While filming Jersey Girl, Kevin Smith promised the residents of Paulsboro, New Jersey that he’d return to their small town for an advanced screening of the movie they helped make possible. The promise came true on March 10.

Event goers were welcomed with a Hollywood spot light and news crews from CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, and many newspapers. Each entered Paulsboro High School on a red carpet, as a lot of residents served as extras in the movie.

During the film, residents applauded as they saw the sights and people of their town on the big screen. Even the auditorium where the screening was held made it’s way to the movie!

After showing the beautiful movie he created, Kevin himself took the stage to welcome and thank the town for the support they gave him during his time filming there. A question and answer period was held, followed by a party. Cast members were unable to attend due to work commitments, but Walt Flanagan and Bryan Johnson were spotted in the crowd.

All proceeds of the screening benefited the Boys and Girls Club of Paulsboro. The mayor speculated, that after sales from party tickets were complete, that probably $20,000 was earned for the organization!

A major highlight of the night came during the Q&A. The chief of the Paulsboro Fire Department thanked Kevin and the cast of Jersey Girl for signing a fire helmet which will be auctioned off on eBay to raise money for the department. The chief said that the monies earned “will help save a life in some way because it will help purchase a Jaws-of-Life or a Thermal Imaging Camera.” Without hesitation, Kevin told the chief that he would match whatever price the helmet sells for.

During the Q&A, Kevin said that a cameo in the movie (who you will have to see for yourself) “totally replaced Affleck as the nicest guy in the business.” Sorry Kevin, but after constant interaction with your fans, helping raise $20,000 for a Boys and Girls Club, and promising funds for life-saving firefighing equipment, you are the nicest and greatest guy in the business!

First of all, it was a surreal experience viewing the movie from the auditorium where some of it was filmed. Watching on screen the Paulsboro High auditorium while you’re sitting in the same seats that are on the screen is mind-blowing. Secondly, several people spoke to us as if they knew us. I had no idea why until Mom mentioned that my picture was on the front page of the newspaper with the interview the reporter did on Mom a few days ago. This really blew me away because I hate having my picture taken. I made an exception at Stash Bash 2 and allowed myself to be photographed with Kevin and Jason (for the first time in 30 years). I e-mailed the picture to the reporter so that she would recognize me. I had no idea she was going to put it in the paper. So here’s photophobic me on the front page of the Jersey newspaper. The Universe works in strange and perverted ways.

What can I say about the movie? Well, here’s what I wrote for the New York Times:

A New Classic Is Born

Reviewer: cherpup (a combination of cheryl and nastypup)

Not since watching E.T. have I experienced such a wide range of emotion from a movie. Writer/Director Kevin Smith created what will certainly become a classic. There was richness and depth of emotion that we haven’t seen from him in the past. The cast worked well as an ensemble and this was Ben Affleck’s best performance yet. You will want to see this movie more than once.

After the movie, I got to thank Kevin for contacting Mayor Burzichelli and having tickets sent so that Mom could return to her birthplace (Paulsboro) and see the movie. I wanted everyone in the audience to know how good and sincere Kevin really is and I’m glad I got the chance to tell them. Here’s another example of the stellar human being Kevin is. Kevin and the other cast members signed a fire helmet to be auctioned on ebay. The Fire Chief said that the money would go to purchase life-saving equipment and elaborated that Kevin’s movie would actually save lives. Kevin was genuinely touched by that statement and, without hesitation, he said, “Whatever you make on ebay, I’ll match.” The crowd cheered loudly and I had tears in my eyes.

As I pulled up in front of Mom’s house, I looked at my clock and thermostat in my car. The time was 12:57 AM and the temperature was 37 degrees. I took it as a good omen 😉

If you have already seen “Jersey Girl,” please click on the link below and rate and/or write a review for the New York Times. Lets help Kevin as much as we can.

NY Times Jersey Girl Ratings/Reviews

NJ.COM – “Paulsboro ready for premiere”

NJ.COM – “Something right out of the movies: Paulsboro shines at ‘Jersey Girl’ premiere”

Courier Post Online – “Jersey Girl’ dazzles Paulsboro”