Kevin Smith has proved himself to be an excellent filmmaker creating memorable stoner movie characters like Jay and Silent Bob. While the filmmaker-actor has upcoming film and television projects, his heart’s set on keeping his childhood movie theater alive.
In 2022, the Clerks filmmaker reopened the Atlantic Moviehouse located in his hometown of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. According to Variety, though, Kevin Smith says, “Exhibition is in the toilet.” This is evidently a response to audiences preferring to see blockbuster hits in everyday cinemas. But, not to fear. The cult classic director is pulling all of the stops to save his childhood theater he now calls SModcastle Cinemas. One way is by bringing classic cult and family movies, merchandise, and fresh popcorn to the NJ theater.
“It’s a big walking community, and people can just walk their kids down to the movie theaters,” said the Chasing Amy director. “Barbie and Super Mario Brothers were absolutely huge for us.”
Smith said family crowds come to this small-town theater to see their favorite classic films like Jaws or King Kong. This way, today’s generation of kids can have rich cinematic experiences. Horror premieres and indie films are also a “warm home” to SModcastle.
The Jersey Girl director also has a movie theater-centered reality show that will feature SModcastle’s frequent celebrity guests like the Russo Brothers, George R.R. Martin, Justin Long, and more. And, of course, Kevin Smith will have his own films featured. You can expect an all-night Clerks marathon and Vulgarthon where you see eight of Smith’s movies for $69.
Back in January, The New York Post reported Kevin Smith had SMauction to auction autographed props, objects, and costumes. With all of Smith’s efforts put into saving this theater, I know it’ll be a worthy mission to bring theater-going experiences back.
How is Kevin Smith Bringing SModcastle Into His Next Film Project?
Kevin Smith’s next film project is called The 4:30 Movie, which takes place at SModcastle Cinemas. Based on Smith’s own teen years sneaking into movie theaters and his early romances, he has his cast of characters do the same thing in the summer of 1986. Things get a little complicated when one of the teens in the group invites a girl to join in on the fun.
This coming-of-age film stars Clerks III’s Austin Zajur, Ken Jeong, Jason Lee, and even Kevin Smith’s real-life daughter Harley Quinn Smith. You can see the childhood theater of the Mallrats director featured in Smith’s upcoming movie in theaters this summer.
