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Chasing Amy - Criterion Collection Customer Reviews (37 - 39 of 77 Reviews)

A smarter side of Kevin Smith (4.75 stars)
In certainly Kevin Smith's most dramatic film, the brilliant acting is spread to more than just one individual (in 'Clerks' it was O'Halloran; in 'Mallrats' it was Jason Lee). Some will cite the use of the f-word and sexist themes to be unnecessary; however, they are what make 'Chasing Amy' a Kevin Smith movie. But the acting, the real story, and the unlimited comedy are what make this such an awe-inspiring movie. The duos here -- of Ben Affleck and Lee; then Affleck and Joey Lauren Adams -- easily make this movie one that anyone can enjoy; even if they're not a huge Kevin Smith admirer. Yet in the end, it's Smith himself who makes this movie so astounding and worthwhile.

As many of the other reviewers have done a superb job in reviewing the plot of 'Chasing Amy', there is really no need for me to go into great detail. We all know it's about a guy who falls in love with a lesbian. But it's the way this happens that makes it so entertaining. Affleck (as Holden McNeil) does a perfect job with the role; as you can gradually see how he is affected by Alyssa. We all know that Holden and Alyssa do eventually fall "in love". But it's not just like that. There's much that leads up to it; including efforts by the character of Banky Edwards (played by Jason Lee) to warn Holden of the consequences. I completely agree with another reviewer in stating Lee deserved the best supporting role of '97 for his part here. Not only for his drama-like scenes, but also for the many bits of comedy he brings to the film. He is, in all probability, my favorite actor because of this movie. We also know that Jay and Silent Bob are only featured for about 10 minutes. And for you "snootchie bootchies!" fanatics out there: you may be slightly dissatisfied with that fact, yet you should realize that 'Amy' is only the warm-up for 'Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back' (many of these lines and actions between Affleck and Jay are reused in the 2001 classic). This film acts as an introduction to the Bluntman & Chronic comic; even though the comic itself has no real influence on the story's outcome. As I've said, it's Kevin who makes the movie. I won't spoil anything for you as you probably already know anyway. But midway through the film you'll [most likely] be wondering what the title has to do with the movie.

There is almost nothing wrong with 'Chasing Amy' (I'd give it 4.75 stars, not just four), but some of the characters are almost too down-to-earth for us to handle. For example, the character of Hooper-X (Dwight Ewell) as a gay, black man may make it awkward for the layperson. And the same goes for the appearance of Carmen Lee (as Kim, Alyssa's quote-unquote: fxck buddy). But overall there's little, if anything, that makes this movie imperfect. On a brighter note, the cast list for this movie is almost exactly the same as 'Mallrats'. But two newbies do appear. I.e. Matt Damon (with a cameo) and Casey Affleck (Ben's little brother). And even though both have small appearances, both add prominence to the film's brilliance.

In ranking Kevin Smith's five movies, I would put 'Amy' at number four (1. Mallrats | 2. J&SBSB | 3. Dogma). But don't let my rank fool you; this is an excellent movie that everyone should view at least once (except for children). That rank is my opinion. And remember, opinions work like suggestions; and they can be argued and/or changed. There's many aspects of this that could make it your favorite Smith film. In contrast, there's definitely aspects that may allow you to find any of his other movies more enjoyable. I'm sort of in between. There's great comedy present here, but maybe not enough for some Smith fans. There's great drama present here, but maybe a bit too much; again, for some Smith fans. I look forward with great anticipation to Kevin's next movie: 'Jersey Girl'. It comes out towards the end of summer and has been said to be better than this one. But for now we should still embrace 'Chasing Amy'. Whatever the case may be; and whatever your views on Kevin Smith and his movies, I highly recommend 'Chasing Amy' to anyone and everyone out there.

Chasing Amy
Let me start off this review by saying that I bought this without seeing it first, but knew it would be great because I loved Mallrats and Clerks, and after I watched Chasing Amy, I liked it just as much as them.

THE STORY GOES: Holden and Banky (Affleck, Lee) are best friends who make a best-selling comic-book "Bluntman and Chronic". At a comic convention, their friendship falls on the rocks when Holden's life is turned upside down by another comic-book artist, Alyssa (Adams), who unbeknownst to Holden is a lesbian. I will end there because I dont want to spoil anything for people who haven't seen it.

THE DVD: As always, the best and most popular dvd company, Criterion, saves the day. The disc features commentary, Outtakes, Deleted Footage, Trailer, And Movie Intro by the man himself: Kevin Smith

Rated R: Profanity, Nonstop sexual references.

Best of the Jersey trilogy
Which might seem profane to some fans. But I saw "Clerks," and thought it was funny. I loathed "Mallrats" and I adored "Dogma" for all the so-called controversy it caused. ("Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" was moderately entertaining.) But unlike a lot of Jersey fans, I don't watch these movies for Jay or Silent Bob. I watch them b/c Kevin Smith has an incredible gift for dialogue. His films are usually short on visuals and long on conversation and nowhere is that more evident than "Chasing Amy."

It's an interesting film and like "Dogma," it's very blunt and explicit. (I wouldn't suggest watching this with your parents unless you're really comfortable with them.) This film deals with sexuality and its emotional and psychological effects. It brought up a lot of issues that most people, much less movies, avoid like the plague: sexual inadequency, sexual confusion, and heteorosexuality/homosexuality, to name a few. There's many nuances in the film and I liked it that when Ben Afleck finally got the girl, the movie didn't end. It showed the aftermath, much of it messy. Most romantic comedies show the happily ever after ending when truly, the real challenge in love affairs is not winning the girl's/the guy's love, but keeping it and letting it grow and mature. Which isn't to say the movie isn't funny. It's hilarious...especially the Jaws referenced scene in the night club when Banky and Alyssa compare sexual battle scars. Priceless!

So it's short on sight gags and dick-and-fart jokes, and Jay and Silent Bob are only in the flick for 5 minutes, where Bob explains who is Amy and why he's chasing her....but out of all Kevin Smith's films, I enjoyed this one the best. I eagerly await his new film "Jersey Girl."

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