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Back Shelf Beauties
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Jersey Girl When this film was made a year ago, it seemed like such a good idea to put Jennifer Lopez in a movie with Ben Affleck, just as it seemed like a great idea to bring out new Coke, trade Babe Ruth to the Yankees, sign Britney Spears to a movie deal, put Willie Waffle on TV, let Jim Belushi star in his own sitcom, put Willie Waffle on the radio or drop live turkeys out of a helicopter for a Thanksgiving Day promotion. Today, you think, "Another Bennifer movie! Run for the hills!" OK, it's not really a Bennifer movie, since Lopez's character dies 15 minutes into the movie (a scene that might draw cheers from Affleck or anyone who paid to see Gigli). However, it is a Kevin Smith movie, which usually bodes well for the people who buy tickets. Ben Affleck stars as Ollie Trinke - a man on top of the world. He's a big shot music publicist in New York, making a ton of cash, living life in the fast lane, and totally in love with Gertrude (Jennifer Lopez). The two get married and pregnant, but Gertrude dies during childbirth, leaving Ollie alone to raise his child. Of course, it's a tough thing to do alone, so he must move back home to New Jersey with his dad (George Carlin), and change his life. Seven years later, is Ollie happy with his small town life, or does he want something more? Smith has written and directed a very wonderful, touching film. You'll hear many people say he has grown as a filmmaker, or that this movie shows more maturity than we have ever seen in his work, but it's true. He couldn't continue his career as the outsider who makes films about Generation X slackers (because we are getting old), so this movie is a huge step forward for him. It's sweet, funny, sad, and a celebration of life in everyday terms that every person can understand and appreciate. Much like Bruce Springsteen writes epic songs about the working class guy, Smith has created an epic movie about a regular, working class guy who just wants to do the right thing for his daughter. Saving the movie from becoming a stupid after school special, Kevin Smith is blessed with the charming Raquel Castro as Ollie's daughter, Gertie. She is one of the best child actors I have seen in several years as she steals the movie with precociousness and the innocence of childhood. The kid is great in every scene as she wins over our hearts. Even Affleck does a good job. Every time we talk about Ben Affleck, I always say that he is a good actor who gets an unfair beating. Once again, Affleck is great in funny and sad scenes as he shows more ability in this movie than any other before it (he usually has trouble with facial expressions, but he's better in this movie). He shares nice chemistry with Liv Tyler, who does a solid job as the female part of the romantic pairing, and knows how to get out of the way when it's George Carlin's turn to take the spotlight. Affleck becomes the proverbial everyman who will move you to root for Ollie. Jersey Girl is one of those movies that deftly deals with tragedy, humor, and love all in one story. Even though it has a clichéd ending, it's a great date movie, and a good movie all around. 3 ½ Waffles (Out Of 4) Copyright 2004 - WaffleMovies.com
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