Amazon.com

For all of its controversial manipulations of reality, ProjectGreenlight offers a revealing, pragmatic look at the pressure cooker of filmproduction. Originally broadcast during the HBO 2001 to 2002 season, this 12- part series chronicles the premiere contest--conceived by coproducers BenAffleck, Matt Damon, and Chris Moore--that resulted in 30-year-old Pete Jonesbeing plucked from obscurity, out of 10,000 contestants, to direct his winningscreenplay, Stolen Summer, as a professionally crewed feature filmdistributed by Miramax Films (included in this set; see separate review). Theseries gained notoriety for emphasizing the negative (backstabbing,budgetary battles, onset crises, etc.), but it's also a definitivenuts-and-bolts exposé of the filmmaking process--stripped of glamour,emotionally intense, and daunting to anyone without a steel-platedconstitution.

Key personnel emerge as admirably tenacious in their given roles, from thecommanding presence of Chris Moore; the frictional yet ultimatelycooperative dynamic between executive producer Pat Peach and coproducer JeffBalis; the rally-the-troops efficiency of 1st Assistant Director Bruce Terris;and many other crucial crew members. Through it all, Jones shows hisinexperience but rises to the occasion, earning the respect of those who couldeasily have dismissed him as a lucky amateur. The series' editorial weaknessesare readily apparent, and the postproduction process (especially the creation ofa musical score) is woefully underrepresented, but Project Greenlight isa riveting and altogether encouraging primer for anyone who shares Pete Jones'sdream. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Lights...... Camera..... DRAMA!
What started as a simple Internet contest transformed into one of the most acclaimed reality series to hit cable for quite some time. Pete Jones was the winner and was given the opportunity to direct his film, "Stolen Summer." Sounds easy, right? WRONG!

With these episodes, you get to see all the drama, all the battles, and all of the controvercy that took place during the filming of "Stolen Summer." From casting complications to the infamous beach incident, they're all here, uncut and uncensored.

I for one really enjoyed the series. It was a look into directing that I had never witnessed before. I never knew how complicated and stressful it is for the director, even when it comes to getting ONE scene into the can!

This spectacular DVD package includes four disks. On these disks you will find twelve episodes, the full length movie "Stolen Summer," and a disk full of all sorts of extras and goodies.

The disks go something like this:

Disk One: The complete film "Stolen Summer," with extra features that include audio commentary from the director, co-producer and producer Chris Moore, the theatrical trailer, 2 deleted scenes (with choice of commentary or no commentary), and Pete Jones' "Project Greenlight" scene vs. the final film. I highly recommend the full length commentary. It's funny and informative at the same time.

Disk Two: Episodes 1-6. (Or Episodes 101-106, if you want to be more accurate.)

Disk Three: Episodes 7-12. (Or Episodes 107-112, if you would like again to be more accurate.)

Disk Four: A bonus disk with tons of extras that include notable filmmaker videos from the contest, the Top 10 videos, Top 10 "Where are they now" videos, "The Chris Moore Challenge," the Top 10 3-minute scenes from the Top 3 contestants, and lessons from "Project Greenlight" that you didn't get to see on the show. "The Chris Moore Challenge" is guaranteed to get a laugh out of you, especially when you see Ben Afleck's impression. The extended lessons were also interesting and funny, especially Kevin Smith's conversation with Pete. There's some great filmmaking tips in it if you're interested.

Note: Since this was broadcasted on HBO, all of the strong language is in it, so it's not really recommended for younger viewers. The language can get pretty intense at times, but it adds to the realistic element of filmmaking. Not to mention it's funny as hell at times. (If you thought Afleck and Damon had potty mouths in "Goodwill Hunting......")

I really enjoyed "Project Greenlight." And I'm glad they released the complete series on DVD. Again, if you like the series and want the movie as well, DO NOT BUY THE MOVIE SEPARATELY! The movie already comes with the series. It was quite remarkable to see how the movie evolved from all of the battles and controvercy. I was a little worried about the movie, because there was a lot of drama that went on during the filming, but the movie turned out really good. (I'll write a seperate review of the movie "Stolen Summer" VERY shortly.) Forget "Survivor," this is the ultimate reality series! Filled with over 6 hours of bonus material, the "Project Greenlight" DVD package is a must-have for anyone who loved the show. It's also a great show for those who are new to it. I can't wait for the new season, and I hope it comes to HBO very soon.

Interested in the movie biz? Check this out...
First, the movie. "Stolen Summer" isn't bad, definitely not great, but for a first-time director with no real filmmaking experience at all, it's a pretty good effort. Sure I'm grading on a curve here, but when you see some of the dreck put out by people with plenty of experience, "Summer" begins to seem more than worthy to be called a film. Throughout the series, many involved express concerns that the script ventured too far down into Afterschool Special territory, and to some extent, they were right. The nice thing about the script is that it manages to avoid getting too preachy (given the clash of religions at the story's core, that is a feat in itself) and the attitudes of all the characters to young Pete's quest ring surprisingly true, at least, in a nice, better world scenario. As a directed film, The pacing is a bit slow, scenes can be a bit static, and the child actors in the leads could be a bit stronger, but these are not unusual problems in movies with bigger budgets and more accomplished directors, "Phantom Menace", anyone?

Enough defense of Pete Jones, and on to the series. As a general rule, I steer clear of the "reality" genre as it has developed into public humiliation of private citizens while avoiding the need to pay writers (it probably keeps film and video editors in banner business, however). "Project Greenlight" is an exception. Why? Well for one thing, the end result is at least a creative endeavor and not just some idiot getting a lot of money or a usless marriage proposal. For another, you also learn a little something about the business of making a movie, usless of course if you could care less, but it's better than watching "Survivor" for wilderness survival tips.

All that, a bag of chips and MOORE!!!
I must begin by saying that I am addicted to Project Greenlight. I, too, am an aspiring writer and find PGL inspiring. I loved this DVD set.
First, Stolen Summer. It may not win the academy award but it won my heart. Pete Jones tells a story that is so human and so touching with moments of humor as well as sadness. It just felt natural and I think that is why I enjoyed it so much. The little boy who plays the lead role was just amazing, especially being he first time out. I would reccommend this movie to anyone who wants to be entertained and touched.
Second, Project Greenlight, the series. WOW. I was unable to see all of the episodes while it ran last year so you can imagine my elation to find it all together in a DVD set. The whole process fascinates me and I just love Jeff Balis ( I love Balis more season 2) and Chris Moore.
Third, Pete Jones. He was terrific. Yes, he was rough around the edges but heck he had never done anything remotely like this before. I think his rapport with the younger actors is a gift and part of what will eventually make him a great director. The more opportunities Pete is given the better he will hone his craft, I am a fan and wish him all the luck.
Lastly, The Chris Moore Challange was great, Project Redlight was even better. Project Redlight was terrific in that it poked fun at everyone and the whole process and how wonderful is it that people are able to laugh at themselves in such a "self involved" industry!!!

If you are a fan of PGL, buy this, you will love it.

Great DVD
I thought this was a great DVD, and it's not just because I'm on DVD #4. ;-)

View this DVD on a PC/MAC with Internet Access
This DVD set is packed with more than Stolen Summer and the Project Greenlight series.

I made the mistake of viewing it with my default DVD sofware. Instead install the InterActual software (included on the DVD's) and you will get MUCH MOORE (You get links to the script notes made by all of the Key people in the series. I watched Stolen Summer once in normal mode, and then twice in the commentary mode which includes the comments and humor of Chris Moore, Jeff Balis, and Pete Jones which was hilarious. You will see that the Project Greenlight series does not on its own reflect the true chemistry between these three guys. Plus you will also get to find out some of the not-so-easy to spot bloopers that remain un-cut from the finished film. Another feature I like was watching Stolen Summer, and if JUMP-TO-SCENE was on, I clicked on the screen during certain parts of the movie, and it would pause the movie, then play the respective part of the Project Greenlight show that dealt with the filming of that scene.

It was nice to see all the top 10 winners scene submissions and videographies.

The Chris Moore Challenge is worth the cost of the set! Ben affleck is hiollarious. Stolen Summer has its own reviews and gets my recommendation.

