Review of Chasing Amy (1997) by Adam B — 10 Jan 2010

Around the time this movie came out I was more conservative than I am now. I enjoyed Kevin Smith's movies "Clerks" and "Mallrats" although the latter film is one I really don't like much now.

"Mallrats" is one of those films or things that you find funny when you're 22 or 23, but when you're 32 or 33 it just seems sophomoric and stupid. Be that as it may, "Chasing Amy" is Kevin Smith's best film IMHO.

I credit this film for opening up my mind and, as crazy as this might sound, making me think. Sure, it is littered with dick and fart jokes and scatalogical humor...but at its center is a love story with a heart that is liked and admired by many people who hate love stories.

Ben Affleck did this movie before he was "Ben Affleck." Jason Lee made this movie before "My Name Is Earl" and it is the best-written, best-directed and best-acted Kevin Smith film IMHO.

My favorite scene in the movie is the one where Holden confesses his feelings to Alyssa in the car. Sure, it is one of those scenes that can only happen in a movie because what kind of person would be able to articulate and express their feelings so succintly in that way? Yet in the confines of a motion picture we can suspend our disbelief and allow ourselves to get caught up in the moment.

Not unlike doing the same when we listen to music, read a book or engage in another one of life's frolics. The title might put some people off because Joey Lauren Adams's character's name is not Amy, but Alyssa.

It's one of those films that has a title that doesn't seem to make sense, but once you see the film it makes perfect sense. And, of all people, the story emanates from Silent Bob. Great film.