“I hope you’re going to let him have it with both barrels”, remarked one Den Of Geeker when it became apparent that Kevin Smith was the next subject of our patent-not-pending Ready Reckoner.

Absolutely not. Because Smith is surely the geek’s choice of director. Even if he can’t actually direct very well and falls back on his writing a lot instead. We’ll break this one down into two parts: the films he’s directed, and the films he’s been in. Best get cracking, then…

DIRECTED

Clerks
Ironically, what many consider to be his best is one I never really got into. Ho hum.

Mallrats
In many ways his worst film. But it’s so damn funny I don’t really care. Bring on Mallrats 2, I say…

Chasing Amy
Brilliant, and his best outing in the director’s chair to date. Even Ben Affleck can’t put you off it.

Dogma
Half good fun, half turgid mess. The story of Smith promoting it is better than the film itself.

Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back
Again, not great, but packed with fun moments. Made me want to see Good Will Hunting 2…

Jersey Girl
A bit of a soppy mess, really. Not terrible, just not, well, anything…

Clerks II
A riot. I know in my heart of hearts it’s weaker than its predecessor, but I just liked it more. Shame on me, right?


ACTED IN (SELECTED)

Scream 3
Crap cameo in a so-so end to the trilogy

Daredevil
Don’t remember him in it, though

Catch and Release
Crap romantic comedy with death in it

Die Hard 4.0
A really strong blockbuster with, er, Smith by far the weakest link

ALSO

An Evening With Kevin Smith
An Evening With Kevin Smith 2: Evening Harder

You have to wade through a lot of shit, but there’s gold on both of these lengthy DVDs…

Anyway, I’m off on holiday now. Argue away in the comments box, and when I get back, I’m putting Matt Damon into the Ready Reckoner chair…