I highly recommend the entire 4-disk series. Even if you saw the show on HBO, you will get much moore out of this DVD set. This is only my 10th DVD so far, but none of the others had features equal to this one. MIRAMAX did a good job with content, though I find navigating through the menus a little frustrating. I look forward to downloading a few of the commentaries by Pete Jones that did not have time to do yet. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Robin Williams won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, and actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck nabbed one for Best Original Screenplay, but the feel-good hit Good Will Hunting triumphs because of its gifted director, Gus Van Sant. The unconventional director (My Own Private Idaho, Drugstore Cowboy) saves a script marred by vanity and clunky character development by yanking soulful, touching performances out of his entire cast (amazingly, even one by Williams that's relatively schtick-free). Van Sant pulls off the equivalent of what George Cukor accomplished for women's melodrama in the '30s and '40s: He's crafted an intelligent, unabashedly emotional male weepie about men trying to find inner-wisdom.

Matt Damon stars as Will Hunting, a closet math genius who ignores his gift in favor of nightly boozing and fighting with South Boston buddies (co-writer Ben Affleck among them). While working as a university janitor, he solves an impossible calculus problem scribbled on a hallway blackboard and reluctantly becomes the prodigy of an arrogant MIT professor (Stellan Skarsgård). Damon only avoids prison by agreeing to see psychiatrists, all of whom he mocks or psychologically destroys until he meets his match in the professor's former childhood friend, played by Williams. Both doctor and patient are haunted by the past, and as mutual respect develops, the healing process begins. The film's beauty lies not with grand climaxes, but with small, quiet moments. Scenes such as Affleck's clumsy pep talk to Damon while they drink beer after work, or any number of therapy session between Williams and Damon offer poignant looks at the awkward ways men show affection and feeling for one another. --Dave McCoy ... Read more

Reviews (345)

JCMICHAELS.COM Good Will Hunting Review
Good Will Hunting is one of those films that I wasn't expecting much, since the writers, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are so young. But surprisingly this young duo was able to write a sophisticated script that, with the direction of Gus Van Sant, became an Academy Award winner. Those awards, Best Supporting Actor and Best Original Screenplay definitely show the movies strong points. Unfortunately the acting is a little wooden and awkward at times, but is forgivable.

Luckily this movie has great bonus features including my favorite, audio commentary with Gus Van Sant, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Also included are 11 deleted scenes with audio commentary, production featurette, and "Miss Misery" music video. In other words this DVD is loaded.

Overall, with all the bonus material and sophisticated story this is definitely a great rental. If on the other hand, you are huge fans of Ben and Matt, and have already seen it and loved the movie, then it really is a no-brainer, just buy it.

Beautiful, thought-provoking . . . perfect
This movie is either perfect, or as close as it's possible for a movie to be. The acting is outstanding. The direction is terrific. The script is heartfelt and real. The soundtrack, featuring Elliot Smith, is perfectly suited to the movie. All in all, it's one of the greatest movies I've ever seen, and it's my personal favorite.

Will Hunting (Matt Damon) is a janitor at MIT who harbors a secret genius for mathematics. Rather than bank on his intelligence, he spends most of his time riding around and drinking with his buddies (Ben Affleck, Cole Hauser, and a particularly funny and excellent Casey Affleck). However, his gift is discovered by a professor at the university (Stellan Skarsgard) who bails Will out of jail (in on a count of assault) on the conditions that he start doing math regularly with the professor and that he see a psychiatrist. Enter the psychiatrist, Sean (Robin Williams). To add to the mix, Will meets a Harvard student, Skylar (Minnie Driver) who is possibly the first woman for whom he's ever had real feelings. Over the course of the movie, all of these characters in their own way try to make Will live up to his potential.

The movie doesn't have much of a plot other than this -- however, that's fine, because it's meant to be more of a character study and it's a great one. Pretty much every scene is two people sitting down talking to each other -- yet it holds the viewer's interest because the characters are so captivating. Sean and Will's scenes in particular are terrific. Matt Damon and Robin Williams, besides both being fine actors, have a natural chemistry that you just can't fake. Damon and Minnie Driver are also great together (of course, as it's widely known, the two dated during the filming of the movie) and it's my opinion that both were robbed of their Oscars.

Ben Affleck shows that spark in this movie which he showed in most of his '90s movies, and he's great in his role -- but even better is his brother Casey. Watch the movie with the audio commentary, and you'll gain so much more appreciation for both the role of Morgan and the actor Casey. The same goes for Stellan Skarsgard. Cole Hauser is good with the few lines he has.

All in all, this is a great movie -- beautifully shot, well-written . . . well, I've said it all before. If you're not offended by excessive use of the word "f***" (and yes, some people really do talk like that) you should love it. Forget the naysayers -- "Good Will Hunting" is one of the most heartfelt, poignant movies in recent history. Too bad all the awards that year automatically went to the movie with the grandest special effects instead of the one with better dialogue and better characters.

A drama with emotional depth
This quiet drama about what genius means was the surprise hit of 1997, with friends Matt Damon and Ben Affleck both collaborating on the screenplay and acting. Damon plays Will Hunting, a troubled, gruff young man who works as a janitor at MIT despite his incredible self-education and intelligence. When a mathematics professor discovers that Will has solved a complicated problem left on the blackboard, he pursues Will as a potential protégé. But Will is not good with authority figures, as his past includes abuse at the hands of his father. When Will lands in jail, however, and the professor manages to obtain his release with the stipulation that Will work on mathematics with him and see a counselor, Will's whole life begins to open up. As a patient of psychologist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams), Will forges a relationship that acts as a catalyst for a new future.

Matt Damon does a wonderful job with the title role, although at times he seems a little wooden. As the therapist with a painful history that Will eventually connects with, Robin Williams turns in one of his less flamboyant performances. His suffering is palpable, and his need to save Will from himself lends real passion to the film. Affleck provides solid balance as Will's friend Chuckie, although his performance is less memorable than the other two, more of a function of the role than the actor. Minnie Driver is charming and believable as Will's new girlfriend Skylar.

The screenplay is intelligent and skillfully developed despite some unbelievable facets of the premise, most notably that such a wounded individual, no matter how bright, would have the discipline to teach himself as much as Will knows. Still, this movie only gets better as it progresses. The relationship between Will and his therapist is dynamic, poignant, and meaningful.

This is a good film to own, as it uncovers additional subtleties on second viewing, as long as you don't mind revisiting emotional angst. Its feel-good story arc is somewhat predictable, but the dialogue and interactions are not, making this flick surprisingly complex given the young ages of Damon and Affleck when it was made.

Good film, good job for a first time screenplay/movie.
This film, which was the first time for Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, in writing a screenplay, turned into a movie, is an impressive piece of work. About a shy, yet with an attitude, young man (who as we find out later was abused) who demonstrates his brilliance, but who will not let people get too close. Ben Affleck (before all of this "Bennifer" nonsense) is good as his buddy, who really wants him to use his "gift". With an outstanding performance by Robin Williams (who deserved his award) and Minnie Driver, the lads have put together a funny, poignant, movie; which wasn't "overdone" as some movies might be. Williams and Damon interact with each other with the right amount of "attitude" as they help each other overcome their fears, hopes, missed opportunities, and dreams. A better film than I thought it would be. I'd recommend it. The downside (for peope offended by language, i.e., profanity, is that there is a lot of it, especially the "F" word). If one can overlook that, if one's offended [I'm not overly so]; then, this movie speaks to the person inside all of us, as we ask ourselves some basic questions; what do we want out of life, do we have regrets, did we try hard enough to succeed, what does success mean, and so on. Damon's character refused to be "manipulated" by anyone, including the professor who had his own issues. Definitely worth seeing. Had a pretty decent soundtrack too.

Some Outstanding Moments, but Not a Masterpiece
GOOD WILL HUNTING was actually written by two of its stars, boyhood friends, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. I was surprised when I first learned this; the screenplay, while still a little rough around the edges, shows a lot of insight for the twentysomethings that Damon and Affleck were in 1997.

GOOD WILL HUNTING is the story of, who else, Will Hunting (Matt Damon), a janitor at MIT and a young man with a very troubled past. Will was an orphan and a victim of child abuse. As an adult he's a petty criminal with a short fuse and an uncanny ability to reduce the most complicated math problems and theorems to simple answers, something he does at night on MIT's chalkboards. Will is a mathematical genius with a photographic memory, but he neither recognizes his gift nor cares. He'd much rather be out with his other blue-collar buddies, drinking and getting into trouble.

