Jersey Girl

Smith's Supposed Stumble

Our story begins with Ollie (Ben Affleck) and Gerttrude (Jennifer Lopez) a young newly married couple expecting a baby. The couple is struggling like any pair would, except that these people are New York heavy weights used to the finer style of life. When it is time for the baby to be born Gertrude dies giving birth to their girl, and leaves Ollie a single father with no clue how to handle this new addition to his life alone. The weight finally becomes too much and he loses everything he knows, forcing him to move back in with his father "Pop" (George Carlin A.K.A. The funniest man alive....FACT).  Ollie becomes accustomed to his new life back in Jersey, devoting his entirety to his daughter; but, still yearning for the life he once had. Will Ollie be able to ever let go and live in the moment?

I imagine you all must be asking yourself a couple of things right now. Why review this Kevin Smith movie to prepare for his new film "Tusk?" Are you some sort of masochist? Well, no. I realize that this is one of two Kevin Smith movies highly hated by both critics and viewers; but, I thought it was time to take a re-look at the old girl. Plus, the mental scars from 'Red State" aren't fully healed and I'm saving my reviews on "Askewniverse" titles (since it seems like Smith is retreating back to the only thing he was ever praised for). I realize "Red State" is probably a closer movie to "Tusk" in style, but I promise you I'm not a masochist. 

The story here is part good idea, part slap in the face. The good idea was looking through the eyes of a single father with a little girl who has a high paying job with a large work load. The slap in the face was to Kevin Smith fans that were expecting something other than a predictable, mundane time. I'm being a bit cruel, the writing of the first two acts was genuinely good. The jokes were dated, but subtle (like we have come to expect from Smith). The plot direction was a little misleading at times. All genuinely good.... if only it wasn't for that third act. Yes, the end of this film will remind you of every single bad romantic comedy you have ever seen; but the ride there was actually (dare I say) enjoyable. I'm not trying to defend Smith's work here (lord knows he has to do that enough himself these days), I am simply stating that after a couple of years of god awful movies "Jersey Girl" was kind of enjoyable. A couple of the scenes like when (SPOILER WARNING for a 10 year old movie) Will Smith shows up at the end, are clever. Most of the jokes are funny in a painfully nostalgic kind of way. I don't know what to say other than it may not be his best work, but at least it was serviceable. 

The direction on the other hand, is exactly what you would expect from Kevin Smith. Sloppy. He may be an exquisite writer, but the man is (self admittedly) bad at directing. There is a scene that looks like he was stealing transition sequences from bad nineties sitcoms. The gripping moments don't really have the kind of build up they should. The awkward moments take too long and become hard to watch instead of just being awkward. It is a real mess in here; but, I can't blame Smith.... oh wait yes I can. It is totally Smith's fault, but also kind of the studio's. Look, the man can't seem to grasp direction sometimes, and that is fine (he still is a brilliant writer) just don't expect me to pay to see the movie. Sometimes that lack of directing skill is charming like in the "Clerks" movies, or "Dogma." Sometimes it is noticeable like whenever he tries to step away from writing Askewniverse movies. 

So the acting here was actually pretty awesome, but since Kevin has worked with most of these guys they can read his intentions. That isn't a bad thing, it makes the experience more enjoyable. The only thing negative I really have to say is that Ben Affleck can't seem to have chemistry with anyone. He was the romantic interest of Liv Tyler in "Armageddon," and didn't seem to learn anything from their time together. I don't know where his relationship with Jennifer Lopez was at the time of this movie (that's right kids ask your parents about Bennifer), but it didn't help in either case. His acting every where else was great, the man has gotten awards for his acting so it is no surprise. Liv Tyler is still the stick in the mud she always is, but that just seems to be her thing. She can't act, but damn can she stick in that mud. Geroge Carlin was actually pretty damn good in a dramatic piece. There is a scene at the end of the movie where he conveys real emotion, and it is kind of touching. Aside from that he was cast as an old, grouchy man; kind of hard to screw that up.

This movie is very dated. The topical references make it something that you will have to explain to later generations (and I know that was part of the gimmick). Old topical references are funny at times but these are subtle, so even people of the time have to look for the joke. Keven Smith is a man of many talents. He appeals to nerds in such a way that it touches me, he is a great writer, his podcasts are funny. I still look forward to "Tusk"....even after "Red State." Let's just all sit here and enjoy the time Kevin Smith was mediocre so we can better appreciate the times he was great.

Like this? Check out my next throwback where I prepare for the new Antoine Fuqua movie by looking back at (arguably) his most notable work. "Training Day."