- Read some more from critics who agree with us, this movie is the must-see of the weekend:
“…Though it brims with Smith touches, including inside jokes and cameos by members of his stock company of actors (but not Jay and Silent Bob), at times it’s easy to forget this is from the same smart-mouth provocateur who made Dogma and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. But despite a bit of sloppiness and a couple of hokey scenes, Jersey Girl is funny enough, smart enough and touching enough to make you forget — or at least forgive — the unfortunate Gigli.
Scratch that: It’s a winner in its own right. Affleck does some of his best work, and though Smith doesn’t handle the material with complete confidence, it’s a heartfelt tale that should speak to a mainstream audience, despite being the most personal movie he’s ever made.
ARIZONA REPUBLIC (*** 1/2) – “No dope, just heart in ‘Jersey Girl'”
“…Because Smith plays Silent Bob, that character probably was even tougher to eliminate. But the director has gained enough maturity to realize that an easygoing romantic comedy doesn’t need – and probably would be derailed by – a marijuana-peddling Greek chorus.
Instead of his usual outrageous dialogue, painful-looking pratfalls and obsession with sexuality, Smith fills Jersey Girl with sweet, tender moments drawn from his experiences as a first-time dad. Jersey Girl isn’t Smith’s best movie, but it is his most heartfelt.
WHAT’S GOIN ON – “Kevin Smith’s first PG-13 flick finally hits theaters, and well worth the wait”
“…It will be interesting to see Smith’s regular fans’ reaction to “Jersey Girl.” Smith has “grown up” with this Valentine to both his wife and to the state where he was born and raised. But if they keep an open mind they’ll find a truly enjoyable film with Smith’s style and wit coming through a slightly toned-down medium (sans Jay and Silent Bob).”
U-PRESS TELEGRAM – “‘Jersey Girl’ gets you with one look”
“…It’s one look, though, that will get you. Now you’ve seen this look – little girl gazing adoringly at her father after the old man comes through in the clutch – many, many (many) times before in movies, but what makes it distinctive here is that it truly comes from the heart and it arrives after a good 90 minutes of deeply felt, nicely observed family dynamics. While Hollywood’s family-values flicks usually feel about as genuine as a three-dollar bill, “Jersey Girl” is the real deal, unfiltered, coming from a man who truly believes. ”
WINNIPEG SUN – “‘One sweet Jersey Girl – Romantic comedy flick Affleck’s best in years”
“…It may be manipulative and contrived but Jersey Girl spins enough charm and sweetness to make it a delightful though instantly forgettable family comedy. This is a major departure for filmmaker Kevin Smith who built his reputation and cult following by being irreverent and vulgar. ”
PHILADELPHIA INTELLIGENCER
“…Those willing to forgive Smith’s over-enthusiastic response to family life, however, will experience a few moments of pure joy. Star watchers wondering how Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez connect on screen after their disastrous “Gigli” have little to sink their teeth into.”
ORLANDO SENTINEL
“…Smith has said that Jersey Girl isn’t his ”funniest or most original film to date.” It’s probably fair to say that Jersey Girl isn’t the slightest bit hip, either. Instead, the new film is sweet, with just enough wacky Kevin Smith moments to keep it going.
Ironically, the film’s best performance is given by Lopez, who is funny, soulful and, unlike anyone else in this film, totally believable. When she’s sharing the spotlight with Affleck, she makes him a better actor. But, then, we’re not supposed to notice that sort of thing, are we?
THE WASHINGTON TIMES – “”Jersey Girl’ sweet enough”
“…Largely, he succeeds, as does “Jersey Girl,” a romantic comedy that’s shot through with contrivances and cushy manipulations but nonetheless has its heart in the right place. ”
WOAI.COM (***) – “Bennifer’s Last Hurrah: “Jersey Girl””
“…”Jersey Girl” is a good father/daughter movie if you don’t mind the raunchy talk by adult characters in front of the 6-year-old “Jersey Girl.” Thankfully, she doesn’t repeat anything she hears.”
THE MOVIEDUDE
“…Contrary to what some fans may say, I don’t think Smith has sold out. Every one of his films has been a reflection of himself. Clerks reflected his job at the time, Mallrats, his love of Comics, Chasing Amy his relationship insecurities, Dogma, his spirituality, and Jay and Silent Bob, well, that was a thankyou to us, his fans. By reflecting his changes as he grows, this film is among the truest to himself.
Smith has grown as a director. In many ways the character that he created in Ollie Trinke is a parallel to himself. Both have morphed form an overachieving workaholic into family men who make time for Gertie and Harley, their respective daughters. Smith’s growth may outpace some of his younger fan’s but they will catch up with him eventually. And this film should broaden his base. After all, This is the 1st of his films that I will actively try to get my folks to see. You see, I would not want to see either of my parents laughing at some of the jokes in his prior films. I just don’t wish to ackowledge that they would have any basis of reference for some of his punchlines. ”
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