“…Still, the point about parental responsibility is worth raising — and Smith and company raise it with good humor and affection. Affleck is believable at both the callous and loving ends of his portrayal, and Tyler offers appealing comic relief as the insightful Maya. Newcomer Castro is a charming heart-tugger as Gertie.

Having Carlin play Affleck’s father is inspired casting. Though he seldom acts, the stand-up comic successfully creates an ingratiating character and gives the film some much-needed edge and spunk. ”

[FULL REVIEW]

FANBOY PLANET (****) – Jersey Girl Review

“…The real accolades should go to Liv Tyler and George Carlin. Liv excels as Maya, a Kevin Smith dream girl who starkly resembles his own wife, Jennifer Schwalbach-Smith (who herself cameos). Liv is very free and open in the role, not stiff, rigid, or even uncomfortable, as she has appeared in previous films. Carlin in the same regard is phenomenal as Ollie’s father Bart. He is natural, curt, and surprisingly sympathetic in a role that, like Liv’s, is usually reserved for two dimensional character developments in films such as these. Instead we are treated to real developments that do not feel forced or undeserved. ”

[FULL REVIEW]

EFILM CRITIC (****) – Jersey Girl Review

“…Jersey Girl is sweeter and warmer and more personal than anything Smith’s ever done before…and I think the very ACT of trying something new brought out something surprising. ‘Jersey Girl’ certainly may not be his funniest movie ever (though it does deliver the laughs), but at least Smith can now say he’s done something beyond his beloved Dick & Fart Jokes. Big points due for the effort; well-earned extra credit for the movie itself.”

[FULL REVIEW]