Breaking from his signature slacker-underdog films like CLERKS, MALLRATS, and CHASING AMY, Kevin Smith delivers the feel-good family movie JERSEY GIRL. While Smith's pert one-liners and wryly ironic sense of humor are clearly present in the script, his casting choices (Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck) and glossy aesthetic identify the film as a mainstream Hollywood crowd-pleaser. Affleck stars as Ollie, a powerful entertainment executive with a perfect wife (Lopez) and a beautiful Manhattan apartment. But when his wife dies in childbirth and his career fizzles to a halt, he humbly gives up his fast-paced Manhattan lifestyle for the benefit of his daughter Gurtie (Raquel Castro), who is 7 years old for the majority of the film. He moves to New Jersey to live with his father (George Carlin), finds a new romantic interest (Liv Tyler), and learns some lessons about what's important in life. A subplot about Will Smith keeps a string of Hollywood insider jokes and quick cameos (Matt Damon) running throughout the film, while a school play modeled after "Sweeney Todd" lends itself to some funny theatrical moments. An emotive pop soundtrack features music by Aimee Mann in addition to a handful of well-timed entries that help move the plot along ("Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" plays as Ollie sheepishly drives his U-Haul across the river from Manhattan to Jersey), rounding out JERSEY GIRL as a likeable comedy. Parents beware, Smith may have curbed his edginess for this one, but foul language abounds.

This film screened as part of SXSW 2004 in Austin, Texas.

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Widescreen - 1.85
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentary: Kevin Smith - Director, Scott Mosier - Producer, Ben Affleck - Star
Featurette:
1. Behind The Scenes Special
2. Kevin Smith's Roadside Attractions
3. A Conversation with Kevin Smith and Ben Affleck

Distributor Notes: Jersey Girl

Hollywood favorites Ben Affleck (DAREDEVIL, PAYCHECK, THE SUM OF ALL FEARS) and Liv Tyler (LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy, ARMAGEDDON) shine in this heartwarming all-star comedy about a guy who thinks he's lost it all only to discover he's got everything he needs! Ollie (Affleck) is a smooth and successful big-city publicist who has the life he's always wanted -- until things take an unexpected turn and he finds himself an unemployed single father back living with his dad in the suburbs. But just when he thinks his life has hit rock bottom, a sexy, no-nonsense video store clerk (Tyler) enters his life and shows Ollie that sometimes you have to forget who you thought you were and acknowledge what really makes you happy. Also starring Jason Biggs (AMERICAN PIE) -- director Kevin Smith (JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK) has delivered another hit critics are calling one of the year's funniest!

Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

Ben Affleck: Oscar-winning actor/screenwriter, GOOD WILL HUNTING
Raquel Castro: Actor, JERSEY GIRL (2004)
Liv Tyler: Actress, model, THE STRANGERS, THE INCREDIBLE HULK (2008)
George Carlin: Comedian, actor
Jason Biggs: Actor
Jennifer Lopez: Actress, SELENA, EL CANTANTE
Mike Starr: Supporting Actor
Stephen Root: Actor/"Monkey Shines"

Kevin Smith: Writer/Director, CLERKS, DOGMA

Scott Mosier: Producer, Kevin Smith's Partner

Kevin Smith: Writer/Director, CLERKS, DOGMA

"Smith is looking more and more like a developing major talent..."
"[Castro's] smile and positive spirit make her the film's most engaging performer."
"[I]t's sweet and funny..."
"[A] heartfelt, personal quality in the writing makes the film difficult to dislike."
"[A] warm, funny movie..."