Movie Quick Takes: Jersey Girl

Jersey Girl. Kevin Smith's latest offering is a departure from his vulgarity laden comedy fests, and surprisingly it works quite well, even with the involvement of Ben Affleck. Affleck actually gives one of his better performances here as Ollie Trinke, a recently widowed PR rep who is trying to raise his daughter. The story isn't entirely original and has its share of cliches, yet it still manages to have a heart and be entertaining in the process. It is a romantic comedy without the romance. It plays as a love story between Ollie and his deceased wife, as well as a coming of age story as he comes to know his daughter. Liv Tyler is the would be romantic interest that isn't quite there and George Carlin is a scene stealer as Affleck's father. It was interesting to see Smith try his hand at something less cynical and more caring, it is also clear that this isn't one of his stronger scripts. I know this got trashed by a lot of critics, but I think that may have had more to do with "Bennifer" than the merits of the film. Recommended.