I don’t want to grow up…I’m a Jay n’ Silent Bob kid. I don’t think I’m ready to throw away the snoogans. But, I suppose that’s a running theme in Jersey Girl, not being ready to grow up. Kevin Smith has ushered us out of the “Jersey” series of films with, ironically enough, Jersey Girl. In doing so, I think I have matured as a Kevin Smith fan.
Ollie Trinke (Ben Affleck) is a young phenomenon in the public relations industry. When he’s not wheeling and dealing in the office, Ollie is arm and arm with hot new love Gertrude (Jennifer Lopez). Everything seems to be set in the young couple’s life when sudden disaster strikes. Reeling from his misfortune, Ollie moves back with his father (George Carlin). Together they must try to raise the only light left in Ollie’s life, little Gertie (Raquel Castro). With the help of native New Jersey friends, Greenie (Stephen Root), Block (Mike Starr), and Maya (Liv Tyler) Ollie might begin to appreciate his new role in life.
Kevin Smith’s obvious shift from his old style is a refreshing change. Jersey Girl exemplifies Smith’s dual talent of wit and clever storytelling. Smith’s movies have always had appeal to everyday people, especially young men. With Jersey Girl, I can see the logical shift from a focus on frivolous and “immature” things to the areas that hit closer to home. Smith fans may not know how to react, but neither does Ollie. One day, all of the guys who liked to watch videos hang out at the mall, and steal monkeys will have to take on some real responsibility.
The casting is a top notch blend of all the right people in all the right parts. Of all of Ben Affleck’s roles, I’ve always appreciated the ones where he played a regular guy. As much as his character would like to believe he’s not just average, I think Affleck pulls off the average guy the best. Granted, after you see the film, you will be hard-pressed to find another sanitation worker with quite the appeal as Ben. The father/son dynamic between George Carlin and Ben Affleck is one of the best I have seen in a comedy. Carlin also does some incredibly sweet and grandfatherly work with young Raquel Castro. As the title character, Raquel does a fine job of scene stealing and up staging, just like a child actor should. Liv Tyler is the perfect warm, genuine, incredibly attractive movie store clerk. I used to work at a video store, and I can’t tell you what I would have given for one night…in her store. As far as cameo’s go, don’t be surprised to ...
