Forget about who you thought you were, and just
accept who you are...
There's a scene early
in this film involving Gertie as a
one-month old baby in her crib...I feel it
should be noted that in this scene, the
one-month old baby out-acts Ben Affleck...by a
mile...it's not even close. The baby acts on
cue, looks on cue, even smiles on cue. As near
as I can tell, Affleck has not yet gained these
abilities.
"Jersey Girl" is interesting for a couple
reasons. First, it is director Kevin Smith's
first venture into semi-traditional filmmaking.
It is a venture I hope he doesn't take again.
Secondly, it is the second (and much more
tolerable) film involving Ben Affleck and
Jennifer Lopez. Once again...here's hoping
there's not another one.
I would not call this film disastrous...it is
not nearly as bad as "Gigli." The storyline is
incredible cliché ridden, and Affleck once again
proves he should not appear in any film
involving honest human emotions or anything
resembling acting (beyond macho). As a newly
widowed father who loses his job as a music
publicist, Affleck is only convincing when he's
playing an asshole...go figure.
Fortunately, Lopez is not in this film
much...The scenes she is in manage to land like
a thud. Her birthing scene is ALMOST so
intolerable that when (SPOILER ALERT) her
aneurysm explodes one can't help but hope this
means she will shut up for awhile.
Liv Tyler doesn't do much beyond the pouty lip
thing here, but it's a tolerable character and
she semi pulls it off.
Raquel Castro, as young Gertie, actually has
quite a bit of charm and does a nice job in most
of her scenes...especially given the fact that
most of her scenes are with Affleck. As
Affleck's father, comedian George Carlin does a
nice job here.
There are some delightful scenes, and I will
confess enjoyment watching young Gertie and her
dad do the "Sweeney Todd" scene...it was kind of
weird, but fun.
The film has a few cameos, including the
obligatory Matt Damon and Jason Lee. Stephen
Root has a bit part here, and Jason Biggs is
under-utilized. Will Smith has a small part
here, but it's semi-effective.
"Jersey Girl" is not an awful film, by any
means. It is, however, devoid of much of the
trademark wit and bite of Kevin Smith. It has a
quite average script and very safe directing.
The acting dooms this film to a sub-par
performance. It wasn't destined for greatness,
but this film should have been much better than
it is.
©
Written by Richard
Propes
TC Candler's Comment
Ben Affleck
is the worst mainstream actor of our time.
Liv Tyler is the worst mainstream actress of our
time.
This film is dull and uninspired.
NEXT!
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
