Details
Movie Description
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.
Film Notes
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Widescreen - 1.85
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentary - 1. Kevin Smith - Director, Scott Mosier - Producer, Ben Affleck - Star
Featurettes - 1. Behind The Scenes Special
2. Kevin Smith's Roadside Attractions
3. A Conversation with Kevin Smith and Ben Affleck
This film screened as part of SXSW 2004 in Austin, Texas.
Industry Reviews
"[Castro's] smile and positive spirit make her the film's most engaging performer."
Los Angeles Times - Kenneth Turan (03/26/2004)
"Smith is looking more and more like a developing major talent..."
USA Today - Mike Clark (03/26/2004)
"[A] heartfelt, personal quality in the writing makes the film difficult to dislike."
Box Office - Michael Tunison (05/01/2004)
"[I]t's sweet and funny..."
Uncut - Chris Roberts (07/01/2004)
"[A] warm, funny movie..."
Chicago Sun-Times - Roger Ebert (09/03/2004)
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