Two things happen to change Will's errant ways. The first is the fact that his genius is found out by one of MIT's professors, Professor Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard). Professor Skarsgard wants to do something to encourage Will to develop his gift. The second, and more pivotal thing that happens is that Will assaults a police office on one of his nightly binges and lands in jail.

Luckily, Will comes before a judge with some understanding of what he really needs. Instead of being sent to jail, Will is ordered to spend one day a week with Lambeau, studying math, and one day a week with a therapist in order to work through his short temper and his need to self-destruct. After a few false starts, Will ends up seeing Sean McGuire (Robin Williams), a teacher at Bunker Hill Community College and Lambeau's former college roommate. As things progress, it becomes more and more evident that Will is just as good for Sean as Sean is for Will. Will also receives help and encouragement from his childhood friend, Chuckie (Ben Affleck) and a pretty Harvard student from Britain, Skylar (Minnie Driver).

The plot of GOOD WILL HUNTING is very, very predictable, as is its ending, but that really didn't stop me from enjoying the film. There are some outstanding moments and set pieces, but overall, the film is only a little above average.

The dialogue is sometimes above average and, much to my delight, there was actually subtext, something so much screen and literary dialogue lacks these days. The thing that really rescues the film from mediocrity, though, are the performances from all the actors, especially an uncharacteristically subdued performance from Robin Williams. The scenes between Williams and Damon feel "real" and the chemistry between Affleck and Damon and Damon and Driver is palpable. Of course, the fact that Affleck and Damon have been lifelong friends and that Damon and Driver were romantically involved during the filming of GOOD WILL HUNTING didn't hurt the "chemistry" one bit. Still, it could have gone wrong. Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck were engaged when they made GIGLI and that fell flatter than any proverbial pancake ever could.

GOOD WILL HUNTING is a very solid, though predictable piece of entertainment, with strong performances from all concerned. I would recommend renting it before buying it, however, as it's not a film that one wants to see again and again. At least not in my opinion. ... Read more

Amazon.com

To call Pearl Harbor a throwback to old-time war movies is something of an understatement. Director Michael Bay's epic take on the bombing that brought the United States into World War II hijacks every war movie situation and cliché (some affectionate, some stale) you've ever seen and gives them a shiny, glossy spin until the whole movie practically gleams. Planes glisten, water sparkles, trees beckon--and Bay's re-creation of the bombing itself, a 30-minute sequence that's tightly choreographed and amazingly photographed, sets the action movie bar up quite a few notches. And in updating the classic war film, Bay and screenwriter Randall Wallace (Braveheart) use that old plot standby, the love triangle--this time, it's between two pilots (Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett) and a nurse (Kate Beckinsale) who find themselves stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, during what they thought would be a nice, sunny tour of duty. Then, of course, history intervened.

For the first 90 minutes of the movie, Affleck and Beckinsale find a nice, appealing chemistry that plays on his strengths as a movie star and hers as a serious actress--he gives her glamour, she gives him smarts. Their truncated romance--the beginning of which is told in flashback so we can get right to the point where he has to leave her to go to England--works, thanks to their charm. They're no Kate and Leo from Titanic (a strategy the film strives hard toward), but they're pretty darn adorable in their own right. Hartnett, as the not entirely unwelcome third wheel, squints bravely but makes only a slight dent in the film. Everyone else in Pearl Harbor--from Cuba Gooding Jr.'s brave navy seaman to Jon Voight's able impersonation of FDR--is pretty much a glorified walk-on, taking a backseat to the pyrotechnics and action sequences that keep the three-hour film in fairly constant motion. But when that action does take hold, Pearl Harbor is quite a thrilling ride. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (1812)

'Pearl Harbor' a big misfire
From up to its pretty exciting 15-minute sequence as the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, 'Pearl Harbor' is a lumbering, barely involving film, which gives us a love triangle between two hunkish World War II fighter pilots, Josh Harnett and Ben Affleck and pretty nurse Kate Beckinsale.

'Pearl Harbor' tries to capture the atmosphere and engaging set up of 1997's better "Titanic" by setting up three star-crossed lovers, instead of the usual two. It fails terribly, but it's mostly scripter Randall Wallace's fault, which tries to balance three to four subplots by compromising the film's integrity and intelligence.

This 3+ hour film is obviously meant as a tribute to the people who died December 7, 1942 and has pretty nice cinematography, but the film itself is a shoddy-made puzzle in which all the pieces don't quite fit together.

The characters wallow in sentimentality and the film unsuccessfully tries to create atmosphere, romance and humor, but the film's bottom drops out in the final third, not only to reveal a plot full of holes, but a incomprehensible story told in bad faith.

Sorry, Bruckheimer. Nice try but no cigar.

September 11, 2001: Another "date that will live in infamy!"
"Pearl Harbor" is a movie of far greater importance after the terrorists attacks of September 11. We are now at war against ideologues committed to destroying our nation. Americans only a few months ago considered "Pearl Harbor" as merely a depiction of a bygone tragic era, but not particularly relevant to our present
concerns. Needless to add, this mindset is no longer embraced by the majority. Jon Voight brilliantly portrays President Franklin D. Roosevelt. You will have a difficult time remaining stoic and tearless when Voight gives tongue to Roosevelt's famous radio speech to the American people after the Japanese treacherous
December 7, 1941 assault on Pearl Harbor. "We are at war," declared the President and "we have been described as weaklings and playboys" unwilling to overcome formidable obstacles, and too cowardly to fight. Does this rhetoric sound familiar? History has been repeated, and once again we are challenged to bravely confront our enemies.

The cast that includes Ben Affleck, Kate Beckinsale, Cuba Gooding Jr, Josh Harnett, Alec Baldwin, and Jon Voight are fantastic. Michael Bay should be congratulated for directing this work of art. The lengthy battle scene ranks among the best of all time. Every moral person should also be taken aback by the scene
where a wounded seaman curses a Japanese-American physician who comes to his aid. Racial and ethnic bigotry was wrong in 1941, and must be wholeheartedly rejected today when some less than admirable individuals are tempted to blame their fellow Americans of Arab descent for the horror of just a few weeks ago. The
United States courageously and ethically faced its enemies over fifty years ago. We must do so once again.

The very fact that this film's creators relied so extensively on focus groups to guide the making of this film was a serious mistake. Both Liberal and Conservative commentators used this as an excuse to blast "Pearl Harbor" immediately upon its initial release. Many wrongly concluded that these marketing studies might be dismissed as a mere cynical attempt by the producers to increase their profits. I strongly disagree with this assessment, and instead strongly recommend that every citizen view this film at least once. It may very well be your duty to so.

Awesome deleted scenes
This is the DVD to get, it has the deleted scenes of the love affair between Doolittle (played by Baldwin) and Beckinsale - the child Beckinsale carries was actually Doolittle's, not Josh Harnett's - in this restored, original version

good but not THAT good
This is a good movie but not great. It's way too long and the actors are not really that good. The special effects are amazing to look at but it gets boring after a while. Jennifer Garner had a very small role in the movie. Why didn't she got a bigger part is beyond me. This unrated version is not that special only has a lot more gore/violence. Why did I waste time and money on this one I really don't know. If you love violence movies buy this now if now avoid it at all costs.

Pearl Harbore, and inaccurate
I must say that, when I saw this film. I was expecting a high intensity build towards the ultimate climax of the attack itself. Instead, we get the usual Hollywood love fest, Hollywood liberties on the truth (though I am not bothered by the liberties themselves, but sometimes the liberties are too ridiculous!) For example, some of the ships used in the movie to be hit by torpedoes are woefully modern, IE not of WWII time period. The Doolittle Raid, look at the aircraft carrier, it shows an angle that only modern nuclear ACC's have, back then the ACC's were long rectangler shaped vessels.

Lastly, I just found it boring and it was like the director was attempting to do a Titanic style story with fictional characters caught in a love triangle all the while the story builds towards the attack as a secondary mentioning. Just way too much Hollywood liberties taken against one of the darkest times for America, and I can't help but feel that the veterans, especially those who were there, should have been given something that respected them more.

