Just doesn't quite seem like Kevin Smith. While I certainly understand the desire for exploring new things rather than just sticking with the status quo, Kevin Smith's latest seems to be lacking some of his trademark cleverness in the script. Yet, by no stretch of the imagination is 'Jersey Girl' a bad movie, but it just feels intentionally held back.
Ben Affleck (who always seems to give his best in Kevin's films) stars as Ollie Trinke, a driven career first publicist in a large New York firm. Meeting his soul mate in Gertrude Steiney (then girlfriend Jennifer Lopez), Ollie has a tough time settling down into married life, then potential fatherhood. When Gertrude dies post childbirth (no, not a spoiler it was heavily promoted after the disaster that was 'Gigli'), Ollie returns to his home in Highlands, NJ and attempts to forge a new life there, while still longing for the old days.
George Carlin absolutely STEALS this film as Bart Trinke, and is probably the best character in the entire thing. Mr. Carlin proves once again that he is not merely a great stand up, but has the depth and skill to create a highly memorable character. Raquel Castro adds to the festivities as the adorable and very believable Gertie. Most child actors tend to overplay, and force their performances. Ms. Castro just lets Gertie flow from her as if you were watching her day to day life. Yet another great performance in a Kevin Smith film from a 'new' actor.
Liv Tyler gets a chance to steal all our hearts as Maya, a grad student who earns her living clerking in a video store. She comes into Ollie's life after a reasonably embarrassing (and incredibly un-realistic) sequence. Yet, her charm shines though and a character that could have basically been nothing more than background clutter becomes an essential part of the story.
Yet, in spite of all my praise, 'Jersey Girl' has a feeling over it that makes me feel like things were intentionally held back, or reworked to assure that PG-13 rating. Being a fan of Kevin's it pains me to say that, but 'Jersey Girl' feels faked, or that it was written one way and filmed another to appease all.
Still, it's an excellent tearjerker, and more than worthy of a spot in your DVD collection.
3 out of 5
Ben Affleck (who always seems to give his best in Kevin's films) stars as Ollie Trinke, a driven career first publicist in a large New York firm. Meeting his soul mate in Gertrude Steiney (then girlfriend Jennifer Lopez), Ollie has a tough time settling down into married life, then potential fatherhood. When Gertrude dies post childbirth (no, not a spoiler it was heavily promoted after the disaster that was 'Gigli'), Ollie returns to his home in Highlands, NJ and attempts to forge a new life there, while still longing for the old days.
George Carlin absolutely STEALS this film as Bart Trinke, and is probably the best character in the entire thing. Mr. Carlin proves once again that he is not merely a great stand up, but has the depth and skill to create a highly memorable character. Raquel Castro adds to the festivities as the adorable and very believable Gertie. Most child actors tend to overplay, and force their performances. Ms. Castro just lets Gertie flow from her as if you were watching her day to day life. Yet another great performance in a Kevin Smith film from a 'new' actor.
Liv Tyler gets a chance to steal all our hearts as Maya, a grad student who earns her living clerking in a video store. She comes into Ollie's life after a reasonably embarrassing (and incredibly un-realistic) sequence. Yet, her charm shines though and a character that could have basically been nothing more than background clutter becomes an essential part of the story.
Yet, in spite of all my praise, 'Jersey Girl' has a feeling over it that makes me feel like things were intentionally held back, or reworked to assure that PG-13 rating. Being a fan of Kevin's it pains me to say that, but 'Jersey Girl' feels faked, or that it was written one way and filmed another to appease all.
Still, it's an excellent tearjerker, and more than worthy of a spot in your DVD collection.
3 out of 5