CHASING AMY
A film review by Ben Hoffman
Copyright 1997 Ben Hoffman
This is the third in a trilogy written and directed by Kevin Smith. The previous two films were the offbeat and very entertaining CLERKS and MALLRATS. In this third film, Smith digs deeply into relationships as we come close to the end of a millennium. Men and women are as ridiculous in their relationships as they were a few decades ago.
Two cartoonist partners, Holden (Ben Affleck) and Banky (Jason Lee) are prospering with their cult comic books. When they meet Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams) who is also a comic book artist, Holden is instantly attracted to her. He is at least momentarily unnerved when he sees her with her girlfriend in a passionate kiss but he is so taken with her that he is willing to settle for just a relationship as friends even if his partner, Banky, says Holden is not the type to have women as mere friends.
Apparently, Alyssa, a gorgeous blonde with a sweet, lovable face, just THINKS she is a Lesbian. How else explain her attraction to Holden? Lesbians do not turn into heteros just because they meet a man to whom they are attracted. Alyssa has been a free spirit doing sexually whatever she wanted when she was younger, experimenting in every way. The question is whether Holden, a man of today, is able to handle what his adored Alyssa did ten or more years ago.
As in all three of his films, Smith's writing is exceptional so the dialog flows smoothly. That is true of his directing, as well. Off the beaten track of most of today's films, Smith cuts to the heart of what is troubling the young people of today who are still, in many cases, unsure of where they stand and where they are going or want to go. Profound, witty and entertaining,.
Nevertheless, I had looked for a different ending to the film. I could be wrong. Perhaps Smith's is the better option.
Written and Directed by Kevin Smith. 3 Bytes
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Ben Hoffman
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