Jersey Girl (2004) (Blu-ray Review)
Directed By: Kevin Smith
Starring: Ben Affleck, Raquel Castro, Liv Tyler
Rated: PG-13/Region: A/2:40/1080p/Number of disc: 1
Available from Echo Bridge
Ollie Trinkie is a publicist, who has a great girlfriend, Gertrude, whom he marries and they are expecting a baby but while he is looking forward to being a father, he doesn’t lighten his workload. Gertrude gives birth but dies in the process. Ollie doesn’t live up to his responsibilities as a father. Eventually the strain and pressure of losing his wife and being a father gets to him and he has breakdown, which leads to his termination. So with nothing much to do he tries to be good father to his daughter, Gertie. He also meets a young woman name Maya, who likes him but he is still not over his wife.
While we have seen Kevin Smith make more mature films before, Jersey Girl, might just rank above all else as the most mature and genuine film from Smitih. This a film that deals with some very adult issues and can at times hit you where it hurts. This all makes you care even more about the characters and what happens to them, which is never a bad thing. Yeah, the film does doss in some Kevin Smith trad marks and some do feel a little out of place. But that isn’t THAT big of an issue.
So there is some nagging issues with some of what the characters say and do in this film, but overall it is a winner for Kevin Smith and for people watching. The acting is up to par and Ben Affleck really does get the chance to shine here playing a husband trying to raise a kid and live again. And, for those of us who really appreciate the whole format of Blu-ray, this is a movie that looks great. Some minor contrast issues here and there, but overall an awesome release from Echo Bridge.
– The Making of Jersey Girl
– Kevin and Ben Reminisce
– Roadside Attractions with Kevin Smith
– Commentary with Kevin Smith
– Alternate Commentary