I will say though, the attack itself is stunning, why I give it two stars... other than that this movie falls flat for me. ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Mostly cliched, but there are some good things. (SPOILERS)
"Jersey Girl," Kevin Smith's first foray away from Jay and Silent Bob, is a father's story. Smith, a new parent when he wrote it, had feelings about his experience that he wanted to share - how a reluctant single father, played by Ben Affleck, sees his life change because of a child and how he comes to embrace it. That part of the film rings true. And there are touching moments regarding how he deals with his seven-year-old girl's questions about sex. And Affleck's performance is better than usual.

However, much of the film is completely mundane, featuring movie cliches that are so tried and true that you'll often know where "Jersey Girl" is going before it gets there. For instance, when you hear the daughter in the film mention her "school play," you know something's going to happen to keep her father from getting there on time. After a downright wacky elementary school performance of "Sweeney Todd" (that no authority figure organizing the event seems completely aware of until it's onstage), the shocked audience proceeds to "slow clap" their way into a standing ovation.

And the movie's essential conflict at the end is between a father's ambition to be something other than a garbageman and loving the quirky life that he and his daughter already have, so the conclusion is far from surprising. (My problem with this film and other movies who pose this conflict, like "Sweet Home Alabama," is because few in Hollywood really picked the small town life, though they make movies about people who do.)

There was a Q&A with Kevin Smith after the screening I attended, and the Q&A was far more entertaining than the film. Smith, who has done edgy films confronting homosexuality and religion in the past, makes his most Hollywood-ized film here.

just a little laugh..a little tear...
Ollie Trinke is a slick Manhattan rock promoter who falls in love, gets married, and has a baby. Things are cool so far. During labor, his beautiful wife delivers a lovely baby girl. But sadly, Mom doesn't make it. Ollie really loved his wife. And the problem is now: Who will take care of the child while Ollie presents Fresh Prince? A talented cast, a witty script, and the devilish Kevin Smith have given birth to the sleeper of the year. Aren't we all chasing that better job? Should I buy a new cell phone? Is my car out of date? Does it matter? "Jersey Girl" attacks the GEN-X madness of modern big-city rat-race. What is happiness all about? The big bucks or the little family? No new ground here, but very flawless execution. "Jersey Girl" stars Ben Affleck, cool and sober, and perfect as big-shot Ollie Trinke. The cast includes Liv Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Matt Damon, Will Smith, and a very remarkable George Carlin. The real ringer is little Raquel Castro,as 7-year-old Gertie. This tiny ball of dynamite from Long Island steals your heart and leaves you laughing out-loud. Doubt me? Don't just buy a ticket for "Jersey Girl", get down to the theater right now! My mother was from Teaneck. Trust me on this one. There's nothing like a "Jersey Girl".

Why not? Watchable. And Liv Tyler is on fire.
The worst thing that one can say that J Lo is tragically miscast. I am not saying she is a bad actress (because she is not bad, she is quite simple THE WORST), but for the role, it is impossible to feel sorry when she dies: talk about impossibility of separating actor's own image from the role. The saddest moments of the movie are the first minutes when this self-centered, hysterical, unstable, whining cow is actually on the screen.

Ben Affleck is average - I did not mind watching him in this role; and he has a credible go at credible depiction of the type. George Carlin is superb, and his caustic wit, an echo of all-stops-pulled stand up performances, occasionally shines through - a delight.

But of course it is Liv Tyler who makes the movie not just watchable, but very, very pleasantly watchable. Liv is heart-stoppingly cute in this film, even in her slightly unflattering librarian spectacles. The film is family stuff, so don't expect One Night At McCool's type of drooling (foamy car wash and stuff), but oh boy is she worth her royalty check.

Give it a chance!
I don't know what everyone is complaining about. It is a moving tearjerker and cute too. Of course it's not going to get any oscars for acting, but why not just give it a chance? Raquel Castro is an incredibly talented kid, and I am no fan of child actors or actresses, believe me. I also found George Carlin to be perfectly cast. Maybe the folks who are panning this movie are not parents yet, so they see the whole thing differently. I say, "Give it a chance!"

A Little Bit for Everyone....
So I admit that it's not the best I've ever seen of Afleck. It is the best I have seen of J Lo (though that is not saying much). But the movie overall is pretty good. I am an avid Kevin Smith fan and as such I was excited to see the movie, but I did not get my hopes up. I found this movie to cater very much to his fans. In my opinion it is an attempt for Kevin Smith to bring a heartfelt family type, quasi-chickflick to his fans who probably aren't the biggest fans of those types of movie. Unfortunately for other moviegoers, it seems to be lost on them as the style doesn't fit into any "normal" category. It is for that reason that I applaud him. This isn't the best movie Kevin Smith has made, but it is very enjoyable and successfully translates Smith's style to other genres of film. The movie is fun, funny, and touching. Raquel Castro is absolutely enchanting, Carlin gives a wonderfully touching but hilarious performance, and Afleck can be sentimental if you give him a chance and don't prejudge.

Other people say that this film is just a rehash of the cliche, but then aren't most touching chickflick type movies? I think that Kevin Smith's style adds a great deal to the movie to make it stand out from the rest, as I am tired of all the other cliched heartfelt movies.

However, I'm waiting to buy the movie until it comes out on Special Edition with all those great Kevin Smith extras next year. ... Read more

Description

In the most provocative film of the year, Academy Award-winner Michael Moore presents a searing examination of the role played by greed and oil in the wake of the tragic events of 9/11. From Academy-Award winning director Michael Moore (Bowling for Columbine). WINNER, Palme D’Or Award at the Cannes Film Festival, BEST PICTURE. DVD features:

* "The Release of Fahrenheit 9/11" featurette
* "Iraq, Pre-War" featurette: The people of Iraq on the eve of invasion
* "Homeland security, Miami style" featurette: Footage of the old men who patrol the Florida coast lookng for terrorists as part of the homeland security plan
* "Outside Abu Ghraib Prison"
* Eyewitness account from Samara, Iraq
* "Lila, D.C.": Lila Lipscomb at the Washington, D.C. premiere
* Arab-American comedians: Their acts and experiences after 9/11
* Extended interview: More with Abdul Henderson
* "Condi 9/11": Condoleezza Rice's 9/11 Commission testimony
* "Bush Rose Garden": George W. Bush's full press briefing after 9/11 Commission appearance ... Read more

Reviews (562)

Fahrenheit burns fast all the way through
I first saw Fahrenheit more out of curiosity than politics. I thought I would find it tediously political. I was wrong. This is actually an outstanding movie that hits its subject hard and with humor. The film raises some very troubling and important questions, but it is best when Michael Moore backs away and lets the film's images and the mother who lost her son in the war speak for themselves. This is emotionally powerful stuff, and at times, the effect is at once both soaring and searing. Believe me, I was glad for the humor as comic relief. I am generally conservative politically, and I must admit I was a little uncomfortable with the unremitting Bushbashing. However, I came away seriously moved, sobered, thoughtful and with an overpowering sense of tragedy in the making, and not many films in the last ten years have done that to me. So, I give this movie all five stars and a standing ovation. It is a great movie and I recommend it regardless of your political leaning, for this is the kind of film a mature democracy should receive well and with gratitude. Now, let us have one just as good for the conservative voices?

Truth Hurts Only When It Should
While Michael Moore may be preaching to the choir, there is no denying the choir is singing "Hallelujah!" "Fahrenheit 9/11" is one of the most powerful films I've ever seen. It's also profound, passionate, persuasive and penetrating. But more than all that, it's courageous! Like him, or hate him, no one can deny this was an incredible act of courage.

He takes on George W. and his administration so convincingly, so thoroughly, Howard Dean must be standing on a street corner somewhere in Vermont screaming "Amen!"

Interestingly enough, the movie wasn't nearly as slanted as I assumed it would be. And he didn't limit his wrath or criticism to Bush alone, or even the Republicans alone. Fingers were pointed and jabbed at both sides of the isle as well as almost all facets of the media. He painted a picture, albeit not a pretty one, step by step, stroke by stroke, meticulously and hypnotically. And by the end it was to this viewer an unqualified masterpiece.

He goes to great length to make it abundantly clear that all Americans should and do support our troops, even if we don't support this war. He effectively illustrates the horror of which they've been thrust into, and the futility of what they're up against. Only one child of the entire Congress of the United States of America is actually over there in Irag fighting. The look on the congressmen's faces of which he was interviewing when he asked if they would be willing to enlist their children in this war to show their support was priceless and telling.

