Review of Jersey Girl (2004) by Chris H — 14 Nov 2010

Despite that this film sees Kevin Smith going in a different direction, it does not suck, and it is very sweet, charming, and funny, even if it is contrived and formulaic here and there. It still has the witty and brilliant dialogue that Smith is known for, and the supporting cast (and cameos) are great as well.

Say what you want about Ben, but he did a good job here. So did Jennifer Lopez. She's a much better actress than her filmography makes her out to be. The most props though, I feel, need to go to Raquel Castro, the cute and precocious little girl who plays the titular character.

She does a great job holding her own against the vast talent (starring and supporting) she's working with, and, unlike a lot of roles children like her get, this one doesn't see her playing an annoying kid, and, while she is smart, she's still shown as a vulnerable young kid, and not a grown up trapped in a seven-year-old's body.

This film gets a lot of undeserved flack, but I say see it and give it a chance.