Jersey Girl DVD Review:

Ollie Trinke had everything. He was one of the most respected PR men in New York, he had a luxury apartment and a beautiful pregnant wife (Lopez). After a traumatic event this all changed and Ollie was left jobless, homeless and holding the baby. Forced to move back to New Jersey to live with his father (Carlin) and spends the next seven years working construction and bringing up his daughter Gertie (Castro). Could his life be about to change though when he takes Gertie to the local video store and meets Maya (Tyler).

Cult writer/director Kevin Smith moves away from his usual style to try and make his most commercial film yet but can leave all the sex references, vulgarity and outrageous characters behind to produce a romantic comedy?

The answer is yes, but only just. Having already fluttering with the genre in Chasing Amy, Smith goes all out to produce a movie that completely embraces the genre and throws on a big dollop of sugar to really sweeten it up. This is director’s way of trying to grow up cinematically. While some would argue that his previous films were aimed very squarely at the single, 20 something males with a passion for movies and comic books, all dowsed with a lashing of sexual humour but they worked for their audience and that is why they became such cult hits. Jersey Girl is a complete change of direction however.

He does include some movie references, a watered down version of his trademark obscene humour and one of his stalwart actors in Ben Affleck but Smith devotees would struggle to recognise this as one of his movies but this doesn’t mean you should discount it. This is a charming, suitably sloppy romantic comedy that sees the lead character triumph over an extremely traumatic event and realise what is important in life. It is inoffensive and entertaining, making it a Kevin Smith film you can finally let your mother watch.

The performances are what make it watchable. This is Ben Affleck’s best movie in quite a while. It is the kind of role the actor got noticed for in the first place and it shows that he has the ability to be a leading man. Kevin Smith seems to bring the best out of him and it makes you forget about the slue of bad movies and bad publicity the actor has endured over the last few years. Liv Tyler is as adorable as ever. As well as been one of the most beautiful actresses working in cinema, she also is a real talent in whichever genre she turns her craft to. Maya is an instantly likeable character that any man would just love to spend time with. George Carlin also impresses as Ollie’s Dad, Bart. Another Smith stalwart, he really works well with Affleck as they bounce the dialogue off one another. Little Raquel Castro is extremely sweet as Gertie and a child character that is never annoying or overbearing.

As with most of Kevin Smith’s movies, there are some noticeable cameos, the most significant been Jennifer Lopez. While she is only in the film for about ten minutes, this is her best performance since Out of Sight (Her only good movie). She is quite adorable and perfectly nice to the point that you do feel for her character. Also watch out of a few familiar faces from the Kevin Smith filmmaking family and a major star.

Jersey Girl is a perfectly good romantic comedy that talks about the power of family and the ability to move on with your life, even after a truly traumatic event. This might not be the film that Kevin Smith fans may have been expecting or wanting but it shows that there is more to the writer/director than some people and critics may have realised.

Star Rating = * * *

PICTURE & SOUND

Presented in 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, the transfer is very good, as you’d expect from a modern movie. The picture quality is sharp throughout, giving Kevin Smith the chance to show his beloved New Jersey in its best light. The sound strong emphasises the dialogue, as you’d want in a comedy drama but don’t expect it to fill your speakers with noise.

BONUS FEATURES

Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Kevin Smith and Actor Ben Affleck

This is a funny, informative and extremely chatty track from two people who have been friends for a very long time. The pair talk about the themes and influences behind the movie and the so called changed in direction for Kevin Smith, as quoted by quite a few critics, when he says he is just going back to what he did with Chasing Amy. They also talk about Ben relationship with Jennifer Lopez and the effect it had on the film. This is an excellent commentary track, as we’ve come to expect from Kevin Smith and he again shows you how it should be done.

Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Kevin Smith, Producer Scott Mosier and special guest Jason Mewes

The director and producer are joined by Jay himself (as the voice of the people, as Kevin Smith so aptly puts it) Jason Mewes for another fun and chatty commentary track for Jersey Girl. The three discuss the possible reason for the low box office number of the movie and the effect of “Bennifer” (The Ben Affleck/Jennifer Lopez phenomenon) on the film. Jason Mewes also talks honestly about the reasons for his absence from the movie. This is another great commentary from Kevin Smith and guests, making you wish he could appear on every DVD.

Roadside Attractions with Kevin Smith (30.25 mins)

Writer/Director Kevin Smith introduces you to highlights from his travel segment called Roadside Attractions with appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He travels to Upstate New York, Orlando, Tampa and Seattle to introduce you to the wonders of the world’s tiniest church, a diamond mine, Gatorland Zoo, Cypress Gardens, the Pike Fist Market, the first Starbucks and a giant Orange!

Ben Affleck and Kevin Smith Interview (27.09 mins)

The director and his star talk about their friendship and the movies they have collaborated on. Starting with Mallrats in 1994, then Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and finally Jersey Girl, the pair discusses each other’s careers and the impact they have had on each other. This is a funny and frank featurette that shows you there is more to Ben Affleck than press portray.

Behind the Scenes of Jersey Girl (16.21 mins)

Writer/director Kevin Smith, producer Scott Mosier and stars Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, Raquel Castro, George Carlin and Jennifer Lopez take you behind the scenes of the making of Jersey Girl. Kevin Smith explains the influences behind the movie and the move away from Jay and Silent Bob. He reveals how getting married and having a child of his own has really changed his life and how his has been reflected in his writing. The cast and crew then discuss the story and characters, discussing the underlying plot of the movie and how it has influenced them.

Text Interviews with Cast and Crew

Read text interviews with writer/director Kevin Smith, Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, George Calvin, Raquel Castro, Matt Damon, producer Scott Mosier, cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, production designer Robert “Ratface” Holtzman and costume designer Juliet Polcsa.

Trailers

Previews for Raising Helen, Hidalgo, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen and Under a Tuscan Sun

OVERALL

Kevin Smith has put together another exceptional DVD from his View Askew production company. The commentary tracks are first rate and the interviews and Behind the Scenes featurettes are funny and informative. The inclusion of the Roadside Attractions segments is a real added bonus, making this is a must for fans and an exceptional rent for everyone else. While the movie might not be Kevin Smith’s best, it is still better than many other rom-coms out there. Check it out.

DVD Rating = * * * *

Jamie Kelwick

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