and Mewes isn’t afraid to put his own checkered past in the spotlight. That, my friends, takes a lot of balls and I have to give huge props for that.
[ READ MORE: New to DVD - The Hunt ]
I don’t know if I have ever seen a movie where a type-casted actor directs himself as an actor dealing with type casting. It’s a theme that Mewes runs with, to great effect. This movie also has a lot of heart and some brilliantly executed moments. Mewes defiantly puts a piece of himself into this film and it shows. The moment that stands out the most is a big blow up scene between Kevin Smith and Mewes. Both actors are incredibly great and the scene adds a much needed gut punch.
I also have to mention the incredible acting and fun cameos throughout. Of course Smith plays himself, along with his daughter Harley Quinn Smith, and fellow Clerks actor Brian O’ Halloran. We also get stellar appearances from Vinnie Jones, Dean Cain (in a hilarious bit as himself), Teri Hatcher, Danny Trejo and Stan Lee, whose cameo is touching as it is sadly his last. Other notable stars include fan favourite Zach Gilligan, Judd Nelson and Casper Van Dien, just to name a few. As a critic and a fan it’s a lot of fun to see the actors playing themselves, but in such an unflattering way. O'Halloran, an incredibly nice guy in real life, plays a slimy douche-bag who clings to his Clerks role.
[ READ MORE: New Release Review - Metamorphosis ]
Madness in the Method has a lot of heart, is at times really funny and the cameos are a pure delight to see. Flaws aside, this is an interesting feature film debut and I can’t wait to see what else Mewes does behind the camera.
Bottom line, it’s easy for critics to jump on this movie for its uneven plotting, however I can see that a lot of elements work well. Plot points are set up and paid off nicely and the acting, music and editing are all on point. Given slightly more polished material, Mewes could be a force in the industry.
Madness in the Method is on UK DVD July 6th.
New Trailer and Poster for Joe R. Lansdale Doc ALL THE HAIL THE POPCORN KINGhttps://t.co/Dum1rDKLgI#Movies #Film pic.twitter.com/5Jg63RaUmo— The Movie Waffler (@themoviewaffler) July 1, 2020