Another movie with Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez? Don't worry--J-Lo promptly dies within the first ten minutes.
Kevin Smith, the director and writer who introduced audiences to Jay and Silent Bob, turns sentimental in his newest film. Jersey Girl tells the story of a widowed father (Affleck) who must reconcile his loneliness, career disappointment and dedication to his daughter (the adorable Raquel Castro). The message of the film is summed up in romantic interest Liv Tyler's challenge to Affleck: "Forget about who you thought you were, and just accept who you are."
Jersey Girl oscillates from being another unremarkable sentimental comedy to a clever film of subtle depth. It follows a fairly predictable formula, and some excessively long scenes drag to the point where the viewer idly remembers she is watching a movie. Several of Castro's statements cross the line from precocious to unbelievable, and jokes concerning the musical Cats are too repetitive to be funny.
The film is elevated beyond the average two-star romantic comedy genre, however, by Smith's ability to sneak humor into small details and surprises that aren't novel, but still creative. Audiences can expect the typical diaper jokes and the awkward situation of children learning about each other's private parts ("Daddy, do you have what he has?"). The romance is similarly predictable, but fresh. Tyler's character is a brazen and quirky video store clerk-slash-grad student, who initiates a relationship by accosting Affleck with questions about his pornography-renting habits. Later, she confesses to Affleck that she masturbates at least twice a day.
The imperfection of Affleck's character, and of his relationship with his daughter, is a refreshing dose of realism. Their fight scenes, uncomfortable in their honesty, embody the real frustration and shame of arguing with a loved one. Affleck finally clues in to the sappy message of the film, but he doesn't have an epiphany--he just learns to suck it up.
Jersey Girl succeeds in its mission to be an entertaining, sentimental comedy about parenthood and identity. It's not a must-see, but ultimately it lives up to its tagline by accepting its own humble identity.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.