He goes on to fill this canvas with such shocking persuasive anecdotes, interviews and news clips that most of the audience is left in horror, disgust or laughter.

There's no question that Moore is biased, but he's so thorough, so passionate, so sincere that by the end of the movie one can't help but wonder if there's not a whole lot more truth to what he's conveying than anyone was ever willing to admit out loud.

Every American, of every political, cultural and racial persuasion should see this movie for themselves. And from there, let their consciences be their guide. If the standing ovation and applause at the end of the near sold-out show my wife and I attended this morning in Del Mar was any indication, we're in for turbulent summer.

Kudos to Lions Gate for being so instrumental in bringing this vitally important work to the screen. And if anyone should be thinking of boycotting a studio because of this film, the name Disney comes rushing to mind.

Don't believe everything you hear!
This is an extraordinary, powerful, and well thought out movie. It is harsh on the Bush administration and their failures. But more importantly... it is ALL documented. You will hear a ton of BAD things about this movie from the extremely political people out there. Facts are hard to dispute, so a spin campaign is in full force. Michael Moore anticipated this and had complete documentation of his sources available for your own research. Go to http://www.michaelmoore.com/warroom/f911notes / and check the sources to verify the accuracy of this movie before you listen to any of the negative propaganda against it. So I emplore you, DO NOT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU HEAR... check it out for yourself and be intelligently informed. This movie is a MASTERPIECE!!!

Hype and Propaganda
Fahrenheit 911 is a complete work of trash. It never ceases to amaze me to see the sheep bleating his praises and not realizing he is leading them to slaughter. His film is a total work of editing and misstatements. His usage of a mother who was distraught over the death of her son is crass and tasteless. The fawning of the mullets over this gaudy farse is almost too much to comprehend. Please start thinking with your brains and quit lining the pocket of the master of deception. If you have any common sense, you will watch FahrenHYPE 911 and see some of the same people that Michael Moore skillfully twisted their words with editing to make it appear they were saying the opposite of what was truly being said. Quit acting like sheep people.

Pathetic
It's unfortunate that I must give this at least one star to post this message. How can this film be called a documentary? To the reviewer who said this movie was based on 100% fact-- do you live in a closet? Even Michael Moore, himself, stated that many portions of this film were skewed or all out false (and it has been proven as such). It's very sad to think so many prominent and public figures can't truly gather information or think for themselves and much of the American public puts such blind faith in what they say. Does Michael Moore (and everyone else) forget how the Clinton administration wanted to invade Iraq? They quickly backed down because some people in an Ohio town hall meeting got miffed at the idea. Doesn't anyone consider the genocide going on in Iraq at the hands of Saddam? When was that ever acceptable by the global community. I would think that after what Hitler managed to do to the Jewish community, the Jewish community(& much of Hollywood) would never want to have that happen to someone else. Or do the Kurds not count? It really makes me sad that they are not considered whenever people debate over the Iraqi war. Let's consider another factor- the troops. I find it fascinating that Michael Moore and his supporters believe that the Bush administration is exploiting these 'simple' people and sending them off to be slaughtered. Simple? Many men and women of the military (and their families) are highly educated. Most have some college background and many have degrees. As a wife of an enlisted man (who may be heading over in the spring), I am completely insulted. My husband is well trained in a highly specialized and dangerous job and has managed to squeeze in some college classes as well. I, myself, have a science degree from a top, private college. We are not uneducated people who walk around and blindly believe what a politician says. And I feel pity for those who do. Another note- these men and women in our Armed Services are highly trained and are in the service voluntarily. There are many countries where it is mandatory to serve in the military for a certain amount of time (e.g. Isreal). How great is it that we have so many men and women willing to serve this great country? You can also ask just about any service man or woman what they think about so many Americans protesting this war and they will tell you that they are happy Americans have the freedom to do so. If it wasn't for these men and women, Mr. Moore probably wouldn't have been able to make such a movie, much less make millions from it. To the people protesting in the name of the troops- Unless you or a close loved one is in the military, do us a favor and back off. Don't protest in the name of something (or someone) you know nothing about. ... Read more

Reviews (126)

There's no such thing as a no-sale call.
Giovanni Ribisi is Seth Davis, a 19-year-old who's secretly running a backdoor casino while his parents think he's in college. Desperate for a quick buck, he joins JT Marlin, a brokerage firm that has the look, feel, and energy of a Morgan Stanley or Smith Barney. But underneath the gloss, this is a firm that engages in shady dealings, selling fake stocks and ripping off investors cold. Seth learns the ropes of the trade and over time becomes ruthless and cocky. He alienates his no-nonsense dad, who happens to be a judge and is, to say the least, disappointed that his son is blowing off college.

On the surface, this sounds like a re-telling of "Wall Street," but don't dismiss this film so easily. "Boiler Room" soars on the strength of performances of Nicky Katt, Scott Caan (son of James), Nia Long, and the then-unknown Vin Diesel. The film moves at a brisk pace and, for the most part, avoids melodrama and other formulaic touches. Definitely worth a look.

A Gem of a Film
It is very obvious to anyone who has seen "Wall Street" that this film borrows an awful lot from Oliver Stone's 1987 classic. Every stock broker in the film seems to be modelled on Michael Douglas' Gordon Gekko character with the exception of Giavanni Ribisi who unfortunately seems to be moulded on the Charlie Sheen part. The paralels between the two films are incredible but that doesn't mean that "The Boiler Room" is in anyway a lesser film because of it.

Giovanni Ribisi plays Seth, a 19 year old who drops out of college to start his own backdoor casino. He proves to be a genius running "the biz" and one night he is payed a visit by a long time friend who has now become a stock broker. With visions of becoming a millionaire within three years Seth eagerly takes a job at the firm.

Throughout the film Ribisi seems to have a strange attachment to his Father. (Much like the Sheen's in Wall Street) He wants to be constantly "doing good" so his Father can be proud of him. This is fine and everything but eventually it gets way out of control and the film starts to indulge in banal sentimentality. You start to wonder towards the end if Ribisi is suffering from some strange reverse Oedipus complex or something.

The best scenes are indeed the ones at the office. Ribisi quickly learns how to "close" and get anyone's money but gradually starts to feel hollow inside. In one scene he takes the life savings of an easily manipulated middle class Father. He consciously takes his money knowing it will be lost.

The stock brokers are a fitting image of Gordon Gekko. Ben Affleck especially who's only part in the movie is to come in the room and scream at the new guys. "Whoever says money is the root of all evil doesn't have any" is his character's memorable line. You get the impression though that his character is only there to amplify the cuthroat mentality of the wall street lifestyle. He's still real fun to listen to though. The rest of the brokers are all high on their own greed and are so over the top that it's actually just silly. For no reason there are three bar fights as rival broker's start trouble over who wears a nicer tie. I'm not sure who wrote their dialogue but apparently they have been watching too many mob movies. Each broker talks like a Maffioso and really in the end can't be taken seriously. "American Psycho" satirized stock broker's so well when they were seen arguing about who had the nicest font on their business card. "The Boiler Room's" broker's are basically a more extreme version of the same thing.

"The Boiler Rrom" really flows well and that is it's best asset. It is the perfect length and never goes too far in one direction to get boring. The killer instinct is played out perfectly and makes for an energetic, often times very funny movie. A gem.

Wall Street for Dummies is True
If you think this movie was intelligent and the best stock market film I feel sorry for you. I can name ten better than this and even though this movie tries to become Wall Street for the 90's it incredibly falls short. Why? More than one reason. First of all the actors don't compare to those in Wall Street. Martin Sheen and Michael Douglas stole the show in Wall Street with fine, veteran acting. I didn't care for Charlie Sheen but even he was better than Giovanni Ribisi. Boiler Room was just another film thrown up to target a young audience. It has no point, no plot and the best actors were the ones shown the least. Jamie Kennedy, Nicky Katt, Ron Ripkin, Nia Long ( and the guy that played Harry ) were the sparks of the film. Ben Affleck and Vin Diesel's presence wasn't needed. Neither of them did anything of importance. All the actors in the world and the casting director picked Ribisi to be the lead? Especially when he's standing beside actors who would have played Seth ten times better? I can't see that. He may be a likeable supporting character but he wasn't strong enough to carry the role of Seth. I love interracial relationships but there is no way in the world a woman as beautiful as Nia Long would look at a room full of young men and fall for Giovanni Ribisi, who played Seth like a mindless dork.. Sorry, but I couldn't believe that. Seth was supposed to be this hustler yet he is so stupid he can't see that J.T. is a chop shop? Please! Anyway this is nothing to get hot for unless you like lackluster films that will only amount to " wannabe " status. Yes this is a wannabe Wall Street that never is or never will be.

