
Madness in the Method
By Joyce Slaton,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Crude, amiable comic thriller will please Kevin Smith fans.

A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Madness in the Method
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
When (now sober) stoner icon Jason Mewes realizes that Hollywood just doesn't take him seriously, he embarks on a quest that brings out the MADNESS IN THE METHOD. After a lousy audition sends Mewes to his best friend, Kevin Smith, for advice, Smith recommends a mysterious method-acting book, the only copy of which is in the hands of menacing fan Fernando Villarreal (Jaime Camil). But just as Mewes lays his hands on the book, things start going wrong, sending him on a journey that not every cast member will survive.
Is It Any Good?
Amiable and entertaining, if a bit self-referential, Mewes' directorial debut takes on the tone and style of Smith's View Askewniverse, both for better and for worse. This time the genre is a comic murder mystery that's heavy on both the comedy and the murder, which is a bit darker than viewers might expect. But those who've seen a Jay and Silent Bob collaboration before won't be surprised by the comic content: Mewes and Smith exist, as always, in a cinematic world in which everyone seems to know their in-jokes (the unconverted may be sent straight to Urban Dictionary to seek the meaning of phrases like "snoogan"). And the parade of guest stars dropping by to deliver a few lines is one of the best things about Madness in the Method (longtime fans know to expect the regulars to duly make their turns).
Mewes' sobriety removes the layer of stoner comedy that usually permeates his and Smith's films. But sending up Hollywood makes a pretty good substitute, as Mewes careens through town with the twin goals of evading a murder rap and getting cast in a role that will make his peers take him seriously. The last bit is obviously a meta quest; as the on-screen Mewes, playing himself, obsessively consults a movie industry ranking site for clues that his efforts are bearing fruit, it's all too easy to imagine the real-life Mewes doing the exact same thing. But, like the actor, his movie has an easygoing charm. Askewniverse fans will like it, and while it may not convert legions of new admirers, this film is a worthy successor.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about movies that mix genres. How often does comedy combine with horror, drama, science fiction, or other genres? What examples can you name? How does Madness in the Method compare?
If you have seen other movies starring Smith and Mewes, how is this one alike or different ? How has Mewes' sobriety changed the duo's comedy? How have the jokes changed as the actors have gotten older?
Is it common for an actor and a director to work together frequently? What other actor/director collaborations can you name? Can you tell the difference between Mewes' directing style and Smith's?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 2, 2019
- On DVD or streaming: September 24, 2019
- Cast: Jason Mewes , Kevin Smith , Gina Carano
- Director: Jason Mewes
- Studio: Cinedigm
- Genre: Comedy
- Run time: 99 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Best Family Comedy Movies
Goofy Comedy Movies to Watch with Tweens and Teens
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate