Chasing Amy [DVD] [1997]

The plot focuses on Holden Mc McNeil (Ben Affleck), a successful comic book artist who has yet to fall really and truly in love. While at a comic book show with his friend of twenty years and collaborator, Banky Edwards (Jason Lee), with whom he lives, Holden ends up meeting a struggling, spunky, independent, female comic book artist, the gorgeous and sexy Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams). The only problem is that she claims to like women. This self-styled lesbian and Holden begin a friendship, however, that eventually deepens into something else.

Unfortunately, a strange love triangle of sorts seems to develop among Alyssa, Holden, and Banky, as Banky takes a strong dislike to Alyssa when she and Holden manage to take their relationship to the next level. The seemingly jealous Banky does his best to try to erode the bonds between the two, but it is Holden himself who does the most to erode what he and Alyssa have, with a little inadvertent help from Alyssa. It seems that the concept of unconditional love is one with which Holden has a problem.

This is a gender bender sort of film, with wonderful performances by the entire cast. Ben Affleck is well cast as Holden, giving a winning performance. Jason Lee is terrific as the erstwhile best friend with issues. Joey Lauren Adams lights up the screen every time she is in a scene. She does a terrific job with the role of the conflicted Alyssa. Dwight Ewell is sensational as Hooper LaMont, the ostensibly racist comic book artist, who has his own issues and is quite funny. Look also for a cameo by Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith). It is Silent Bob who lets the viewer in on the meaning of the film's title.

All in all, this is a highly enjoyable, off-beat and edgy, romantic comedy that fans of Kevin Smith will enjoy, as will all those film lovers who simply enjoy a great film. Bravo!

The plot is pretty straight forward but the quality of the writing is the thing that sets it a part from the rest of the films of its ink.

Affleck and Adams pull off terrific performances as the lovers, Affleck in particular performs the best he ever has in this film. But Jason Lee steals the show once again (much like Jeff Anderson in Clerks) as the jealous best friend. He not only performs with hilarity but with a heart too. He plays the funny man perfectly and much of it is reminiscent of his past performance in 'Rats. A great part casted to perfection, hats off to him. Jay and Silent Bob make a welcome appearance in another memorable scene, but it isnt as comedic as their parts in 'Rats (nor should it be) but they are there and their presence is felt.

The script is incredible, Smith wrote an absolutely amazing declaration of Love acted beautifully by affleck and it really shows his sensitive side.

Overall a film that truely deserves all the praise Clerks had and more. It will make you laugh, cry and think hard about love and sexuality. The best of the New Jersey "trilogy".