Movie Review
Starring Ben Affleck, director Kevin Smith’s ‘Jersey Girl’ leaves viewers all fuzzy inside.
By Crystal Luong
Assistant Perspectives Editor
Give me an ice cream Sunday, add a spiral of whipped cream and put a cherry on top. That’s the sugary sweet formula for the dramatic comedy “Jersey Girl,” starring Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler and 9-year-old Raquel Castro.
Affleck takes on the role of Ollie Trinke, a hot-shot publicist whose life becomes an emotional roller coaster when his wife (ironically played by Jennifer Lopez) unexpectedly passes away from childbirth. Ollie must then discover the true meaning of fatherhood by taking care of little Gertie (Castro).
In addition, he confronts a conflict between living large in New York City and living the simple life of a small New Jersey borough.
Along his journey, Ollie befriends Maya (Tyler), the unbelievably daring love interest who challenges Ollie to become the man he could be. Maya’s blunt and bold character takes a sharp turn from Tyler’s elf days in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, but doesn’t rank on her resume of strong roles.
As Gertie, Castro bears an almost chilling resemblance to what a byproduct between Affleck and Lopez could look like. The child star is a refreshing new face on the big screen with her literal sparkling eyes and lovable smile.
However, Ollie’s father, comic George Carlin, steals the scene nearly every time with his brief quips and wisecrack jabs at the expense of his son. “Jersey Girl” is Carlin’s third film under the direction of writer/director Kevin Smith.
Teaming up with Carlin to form a trio of humor are Gertie’s “uncles” Block (Mike Starr from the NBC hit series “Ed”) and Greenie (Stephen Root, the co-star of “The Ladykillers”).
Amusing moments in the well-paced 103 minutes of “Jersey Girl” are plentiful. Typical of a Smith production, humor borders absurdity, including the story’s strange obsession with the Broadway show “Cats.” A brief and ironic, yet life-changing cameo by the “Fresh Prince” Will Smith appropriately rounds out the entertainment.
Kevin Smith said he found inspiration for “Jersey Girl” after his wife put their baby to bed one night. After the lights turned off, he wrote the first 50 pages of the script in two hours.
Smith dedicated the film to his recently deceased father.
The film, though hardly original, possesses the heartfelt elements that inspired Smith. “Jersey Girl” even takes place in the town of Highlands, N.J., where Smith grew up.
It’s far from Affleck’s role of combating the “Poop” Monster in “Dogma,” another Smith-Affleck partnership, but he takes on the trials of fatherhood with profound emotion. Although few, there are moments that tug at the heart and stir strong audience responses to Ollie’s process of self-discovery.
Romance, comedy and emotional revelations — “Jersey Girl’s” combination of such timeless elements succeeds in entertaining the audience. Smith can’t go wrong with Maya’s intrepid character, Gertie’s adorable face and Ollie’s inner turmoil.
The “Jersey Girl” storyline is as predictable as the sunrise, but Smith’s well-rounded balance of drama and humor saves the day.
“Jersey Girl” opens in theaters across the country Friday.
Submitted March 25, 2004
