Chasing Amy: Criterion Collection (R1) DVD Review:


The Movie

Chasing Amy is a unique, realistic love story about Holden (Ben Affleck), who, along with his co-writer/inker Banky (Jason Lee), is on the rise to stardom with his critically applauded and fan craved comic book, "Bluntman and Chronic."

Then at a comic convention, he meets Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams), and it's love at first sight (at least for him). Holden becomes very attracted to Alyssa, and thinks he might have finally found his dream woman, when suddenly the bomb drops and he discovers Alyssa is gay.

At first he backlashes, feeling embarrassed and ashamed, but then finds that he can have plenty of fun just being friends with a girl (who da thunk?) without being intimate. At least at first.

However, soon enough Holden is trying to find a way to express to Alyssa his true love for her, hoping for the positive outcome he so desperately craves. Can he persuade Alyssa to set her lesbian lifestyle aside and go heterosexual (which, in her best friends' eyes, is the lowest possible denominator you can succumb to)? If he can, is there any way he can set Alyssa's shocking past aside and just accept true love over its trifling complications? Can a gay black man (Dwight Ewell) succeed in the comics industry without using extreme violence and racism? Will Holden find true love, or will he just end up, as Silent Bob (Kevin Smith) puts it, "chasing Amy" (hence title)?

Chasing Amy is a great romance film, but not the kind you snuggle up with your girlfriend while watching. It is brutally honest in its portrayal of modern differences in sexuality and the insecurity that too many guys feel in committing to relationships, even if it's with the perfect woman.

This is the Kevin Smith film most appraised by critics, and while it's ending may at first be one that the viewer despises for being too realistic and against the outcome most desired, most people will (and do) grow to love it for its irony and extreme link to reality (as was the case with me).

"Chasing Will Hunting... no! Will Hunter... no! Good Will..."

It is a very well written film, and while Kevin Smith's lack of an edgy, unique directing style is very present in this film, probably more so than any other of his, it is one of the only complaints one can raise.

9 out of 10

The Video

This is another classic example of your average independent film shot on below average quality film, so the picture is kind of grittier than your average crystal clear DVD transfer, but hey, the picture quality is easily forgivable for such a high quality film.

6 out of 10

The Audio

Pretty much the same deal you have with the audio quality...independent film, low(er) budget than a big "Hollywood" movie, you get the idea.

6 out of 10

The Menus

One of my favorite menus from any DVD. On the main screen, images of comic books and articles used in the actual film fly across the screen at a moderate pace, while the viewer listens to a very cool song which tends to perfectly establish the film's overall feel.

On the other pages, the menus are very good as well, most noticeably on the deleted scenes. This has its own special introduction by Kevin Smith 'n' the View Askew gang (including the great Jason Mewes and Ben "Animal Crackers" Affleck), which is quite funny.

9 out of 10

The Extras

The Audio Commentary

Featuring Kevin Smith, Scott "Scooter" Mosier, Vincent Pereira, Robert Hawk, Jon Gordon, Ben Affleck and Jason Mewes. Another addition to the list of awesome Kevin Smith commentary tracks. Kevin and Ben are constantly joke-bickering with each other, and it makes for a lot of fun. Plus, it's amusing in that this track was originally recorded for the laserdisc, and the first words out of Kevin Smith's mouth are "Fuck DVD!"

New video introduction to the film from director Kevin Smith, exclusive to the DVD

Nothing but Smith apologizing for his commentary comments, and a talented director practically groveling at the feet of all who purchase this DVD.

Ten deleted scenes, with outtakes

Kevin Smith is known for being pretty ruthless with the scissors when it comes to his films, and this is no exception. There is some quality stuff here that was taken out, including the original opening scene, which features View Askew regulars Steve-Dave the comic store owner (Bryan Johnson) and Walt The Fanboy (Walt Flanagan).

The outtakes are really funny, most notably the scene in which Affleck repeatedly stands up at a lecture to proclaim (or attempt to) "That's a load of hogwash!"

Special video introductions from the cast and crew

Filmed the same as the deleted scenes menu opening, each deleted scene has a brief, yet always funny little vignette/introduction.

Trailer

Kevin Smith usually has trailers that are rather ass, but this one is actually pretty cool, and does a good job at portraying what the film is. It also features a lot of scenes with Jay and Silent Bob, even though they have one all-too-brief (yet very memorable) scene in the entire flick.

The Askewniverse Legend: A guide to the characters in the "New Jersey Trilogy."

Not an actual interactive feature, but rather an insert pamphlet-thing that is very cool and quite informative. The pamphlet also includes and interesting history of the film and retrospective from Smith.

Overall, the extras section of this is lacking in a behind the scenes look at the making of the film, and nothing else, at all. It's that close to perfection, at least for View Askew junkies.

9 out of 10

Movie
9

Video
6

Audio
6

Menus
9

Extras
9

Final (not an average)
9

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