Don't be fooled by the great soundtrack. They used hip hop to lure you into thinking this film was hip and trendy. Once you start to watch it you see it's nothing to get excited about.

A Modern Day Wall Street
What Wall Street did for the '80s, Boiler Room did for the 90's. With its wonderful cast and side plots, Boiler Room showed the shady world of the flourishing chop shops during the 90's boom. The father/son relationship Seth has is heart-wrenching as is the Abby's home situation. Many lessons are to be learned through this film. For one, regardless of how shady a company is, there do exist some people in these firms who either don't know what is going on or who really have no other choice. Secondly, stop worrying about trying to impress others (even family) it just may get you into trouble.

"Gecko"
This movie surprise me.I liked how they use "Gecko"and it shows them watching Wall Street that was cool.The next best movie to Wall Street (Michael Douglas) in the stock market.
Seth Davis (Giovanni Ribisi) drops out of college and stumbles upon a job to be a stock broker to make all kinds of money, everything is going well, and he is doing great,but things seen to good to be true , as he finds out what he's got himself into.With actors such as Ribisi ,Vin Diesel,Nia Long , Scott Katt and Ben Affeck as (Jim Young) some what like Alex Badwin's part in Glengarry Glen Ross similar in arrogant roles.So set the sale and Enjoy!!!! ... Read more

Description

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. ... Read more

Reviews (355)

Simply Fabulous!
"Chasing Amy" by director Kevin Smith is such an triumph. This movie about love, friendship and taking chances hits with so many punches. It's well rounded, it doesn't take the easy way out, NOR does it go for the safe laugh. The story surrounding comic book writer Holden (Ben Afflect) , his best mate and partner Banky (played beautifully by Jason Lee), and Holden's love for fellow comic book girl, lesbian Allyssa (Joey Lauren Adams) Who SO deserved the Golden Globe Nomination. It's sweet, lovely and such a testament to true love. Conflict between these three characters carries this movie with such intelligence.

One of the BEST love declaration speeches in movie HISTORY is in this movie, when Holden spills his cuts (in the rain, no less) to Alyssa. That scene sums up the whole movie. It's just such a good movie. Supporting cast includes the performance of Fan Fav. "Jay and Silent Bob" in a wonderful moment that sums it all up. Truly inspired writing on Smith's part.

I hope everyone appreciates it like I do. It's fabulous!

blech!
Why did this movie get such good reviews?? Maybe it would've been clearer when it came out, but I honestly thought it was terrible.

The main plotline made no sense whatsoever. There was no chemistry between Ben and Joey's characters, and suddenly, after about 10 minutes, he found himself deeply in love with her and had to make a 5 minute confession to her. Then it turns out she, a former lesbian, was in love with him all along too, and suddenly they're kissing in the rain. There was no build-up to this, and as such I felt nothing for their relationship or anything they were going through.

The drawn-out monologues in the movie are pretty silly as well. The characters talk at each other for long periods of time while the others just stare at them blankly. (Ben Affleck has indeed mastered the blank, gaping stare.) And parts of the movie are so silly that I wasn't sure if any of the movie was supposed to be taken seriously at all. Sometimes it seems it has a message, but then it's just stupid.

It was kind of entertaining at times, and the supporting characters were amusing. So that's why it got 2 stars. But overall it was a pretty bad movie.

another popular release.
This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edotion of the film.

This film the third release in the Jersey "trilogy" (quintilogy to be exact) is also the one where Silent Bob speaks more than any other release. In this film,(Ben Affleck) a comic book artist falls in love with young women who is also a comic book artist, only to discover that she is lesbian. The film is not for children and like the film "Clerks" almost got an NC-17 rating based solely on sexual dialog.

The Criterion DVD has numerous special features.
There is a new DVD edition video introdiction for the audio commentary explaining a comment made by Kevin blasting DVD's (The audio commentary as originally recorded for the laserdisc edition.)
The is full length audio commentary by director/actor Kevin Smith, producer Scott Mosier, actors Ben Affleck and Jason Mewes, associate producer Robert Hawk, Miramax executive Jon Gordon, and Vincent Pereira. There is also a Theatrical trailer, 10 deleted scenes with introductions. There is also a set of outtakes.

The Criterion Collection remains the exclusive distributer for the film's DVD format as of the time this review is being written.

'Till the other shoe drops
Interesting but pretty improbable, and ultimately it will be unworkable. It should have been written as a tragedy instead it is a farce.

ok but no clerks
this was an ok film, but still highly overrated i recommend clerks, clerks the series, or maybe mallrats instead of this. ... Read more

Reviews (426)

Fans Only. Others Need Not Apply
Title: Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

Director: Kevin Smith

Cast: Jason Mewes ... Jay
Kevin Smith ... Silent Bob
Ben Affleck ... Holden McNeil/Himself
Jeff Anderson ... Randal Graves
Brian O'Halloran ... Dante Hicks
Shannon Elizabeth ... Justice
Eliza Dushku ... Sissy
Ali Larter ... Chrissy
Jennifer Schwalbach Smith ... Missy
Will Ferrell ... Federal Wildlife Marshal Willenholly
Jason Lee ... Brodie Bruce/Banky Edwards

Tagline: "Hollywood had it coming."

Plot Summary: Jay and Silent Bob must travel to Hollywood to stop production on the movie adaptation of Bluntman and Chronic.

Review and Comments: Don't ask why, just sit back and enjoy the ride. Or don't enjoy it. This movie is one huge "in joke" for people who enjoyed the movies Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and Dogma...particularly the first three. And it helps if you have a working knowledge of Hollywood inside jokes and United States Popular Culture. This isn't just a "Jay and Silent Bob" movie, it's a send-up of movies and filming in general.

Basically, what happened here was that Kevin Smith decided to make one long movie about the characters of Jay and Silent Bob, the annoying stoner and his usually silent sidekick that will be familiar to fans (and anti-fans) of Smith's films. If you've watched the movies and you know that the characters annoy you, it's a safe bet that this movie will annoy you even more. If you think the movie might be fun, watch it. Jay and Silent Bob aren't alone here. There's a long list of actors reprising their various roles from earlier Smith films, and they appear at different points throughout the journey.

Oh yeah...the journey...there is a story here, however slight. There's a movie being made about the Bluntman and Chronic comic. Jay and Silent Bob find out that people on the internet are bad mouthing the movie and the characters, so they travel to Hollywood to stop production on the movie before it can ruin their reputations. Or something like that. Along the way, they meet up with various side characters, including a group of girls traveling in a van fulfilling virtually every Charlie's Angel's joke you ever dreamed of. Jay falls in love with one of the girls. She loves him. There's an orangutan involved...

Listen. If you've read this far, you know what kind of movie it is. It's not pretending to be good (in fact, there's a running joke about just how bad this movie actually is that continues throughout the actual movie). It's one joke after another, a lot of them miss, but there's enough jokes to ensure that some of them will be funny. After watching several serious movies and immersing myself in Kevin Smith films for the past few weeks, I appreciated this movie. What else can I say?

The Bottom Line: Strictly for those who are fans of the characters.

The Tackier they get, the funnier they can be
I loved Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back. From the actual DVD, to the outtakes and deleted scenes on the second disk. Our not so bright heros learn of a movie being based off of the comic book Bluntman and Chronic, and are talked into going after their cut of the royalties. With cameo performances by Jason Lee as both his prior characters Banky (Chasing Amy), and Brodie (Mallrats), Ben Affleck as Holden (Chasing Amy), Brian O'Halloran (Dante/Clerks), Jeff Anderson (Randall/Clerks), Mark Hamill as the 'movie villain' & of course, our overly reprised heros Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith).

The story is the trials and tribulations the dynamic duo go through to prevent the Bluntman and Chronic movie from being made due to reviews at a random internet site by people who are self styled movie critics. During the course of the film they duo are duped into breaking into an animal testing lab and stealing an orangutang, falling in love, going across country, and ultimately leading to redemptions.

