The town of Red Bank, New Jersey welcomed home filmmaker Kevin Smith on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 as he prepared to spend his 46th birthday screening his newest film at Count Basie Theater. Fans and friends filled the theater eagerly waiting to see what Smith had come up with now. There were even a few familiar faces.

Brian O’Halloran, who played Dante, the main character in one of Smith’s first films “Clerks,” (which was filmed in my neighborhood!) was sitting a few rows in front of me. Jason Mewes, who plays Jay, often found beside Silent Bob (played by Kevin Smith) in many of Smith's films, was also in attendance. The film, titled “Yoga Hosers,” is the second installment in the “True North Trilogy,” which began with the film “Tusk.” Smith’s daughter, Harley Quinn Smith, and Lily-Rose Depp play two convenience store clerks, both named Colleen, who fight little monsters made of sausages with the help of Guy Lapointe, played by Johnny Depp. Smith describes the film as "'Clueless' meets 'Gremlins.'"

Sounds pretty eccentric, right? It was, but in the best way possible. I attended the advanced screening to support the hometown celebrity and to hear Smith speak, as I haven't had the opportunity to yet. Being a film student myself, I've always admired Smith, despite having a completely different taste in films than what he makes. Typically, a horror-comedy, like "Yoga Hosers" is not my preferred genre. I'm more of a family film, Disney animation kind of person. That being said, I loved this movie. It wasn't so weird that it was uncomfortable, and it was also an original take on the classic hero-fights-evil-monsters kind of story. Not only that, but the heroes of the film are female! Smith wrote the two female leads to be the stereotype of what adults think teenage girls are--always on their phone and really into yoga. Many teenage girls may be just like the Colleens, but how is that a bad thing? Smith shows us that it’s not, and that it can actually save the day. Without revealing too much, when the Colleens and Lapointe meet the antagonist of the film, we learn how helpful it would have been if they actually had their phones. They also show us how useful yoga really is.

Actually taking the chance to see this movie that I should not have enjoyed was one of my better decisions. I expected to appreciate the film, but because of my preferred genres, I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. The best part of the screening, though, was hearing Smith talk. In addition to speaking about it, he also tweeted that the third act of the film is about him and his reactions to critics prior to this film. He made a point to share with everyone that he no longer lets the negative critics get to him like he used to. I was inspired by hearing his reaction to negative reviews. He makes movies that he enjoys and is proud of them, regardless of what anyone else has to say about it. Plus, his films are loved by all of his fans, so that’s proof that he’s doing something right. He spoke about the opportunities he’s had and about the lack of limits if you allow yourself to try new things. He also talked about what it takes to be a successful filmmaker. He told us all that talent isn't needed in making movies or TV shows. Instead, what we need is will. We have to want to create these projects. I'm usually hard on myself when reviewing my own films or screenplays, but Smith reminded me that as long as I keep trying and as long as I want to improve and put in the work to improve, I too can be successful.

I had an opportunity to see an advanced screening of the film earlier this year in Los Angeles. Kevin Smith was supposed to be there, and it was a free screening. Unfortunately, I was unable to go. So when the opportunity came to see it in Red Bank, I made sure I wouldn't miss it again, even if it meant that I had to pay this time. However, afterwards, I realized I would have much rather seen it in Red Bank.

I have seen a few other advanced screenings and have been fortunate enough to hear other successful filmmakers speak, such as producer Jerry Bruckheimer, but none of them have been as insightful or memorable as this one. First of all, it was Smith's 46th birthday, so while he was probably still excited to show the film in Los Angeles, there was something more special about it for him this time. Secondly, there was a tremendous amount of energy in the audience that I don't think could have been found anywhere else. This is where Smith grew up. People in the area are so proud to be from the same place as Kevin Smith. Many of his lifelong friends were in the audience. There was a personal connection that everyone shared in that theater that could not have been shared by another audience, and it made the experience so much better.

“Yoga Hosers” is set to open in theaters on September 2, 2016. It’s a film that fills many genres, from comedy to horror to action. I urge anyone looking for a fun, yet wacky film, to see it. Great job, Kevin! You continue to make New Jersey proud.