Jersey Girl (2004) Review

Jersey Girl (2004)

Jersey Girl follows Ollie Trinkie, a recently widowed father who must navigate the throws of fatherhood and rebuild his life and career after he's sidelined by an unexpected tragedy and a personal blowup.

It’s been awhile since we’ve seen Kevin Smith on this page, and what better comeback than his own venture into conventional romance, with Jersey Girl. 10 years after he got his start with Clerks, this is a Smith at his most heartfelt, most earnest, and certainly his most honest, as he tackles themes of selfishness, fatherhood, and tragedy, all in the eyes of a father who must find his motivation to be there, following the death of his wife. I’ve said this in the past, but part of what makes Smith’s filmography stick out and resonate with me personally, is his capacity to turn a dialogue heavy film into such a realistic experience, regardless of whether it hinges on comedy or sincerity. He uses the natural progression of life to tell the story, and in the case of Jersey Girl, he allows the setbacks in Ollie’s life to build a foundation rather than use it as a comeback story. 

Ollie lost a wife and career but what he gained was ultimately greater—an unbreakable relationship with his daughter, not hindered by anything but his own ambitions. It allowed him a chance, as well as Gertie, to have a home, a more meaningful relationship with Bert, and a chance to start over, even if he’s slow realizing it. I also appreciate that Maya isn’t just Jerry Maguire-d in for romance sake, she serves a deeper purpose to help Ollie grow and come to terms with what’s important in life, something rare in movies like this. 

We get a wonderful cast as well, starring Jason Biggs, Stephen Root, Mike Starr, Jennifer Lopez, Liv Tyler, George Carlin, Raquel Castro, and Ben Affleck. Affleck isn’t always my cup of tea, but man, under Smith’s script and direction, he puts in such a beautiful performance, that is only made better with his undeniable chemistry across from Castro, Carlin, and Tyler, perfectly emulating the ups and inevitable downs of being a single parent. 

Jersey Girl, directed by Kevin Smith, is honestly one of the most underrated entries in Smith’s catalog, showing he is more than capable of work outside of Jay & Silent Bob and dick jokes, and in a more mature world of tragedy and growth that holds deeper meanings on the worth of being a single father or parent. 

9.1/10