If you're a Kevin Smith fan, you'll enjoy the comedy in the movie as it's run of the mill Kevin Smith humor, and of course his shots at general pop culture, along with influences of his in filmmaking are always a good reason to watch it.

An insult to Smith fans everywhere.
Prior to this movie, I was a huge Kevin Smith fan. I loved the pseudo-intellectual banter in "Clerks," and discovered a new religion in "Dogma" (no, not Catholicism). Then, this piece of trash came out, where Smith unabashedly mocks every loyal fan that's ever quoted Dante, frequented the Quick Stop, or glued a Buddy Christ figurine to their dashboard. I was so disappointed, I posted an inflammatory note on his website (www.viewaskew.com). I suggest you do the same.

1 of the greatest movies of all time... no joke!!
This is an awsome film where two best buddies Jay(Jason Mewes), and Silent Bob(Kevin Smith, who also wrote and directed this film), two stoners from jersey half to stop a film, that is based on the charictars they are in a comic book/tv show. They need to stop it because... there not making 1 penny on it. They get arrested, get in dangerous situations and its all just a fun and good movie. Unless you are sensitive, then dont watch this film because Jay says the f word 3 times in a sentance, and it has sexual humor that some may not like, but if you dont care about the content of the film (like me) and are just out there for good laughs get this and the film CLERKS.

worst movie ever
I was so dissapointed by this film. I am a big Kevin Smith fan - Clerks, Chasing Amy, Dogma all are great films but THIS MOVIE SUCKS! A half hearted effort at best, only retarded adolecents will find this movie engaging. Save your money for his other films - they merit your time. ... Read more

Reviews (551)

A fun, dark superhero film
No, it's not as good as Tim Burton's Batman, nor the original Superman or the recent Spiderman movies. But Daredevil still is a good comic book film that wins much of my praise by being true to the page in creating a very dark character in a harsh world

Still, it is not without its flaws, and if it weren't for some very unique traits I would rate this film as only mediocre. But what works here works exceptionally well. Beginning with the traditional origin story of Daredevil (Ben Affleck), a blind superhero whose remaining senses are greatly heightened, the movie shows how he became a vengeful vigilante who kills the bad guys rather then turning them in to face a potentially corrupt court system (Daredevil's alter ego Matt Murdock is a lawyer by day). This world is mean, and so is its superhero. But he wrestles with his conscious and wonders if he is a bad guy too. In this comic book world, people die. Including those you don't expect to. In other words, it more accurately depicts real life while still in a superhero world.

One particular unique thing about the film is how it illustrates Daredevil's radar sense. The vibrations he picks up are shown in a fantastic visual effect that has to be one of the best film realizations of a superpower in history. From the origin scene when he goes blind to a wonderful scene with Elecktra in the rain where he first "sees" what she looks like from the drops of rain on her face, the technique is used for characterization and "film moments," and never just to show off a cool special effect.

Unfortunately, the movie isn't perfect. There isn't enough development of Elecktra and Daredevil's relationship, and bad guy Kingpin (Michael Clark Duncan) doesn't have enough screentime to villainify his presence. All the characters could have benefited from further characterization as well. But this is a comic book movie, after all, and in the end what matters most is how much fun it was. And Daredevil is a blast.

Truth Or Dare
Daredevil is yet another comic book hero that takes a crack at movie stardom. Created by Stan Lee and Bill Everett in 1964, for Marvel Comics, the film adaptation ends up as a mixed effort at best.

At the age of 12, young Matt Murdock (Scott Terra) is left blinded by dangerous chemicals, while running away from a the scene of a crime, in Hell's Kitchen New York. Soon after, he realizes that the same chemicals that took his sight, have somehow enhanced his remaining senses and made him superhuman. As Matt grows up. he vows to use his powers to fight crime and bring order to Hell's Kitchen...Now an adult Matt (Ben Affleck) is a defense lawyer by day and the masked Daredevil by night...Our hero is being hunted by a ruthless assassin named Bullseye (Colin Farrell), who was hired by the Kingpin of Crime (Michael Clarke Duncan) to take him out. Things get even worse for Matt as the woman he loves, Elektra Natchios (Jennifer Garner), blames his alter ego for a devasting loss.

Written and directed by Mark Steven Johnson, the film serves the character's origins pretty well, in other words, it stays true to the original comic book.. The film boasts some cool action sequences and solid effects. I especially liked the way in which Daredevil used his power and how that was shown on screen. Since many of the stunts in the movie were staged by the team that handled the Matrix. I was never bored or put off by what I saw there. As usual actors Jon Favreau, playing Matt's pal Frank Nelson, and Joe Pantoliano, as New York Post reporter Ben Urich provide the film some comic relief. Cameo watchers will notice creator Stan Lee and a famous comic book fan turned film director in the film as well.

While the film does have its good points, I found the casting of the film troublesome, and in the end, that's why I only rate this film 2 and a half to three stars. When it comes right down to it, in order for a super hero film to work, it has to be well cast. Without a solid cast to breathe life into the characters, the best special effects can't do it alone. Take the villians. Colin Farrell (can you say over exposed), Hollywood's latest rebel, with his raspy portrayal of Bullseye, come sacross as having a bad case of laryngitis, instead of posing any threat. I also thought the nature of the Kingpin character was lost because other than the film's finale-MCD really had little to do in the film-even though sequels are a certainty, the role was all too brief. Therefore I felt any bald actor could have played the role.As for Affleck, he was just kind of just there, like so many of his roles, he seems to be on cruise control. He did Ok I guess. But at the same time he didn't WOW me either. As good as Garner may be at kicking butt, I didn't think she
shared a lot of chemestry, with Affleck and she seemed to over play it at times in the film. My final gripe with Daredevil is its running time. At just above 90 minutes, the film felt rushed for a comic book flick Fans of the character will see the film anyway. All others might want to skip it and wait for it to come out on video or DVD

Daredevil rocks with or without the mask
Affleck has never been my favorite actor but his Matt Murdock made this movie for me. I can relate to his desire to see justice done and to stand up for the little guy. I loved it that he only defends clients that he believes are innocent even if they can't pay him. I also liked the fact that he grappled with his own morality and battled to keep his desire for revenge from getting in the way of his desire for justice. The Kingpin is Daredevil's enemy and like Daredevil he comes from a violent past. It's Daredevil's struggle to remain on the side of justice that makes him different from the Kingpin. They are as different as they are the same. Will there be a Daredevil sequel? Daredevil was a money maker and the plan all along was to get Elektra off the ground next and that's what's still being planned. We'll have to stay tuned to see exactly what's next for Daredevil at the movies. Meanwhile we have the Daredevil DVD. It's too bad so many people insist on wanting Daredevil to be another Spiderman but I like Daredevil for he is. With or without the mask Matt Murdock is a guy with his heart in the right place who struggles with his demons and tries to do what's right.
I like that.

A FEW MISTAKES, BUT OVER ALL PRETTY GOOD
First of all I would like to say that I am a big Marvel comics fan, and I happen to think that Ben Affleck is a good actor. Now with that said....

Lets get the mistakes out of the way first.

1.There was not enough time spent with the Kingpin, we should have gotten his back story as well. [he was white in the comics, but Mr. Duncan did a good job.

2.some moments wee very cheesy. [see foryourself]

3.And finally.....that's it.

