Jersey Girl (DVD)

While Jersey Girl didn't movie me in the least either emotionally or comically there is something to be said for Kevin Smith's ability to stand by a film that only made $25 million in theaters, yeah that is $5 million less than Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.

Not even all of Smith's hardcore fans were able to be coerced into forking over cash to see this flick, but where there is trouble Smith knows how to fix it... bring in Jason Mewes for a commentary track. Oh yeah, and plaster your own face on the cover of the DVD like most directors do. "Whatchu lookin' at Carlin? This is my movie!"

As far as the movie goes this is a blunder, but I do appreciate that Kevin Smith stands by his creation and that it means so much to him, which shows that it is more than just an attempt at breaking genre lines as he has pretty much been typecast into the Snoogins style films of Jay and Bob.

Over and over on the DVD whether it is in the 25+ minute interview/chat session between Smith and Affleck or all over the commentary tracks Smith tries to get you to believe that this is not a complete departure from his earlier stuff, primarily the lesbian romance/drama Chasing Amy, also starring Affleck.

I can't completely argue with the guy but then again Amy wasn't exactly one of my Smith favorites either.

Let's push all that aside though and let me quickly tell you that this DVD takes full advantage of the saying "Bonus Material Not Rated" as Smith, Mewes and Scott Mosier take full advantage of the warning on their commentary track, and if you think I am bluffing just switch it on and wait for Mewes story about a grocery bag... it will have you rolling off your couch. The commentary pays little to no direct attention to the film, instead the three just babble on about whatever comes to mind and it is great as the film just became moving pictures behind the conversation.

There is also a commentary track with Smith and Affleck that is okay, but just doesn't compare, I got enough of them from the interview session in the special features. Yeah guys, you are buddies, I get it.

Also included is Kevin Smith's mini Tonight Show skits titled "Roadside Attractions" as Smith visits quirky areas around the States and performs a "Walking with Jay" type scenario, as well as a behind-the-scenes special.

Now, with how much I have told you about the great commentary I beg you Smith fans to hold off on buying this as Smith also mentions in the commentary that there is going to be a special edition down the line sometime next year. To avoid listening to you getting pissed off about how studios keep doing this just wait until the special edition to get your latest Smith kicks, you can still rent this one before then if you must.