This is a movie that could have been, and wasn’t! Kevin Smith’s first film since his critically bashed MALLRATS is once again the formulaic mixture of comedy with a dramatic touch, the same formula that made his first film CLERKS such a success. But in CHASING AMY, the formula just doesn’t work because Smith has turned the “touch” into a slap. Don’t get me wrong though, this movie has moments that will make you laugh out loud. But then, with the suddenness of a gunshot, the plot becomes tediously over dramatic. The kind that’s so overdone, you find yourself cringing in your seat. Then after an hour of this garbage, Jay and Silent Bob (from CLERKS and MALLRATS) finally appear, hoping to save the film like the comic book heroes they’re depicted as. And while they do have one of the funniest scenes of the film, it’s not enough to save it, especially since the plot then jumps headfirst again into the tedious dramatic right after. Apparently, all Holden learned from Jay and Silent Bob was to come up with the most pathetic solution to a problematic relationship anyone has ever seen. If his solution had been a joke, then maybe it would have worked. Sadly it wasn’t and the film continues like this until its depressing and forced unhappy ending.

      I still think it necessary, however, to make mention of Ben Affleck and Jason Lee, two very talented actors. It’s a shame they end up stagnated by Smith’s up and down script. On the other hand, Joey Lauren Adams (Smith’s real-life girlfriend) also deserves special mention for her LACK of acting talent. For one, her shrieking in this movie is almost unbearable. Hearing her yell is like listening to Fran Drescher sing opera. All I have to say is, “I smell a Yoko.”

      In the end, I was sorely let down by CHASING AMY. This movie and its moral are nothing but an insult to your intelligence, frankly. So if you’re looking for something to do one night, go rent CLERKS and see a good film. Maybe Kevin Smith should do the same and see what he’s doing wrong.