The film was actually better then I thought it would be, I mean after the Hulk came out I thought Marvel was slippin. I now see that I should have seen this in theatures. I can just imagine what it would have looked and sounded like on the big screen.
The effecs in this film were off the hook as well, as well as the camera angles courtesy off Ericson Bore. As far as dialouge goes that could have been a little better at times but over all good, that would be credited to mark steven johnson. I also liked the fact that one of my favorite filmmakers shows up, Kevin Smith. That right there alone makes me want to buy it, oh wait I already did. Casting was on point with this on, putting Ben Affleck as Daredevil was like putting Tobey as peter parker it's a perfect match. And Michael Duncan did a good job as The Kingpin Wilson Fisk. I think the addition of Colin Ferrell as Bullseye was key, he did an excellent job. And Jennifer Garrner did an ok job as Elektra, could have been a little better. Over all I feel that this was a pretty good film, u should check it out.

the man without fear
lets get its flaws out of the way first.its not necessary to show a small boy being blinded,screaming in agony at the hospital and the like.what is it with movie makers and graphic portrayels of kids suffering?damn!would you all stop it already.the whole daredevil comic was also summed up in one movie.it has been out a long time.some of daredevils stunts all over the rooftops were hardly belivable,especialy for a blind man.and lastly,that the kingpin is a gigantic,fat white guy not a pretty big,thick,black man.are we color blind?does it just not matter what a guys color is?i bet you a lot of people would get mad if a movie got made about oprah with rosanne playing her or one about martin king with danny devto cast as the doc.now the cat woman is black too.this is stupid.can eveyone just stay the right color please?in this one a kid gets blinded .his other senses get bettter,but his take off to super extraordinary levels.he becomes the daredevil.lawyer by day,masked vigilante by night.well,the kingpin whos now a homeboy crimeboss.since were on the subject,crimeBOSSES,are almost always white.the thugs are black.check your statistics!but,anyway the kingpin is getting pod that his men keep getting wasted.yes,they are white.so,he gets this crazy irish guy called bulleseye to kill him.bulleseye has a few powers of his own.1-anything whatsoever he picks up,he can use lethaly.2-he never misses-except in this movie when hes fighting the daredevil,3-his bones are laced like wolverines with admantium.im betting they didnt use that in the movie either.ben affleck plays daredevil.it is the best ben affleck movie ever! i like jay and silent bob strikes back better.but he was in that for only a few minutes and whined like a littlke girl the whole time.youre the parent you make the call with this one.i couldnt really say.it is one of the better comic book films lately.if you liked them,youll like this one too.elektra is a long time rival of daredevils in the comic book but here shes his girlfriend and she is HOT!!!!!!!!!too bad she never goes full frontal.hype says its not that good.the real deal is its better than the average comic flick.the action is awesome.there is a fight between dd and everyone i named.will there be a sequel?if you watched the credits,and lets be honest,nobody does,you ll see bullseye all muffed up in a hospital bed.now this did happen...........wait a minute!no it didnt!daredevil had a building fall on him from bulleseye.nevermind!its a good movie.the creators just had a hard time seeing to make it with thier heads so far up thuer asses.maybe thats why its about a blind guy. ... Read more

Reviews (616)

Smith's fun movie shows what he can do with Hollywood budget
Kevin Smith ("Clerks", "Mallrats" and"Chasing Amy") continues to get better with each film. If"End of Days" does not sound like a fun Armageddon-themed film, try Dogma. Dogma is fun, for sure, but not for the easily offended. S those who would prefer not to see angels use profanity, or the wrath (i.e. violence) of misguided angels of death, they should avoid this film like the plague. Chris Rock also makes an appearance as the 13th apostle Rufus, who claims that he was left out of the Bible because he's black. Witty dialogue, plenty of pop culture references (Who's house? Run's house!) and some interesting philosophical questions make for a very entertaining way to spend an evening. The only negative aspects are the bad special effects (in one scene, there is a s--- demon that looks like something from "Jason and the Argonauts".) and a lame ending including an appearance by Alanis Morisette as God. It might've been four, but with the Alanis Morisette appearance, three stars. Josh Bob says check it out as a matinee, or pay full price and leave when "God" arrives ...

Great writing, wonderful cast, bland direction.
Let's be frank: visually, "Dogma" is unimpressive. The special effects look TV-quality, the editing is jerky, the cinematography is bland and Kevin Smith's direction is unispired.

Thankfully, the sins of "Dogma" are far outweighed by its virtues. Smith's script is hilarious, thought-provoking, and ultimately touching. To act it out, he's rounded up a top-notch cast that brings genuine life to their roles.

Brainy bombshell Linda Fiorentino is Bethany, chosen seemingly at random by the sarcastic angel Metatron (Alan Rickman) to work for God. Her mission: to stop a pair of fallen angels (Ben Affleck and Matt Damon) from exploiting a Catholic Church loophole that will get them back into Heaven. If they do, they'll prove God wrong, thus erasing everything He/She has created.

Bethany's reluctant allies in her quest include Chris Rock as Rufus, the unrecorded 13th apostle, kicked out of Earth, Heaven and history for rightly insisting that Jesus was black; Salma Hayek as a Muse with a heavenly body and a brain to match; and everyone's favorite potheads Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Smith.)

Fiorentino gives yet another great performance, contrasted nicely by Rickman's sad, exasperated angel. Affleck and Damon's menacing twist on their pretty-boy images is genuinely disturbing. Mewes is reliably funny as the imbecilic Jay, and Smith shows perfect comic timing and impressive range as Silent Bob.

The story mostly coasts along on a vast supply of smart-alec wit, but a few scenes rise above the rest: an unnerving parking-garage confrontation between Affleck and Damon, and a quiet lakeside chat between Fiorentino and Rickman. "Dogma" also scores points for keeping most of its script's excessive violence stylishly offscreen.

Bottom line: "Dogma" is not a well-made film, but it is a good one. You will laugh loudly and often, and come away with a greater respect for the power of faith and the importance of believing in something greater than yourself.

Film fans take note: in October 2000 View Askew will release the "collector's edition" of this film, with more than an hour of cut footage and plenty of other extra goodies.

BOLDLY CYNICAL (AND OCCASIONALLY FUNNY) LOCKER-ROOM PRATTLE
As a sweet bite of blaspemy this Kevin Smith stinker may do fine, supported by a star-studded cast and a crunchily inventive premise to sink our collective teeth into the heart of Catholicism.

But it is amusing to see a horde of reviewers call this clever and thoughtful. Sorry folks, the film's troop of eccentric characters do very little to bail it out of its convoluted ramble about theology.

When it comes to intellectual muck-raking, the film with its doozy "loophole" simply drowns under the weight of diminishing returns. Religion is not an intellectual exercise, it's role is to fulfill spiritual, psychological and emotional needs in our lives. A person needs his world to make some sense to them, and religion can comfort with answers that science can not yet provide.

If on the other hand you're game for some tongue-in-cheek degenerative humor (for example, giant monsters of bubbling human excrement) sure, this may be right up your alley. Just make sure you have plenty of time as the circus goes on for a while.

dogma is cosmic law.
two angels,who were kicked out of heaven long ago,find a loop-hole so they may return.they need to go to new jersey.jay and silent bob go with the last zion,the 13th apostle rufis-left out of the bible because hes black,and the muse join forces to prevent this for if the angels get to heaven all creation will go poof!it stars matt damon and ben affleck as the 2 angels.alanis morriseete as god,chris rock is rufis and even george carlin as a bishop in the church.of the jay and silent bob movies it ranks second id say,but a lot of people say its the best also.it is the best religious based movie of all time!however,it will piss off all church goers.no naked chicks in this one either.chris rock,although normaly one of the most obnoxious racist bigots alive,actualy doesnt bitch too much in this one.he does make a good point that if there is a christian god-and lets face it theres probaly not-hes black.why would he be anything else?the world started in AFRica right?i abselutely love this movie!

Didn't live up to the hype
The idea of skewering the Catholic Church is not new. Nor is it particularly "brave", since they're supposed to love their persecutors. I'm still waiting for the "brave" film that skewers, say, militant Islam. Yeah, you kind of lose your courage when you might actually get hurt.

Anyway. The general hype looked promising. A film that pokes fun at Catholicism. I popped in the DVD and waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Let's see: there were excrement demons, a black apostle, some homicidal angels ... but where was the satire?

It's a shame. This film would have worked better as a comedy. That is, if the writer/director(s) had said, hey, let's make this humorous. Throw in some jokes, some laughs. After all, they had Chris Rock. The idea of a black apostle is sort of funny; why not make it intentionally funny? They had George Carlin; why not make him say some funny lines? Why not have those two *write* some funny lines?

But no. As it is, I'm not sure what the film really is. The heroine's deadpan, bored delivery might be a clue.

Apparently some viewers thought it was a satire or comedy, but perhaps it's sarcasm. Or just plain meanness, trying to convince others to suffer through this tedious film. Or maybe - maybe they really thought it was funny - no, wait, I'm starting to entertain really wacky thoughts here.

Borrow, don't buy. ... Read more

Reviews (213)

"The 70's...oh m