Product Description

A single father learns about life through personal tragedy and his relationship with his young daughter.
Genre: Feature Film-Comedy
Rating: PG13
Release Date: 22-AUG-2006
Media Type: DVD

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12854 in DVD
• Brand: AFFLECK,BEN
• Released on: 2004-09-07
• Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 102 minutes

Amazon.com
Jersey Girl stars Ben Affleck as a workaholic music executive who loses his wife (Jennifer Lopez) in childbirth and has to raise his newborn daughter with the help of his crotchety New Jersey dad (George Carlin). The movie unspools as if writer-director Kevin Smith, normally a highly self-aware filmmaker (Clerks, Chasing Amy, Dogma), set out to put a fresh spin on every cliché he could imagine (parent forced to choose between child and career; parent rushing to attend school performance; etc.)--then forgot to put in the spin. The scenes that aren't lifeless are implausible (Liv Tyler plays the fantasy girl of every awkward boy's dreams). The only real feeling comes from the strong soundtrack. However, Raquel Castro, as the daughter, is an uncanny double for Lopez; when the light plays across Castro's cheekbones just so, you'd swear the casting director simply shrunk Lopez for convenience. --Bret Fetzer

Wesley Morris, BOSTON GLOBE
"'Jersey Girl' is eloquent and unapologetically cute."

Rene Rodriguez, MIAMI HERALD
"This is an enjoyable slice-of-life drama."

Customer Reviews

I loved this movie!
Saw it on TV and went looking for it. Bought 2, 1 for me, 1 for another George Carlin fan. This is definitely a feel good movie.

Once Again, Ben Affleck's Character Learns That True Success Lies With Love And Family Rather Than In Fame And Fortune
"Jersey Girl" is a great romantic comedy starring Ben Affleck as Ollie Trinke, a successful workaholic. However, this film is sadder than most romantic comedies because Ollie loses his wife (Jennifer Lopez of "The Wedding Planner and "Maid in Manhattan) while she is giving birth to their daughter, Gertrude. He later loses his career when he insults Will Smith who has a cameo in the movie. Knocked off his lofty pedestal, Ollie is forced to humble himself by moving back home with his alcoholic father (super comedian George Carlin) and earn a living by cleaning streets. Eventually he meets spunky video store clerk, played by the beautiful Liv Tyler ("Lord of the Rings" trilogy).

Affleck and Tyler have been romantically paired together before. They were lovers in the great disaster film "Armageddon." Interesting enough, Liv Tyler's megastar father, Steve Tyler, sung the lead song for "Armageddon," which was a very romantic ballad titled "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." In "Jersey Girl," Liv Tyler sings part of a song from Sweeney Todd at Gertrude's school on talent night. I didn't realize she could sing; it was a genuine treat.

"Jersey Girl" reminded me of "Raising Helen," which starred Kate Hudson as Helen Harris. Helen is a fun-loving single who is forced to become a parent overnight when her sister and brother-in-law are accidentally killed. Likewise, Ollie Trinke is forced to become a single parent when he isn't ready for the additional responsibility.

Ollie Trinke reminded me of Drew Latham (also played by Ben Affleck) of "Surviving Christmas." Drew is a rich, successful advertiser who learns that love and family are more important than wealth. This lonely man tries to "buy" a family for the holidays. He soon learns that you can't buy love. Ollie Trinke also learns that money doesn't buy happiness. It comes from being with your family.

The ending for "Jersey Girl" reminded me of the one for "Life or Something Like It." Angelina Jolie (in one of her better roles) is a successful reporter who is faced with a career decision that will take her away from friends and family.

Overall, the movie was great. The foul language could've been toned down. The movie had some really sad, grim moments, but it had some hilarious ones as well. It is a must see for anyone who loves good romantic comedies or is a fan of one of its many star actors.

Don't listen to critics, this is a great movie
Kevin Smith got panned for this flick, but that is only because everyone was expecting Jay and Silent Bob to show up and start telling fart jokes. This is a good flick, despite all the negative reviews this movie got. It does have some really funny moments, however the flick is primarily about the main character's transition into a completely different type of life. Some of George Carlin's best acting is in this film. Most people will probably enjoy this flick, so long as they don't go in expecting "Clerks 3" or something similar.