Paul Elliott’s review published on Letterboxd:
The grainy complexion and low-quality aesthetics call immediate attention to the budgetary constraints in play in Clerks; however, they function in its favour, and this stands as Kevin Smith's most notable accomplishment. Filmed using black and white film stock and with a camera that typically stays stationary to enable the priority to rest on the conversations, it observes a working day in the lives of two retail store clerks named Dante Hicks and Randal Graves.
Opening with Dante, played by Brian O'Hallora, being phoned to come into work on his day off, the story pursues him having an increasingly disastrous day. His hours have with some irritating and humouristic interludes courtesy of his friend Randal (Jeff Anderson), the continually jesting clerk from the video rental store next door. Randal arrives for his own working day and snatches delight in annoying and embarrassing customers both in his store and while alongside Dante.
The dialogue is crude, and the humour never heightens beyond being coarsely juvenile. Still, there's a natural warmth laying underneath all the vulgarities as the friends discuss films and come to play hockey on the store rooftop. The conversations are the most vital component of the film, with the Smith written screenplay offering a collection of witticisms while providing a unique insight into the lives of the characters. The majority of the cast demonstrate an awkwardness in front of the camera, but the characters of Jay and Silent Bob, played by Jason Mewes and Smith himself, standout and are extraordinary supporting characters.