I have been a great fan of Kevin Smith for a good many years now, and I have actually just reached the point where I can forgive him for Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. So, when I decided to watch this movie, I did it out of my fandom, decidedly not because of Bennifer or because it was a Comedy Drama. Hell no. I usually avoid films with either of these characteristics like the black plague. However, it was actually good. I didn't particularly like it, but I must admit: It was well written, well cast, the actors all performed above par, the story was nice enough and the girl was cute. If you are into films with a bit of romance, comedy, the value of love and family, go watch it. If you are a fan of Kevin Smith's previous work however, you will probably be disappointed. This film may have been written and directed by Mr. Smith, but it just wasn't a Kevin Smith film. It had a few, fleeting moments of Smithness with the unavoidable Star Wars reference and a lot of actors from other Kevin Smith Films appearing, however, the tone of the film was absolutely different from anything Smith did before. It's nice and warm and cuddly rather than crazy, silly, outrageous and offensive. Apparently, after the JASBST debacle (okay, if you fast forward the parts with the forest marshal, it's just watchable), Mr. Smith grew up. Dogma was the pinnacle of his achievement and, sad to say, will probably remain so for ever and ever and ever. Speaking as a fan of craze, silly, outrage and offense, I will miss Mr. Smith. Good luck to you, Sir, on you voyage through an entirely different (and Jay and Silent Bob missing) genre. But the film is really good, though.
Review of Jersey Girl
