Review of Chasing Amy (1997) by Allyssa E — 10 Oct 2009

I'm probably as big of a Kevin Smith fan as you're likely to see. I've seen all his movies, and look up to him as a god. He is my inspiration as an aspiring filmmaker. This is not only his best, but it's the best movie of the romantic comedy genre. In romantic comedies, their goal is to make us care for the characters, and want to see them end up happy. This movie brings us characters that we not only care deeply for, but would LOVE to hang out with in real life. These are the coolest, and hippest characters you will ever see in a film of any genre.

These characters are Holden McNeill (Ben Affleck), and Banky Edwards (Jason Lee). They are comic book artists, and best friends since childhood. Their comic is about two stoner superheroes named "Bluntman and Chronic," based on their acquaintances, Jay (Jason Mewes), and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith). It's obvious that nothing has ever come between Holden and Banky before. It all starts at a comic book convention. They meet a fellow comic book artist, the beautiful Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams). She and Holden quickly become friends. Holden falls for her, and intends to ask her out. But he learns the truth the hard way. Alyssa is a lesbian. This devastates Holden, but fascinates Banky, who engages in a discussion with her about different kinds of sex.

Holden and Alyssa become good friends. Holden confesses his love for her in the most touching love confirmation scene I've ever seen. They start dating, much to the dismay of Banky. Banky is worried about losing his lifelong friend to a "dyke," as he calls them. He schemes to break them up. He lets Holden in on Alyssa's sexual past, and all hell breaks loose, in the romance, and the friendship. Will it be resolved? Just wait and see.

Once again, Affleck and Jason Lee (playing Holden's partner/inker Banky Edwards) give awesome performances, showing that they can play more serious comedic roles. Affleck and Adams show great screen chemistry, which makes their pain that much more realistic and personal for the audience.

This movie brought me and my best friend closer together. It has a sad ending, and if you watch it with a friend, I guarantee that it will get you into a discussion about love and romance, like it did with me and my friend. This movie captivates us with it's hilarious sense of humor, which is in the first half. By the time the more dramatic second half begins, we're so into the movie, that even the film becoming a drama can't turn us away. It is the kind of movie that will have you begging for more when it's over.