My love for the movies started in 1995 when I worked part-time in a video store.  I worked with some lovely people and there were many regular customers who I enjoyed talking with.  There were also some very strange customers and if I had time, I’d share great stories – both humorous and disgusting.

Around the same time I started working, a low-budget comedy named Clerks was screening in select cinemas.  Given that I worked in a video store, I had to see this film.  It’s the story of two guys (one who works in a convenience store and the other in a video store) and the dramas they are put through by an assortment of strange customers.  I always remember the tagline – “just because they serve you, doesn’t mean they like you.”

It was the first film of director Kevin Smith who made it for about $27,000.  The film has since become a cult favourite and Smith has gone on to make Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma and Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back.  If you haven’t seen it before and think you can handle the R-rated material, check it out.  Fans will be happy to know that a sequel is due to be released in 2006.

Sorry to keep you “waiting” but I like talking about good movies.  Waiting is not a good movie but it had the potential to be.  It’s about a group of people who work at a diner.  There are gags about food preparation in the kitchen (I don’t suggest eating beforehand), waiters not being tipped, people complaining about everything and one of my favourites, customers who walk in with about 2 minutes to closing time.

Writer Rob McKittrick manages a few laughs but not as many as I hoped for.  When they aren’t interacting with the customers, these characters don’t have much to offer.  The worst of the bunch are two unfunny cleaners who smoke drugs all day in the storeroom.  Did they serve any purpose?  Star Ryan Reynolds isn’t up to his best either.  The standout is Alanna Ubach who plays Naomi, a waitress who is endearingly pleasant when speaking to her customers but indecently offensive when talking behind their back.

I haven’t worked in the food service industry and perhaps this film, like Clerks, will develop a cult following.  I however, am not leaving a tip.