I Went to Smodcastle for Kevin Smith’s Dogma Resurrection Tour

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I Went to Smodcastle for Kevin Smith’s Dogma Resurrection Tour 



Last week, I had one of the most surreal, nerdy, bucket-list experiences I’ve had in years. I got to see Dogma back on the big screen with none other than Director Kevin Smith himself doing a live Q&A at Smodcastle Cinemas in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. This wasn’t just a screening; it was a prelude to Dogma: The Resurrection Tour, a 25th-anniversary remaster event rolling out nationally on June 5th. And if you're a fan like me, you already know how rare this opportunity is.

Why Dogma Was (And Still Is) Controversial

Dogma is easily one of Kevin Smith’s most ambitious and controversial films. With a cast featuring Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Chris Rock, Alan Rickman, Salma Hayek, and of course, Jay and Silent Bob, you'd expect it to be a mainstream smash. But its religious satire stirred up a lot of backlash when it dropped in 1999, protests, boycotts, and even death threats. That controversy followed the film for years.

Add to that the fact that Dogma was originally distributed by Miramax under Harvey Weinstein, and it’s been in cinematic limbo for decades. Smith has spoken openly about the legal and ownership nightmares he’s endured trying to get it re-released. So to finally see it back in theaters in a stunning 4K remaster with Smith in the room to tell stories, crack jokes, and get emotional with the fans... It was something special.

First Stop: Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash

Before hitting the theater, we made a pilgrimage to Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash in Red Bank, NJ.  The shop is loaded with original props, wardrobe pieces, and set recreations from the entire Smith filmography. I saw Clerks signage, Bluntman and Chronic memorabilia, and even Jay and Silent Bob original attire.

📍 Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash
65 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701
www.thesecretstash.com

Seafood, Drinks, and an Unexpected Clerks Cameo

After loading up on nostalgia, we cruised to Off The Hook Restaurant & Bar in Highlands for some seafood. While we were sitting at the bar, talking about the films, this dude sits next to us — turns out he’s the guy from Clerks who buys the pack of diapers and says the infamous line: “In a row?” We talked to him for a bit and found out he even had a cameo in Clerks III. Just another day in Jersey.

📍 Off The Hook Restaurant & Bar
1 Navesink Ave, Highlands, NJ 07732
www.offthehookhighlands.com

Inside the Smodcastle Experience

Finally, we made our way to the main event at Smodcastle Cinemas. The theater is cozy, nostalgic, and packed with personality, exactly what you'd expect from Kevin Smith. Posters and props line the lobby, and you can tell this place is fueled by pure love for film. The Q&A session was raw and honest. Smith talked about the early days of Dogma, behind the scenes with George Carlin, and what it means to finally get it back into fans’ hands.

📍 Smodcastle Cinemas
82 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
www.smodcastlecinemas.com

Then came the screening itself. The 4K remaster is gorgeous. It still hits hard, both as a comedy and as a satire. Dogma remains one of the boldest films to come out of the '90s.

🎥 Watch the Dogma Trailer Below



Get Ready for June 5th

Dogma: Resurrected hits theaters nationwide on June 5th as part of a one-night-only event. Thanks to AMC, Regal and Iconic Events, Kevin Smith is hitting cities across the U.S. and Canada for screenings.

🎟️ Get tickets:
https://www.iconicreleasing.com/events/dogma-25th-anniversary/tickets/

🎬 Watch My Smodcastle Adventure on YouTube



If you’re a movie junkie like me, check out our monthly movie podcast, The Weird, The Bad, and The Bloody, where we talk flicks, directors, and deep cuts across all genres.
🎧 Listen on Spotify

Stay nerdy,
— Hoagie

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