After the mixed critical and popular reaction received by Dogma, Kevin Smith has returned to his roots for the final chapter in his five-part "New Jersey Trilogy" - lewd, profane, bodily function-oriented comedy.

Unfortunately, while the content is no less offensive or crude than anything offered in Smith's debut, Clerks, the writing isn't as sharp and the jokes aren't as consistently hilarious.

The parodies are on target, and, although not brilliant, at least they're very funny.

They include, but are not limited to, Dawson's Creek, Scooby-Doo, Planet of the Apes, Good Will Hunting, and American Pie (Jason Biggs, one of three Pie actors to appear in this production, bemoans what having sex with a pie has done to his career).

Unfortunately, there are also numerous disappointments, including a momentum-killing jewel heist.

At his best (Clerks, Chasing Amy, even Dogma), Smith presents us with characters worth caring about. In Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, there's no one.

But there are cameos from the likes of Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher (in fact, virtually every character from the other films makes an appearance).

And die-hard fans will probably be delighted to see Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams) and Hooper X (Dwight Ewell) again.

In the middle of the mayhem are the most hapless funnymen of all - Jay (Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith), who possess a hilarious willingness to say and do just about anything.