Chasing Amy (1997) [w/Commentary]

Chasing Amy is the third installment in the “New Jersey Trilogy” from award-winning writer-director Kevin Smith (Clerks, Mallrats, Dogma). Cult comic-book artist Holden (Ben Affleck) falls in love with fellow artist Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams), only to be thwarted by her sexuality, the disdain of his best friend Banky (Jason Lee), and his own misgivings about himself. Filled with Smith’s unique ear for dialogue and insight into relationships, Chasing Amy offers a thoughtful, funny look at how perceptions alter lives, and how obsession and self-doubt skew reality.

"Chasing Amy" has to be the best love story of 1997. It was emotional, gripping, funny, sad, heartwarming, and had some great jokes. How could anyone deny that this screenplay was anything less than original, or perfection. Absolutely intoxicating. The performances were right on and the writing was magnificent. Kevin Smith is, without a doubt, one of the best new writers. With this movie he goes to a whole new level. "Clerks" was great, and I think I'm one of the five people that enjoyed "Mallrats", but "Chasing Amy" takes the cake. Nothing else came even close that year. That movie should have made a star out of Joey Lauren Adams. She gave the BEST performance in 1997 and was robbed of an Oscar nomination, as was the script. The scene outside of the ice rink is more than enough to show just how good she was. And anyone who can watch that ending, the you don't know if you should cry or jump for joy ending, and not feel something, is heartless. The movie was great. It is one of my personal favorites, and will always be.

Newly Recorded Audio Commentary: While the Criterion DVD's gut-busting cast and crew commentary is nowhere to be found, writer/director Kevin Smith and producer Scott Mosier's track is a satisfying substitute. Funny and informative, this "technical commentary" isn't all business. Smith and Mosier routinely drift off subject and trail tangents, missing entire scenes because they're chuckling their way through a story. They do touch on quite a few key sequences and tricky shots, as well as elements of the script and Smith's development of the characters, but it's clearly crafted for the View Askew faithful who love to hear the director deliver his patented jabs and jokes. While it won't appeal to newcomers anxious to dissect the finer points of the film, it will keep most listeners laughing from beginning to end.