CORPORATE LINE: Breaking from his signature slacker-underdog films like CLERKS, MALLRATS, and CHASING AMY, Kevin Smith delivers the feel-good family movie JERSEY GIRL. While Smith’s pert one-liners and wryly ironic sense of humor are clearly present in the script, his casting choices (Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck) and glossy aesthetic identify the film as a mainstream Hollywood crowd-pleaser. Affleck stars as Ollie, a powerful entertainment executive with a perfect wife (Lopez) and a beautiful Manhattan apartment. But when his wife dies in childbirth and his career fizzles to a halt, he humbly gives up his fast-paced Manhattan lifestyle for the benefit of his daughter Gurtie (Raquel Castro), who is 7 years old for the majority of the film. He moves to New Jersey to live with his father (George Carlin), finds a new romantic interest (Liv Tyler), and learns some lessons about what’s important in life. A subplot about Will Smith keeps a string of Hollywood insider jokes and quick cameos (Matt Damon) running throughout the film, while a school play modeled after “Sweeney Todd” lends itself to some funny theatrical moments. An emotive pop soundtrack features music by Aimee Mann in addition to a handful of well-timed entries that help move the plot along (“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” plays as Ollie sheepishly drives his U-Haul across the river from Manhattan to Jersey), rounding out JERSEY GIRL as a likeable comedy. Parents beware, Smith may have curbed his edginess for this one, but foul language abounds.
THE FILM: Kevin Smith offers up a dud. After many witty flicks you wonder what he was thinking with Jersey Girl. It’s almost too cutesy as it tries to work every one of your emotions but for whatever reason you never feel yourself pulled in. Smith does mix the sentimental with a few jokes. It’s not the cutting reality that you are used to. Liv Tyler and Affleck are engaging and that’s about the best that can be said.
DVD FEATURES: The commentary with writer/director Kevin Smith and Ben Affleck sounds more like a reunion. The second commentary track is interesting. Kevin Smith and producer Scott Mosier discuss the film while Jason Mewes acts as the audience posing questions—hilarious. The behind-the-scenes short is the usual, boring fare.
FRANKLY: Jersey Girl is no Gigli but it’s too close for comfort.
+ Charlie Craine
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