Although not finding out about Kevin Smith films until I saw the superb Dogma on Sky Movies a couple of years ago I felt I had been missing out so set about catching up on his earlier work. And this film was one of those earlier films and in fact is the conclusion to his Jersey trilogy, which ... Read review
Writer-director Kevin Smith (Clerks) makes a huge leap in sophistication with this strong ... more
story about a comic-book artist (Ben Affleck) who falls in love with a lesbian (Joey Lauren Adams) and actually gets his wish that she love him, too. Their relati...
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Writer-director Kevin Smith (Clerks) makes a huge leap in sophistication with this strong ... more
story about a comic-book artist (Ben Affleck) who falls in love with a lesbian (Joey Lauren Adams) and actually gets his wish that she love him, too. Their relati...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
When successful comic book artist Holden meets Alyssa a fellow comic book artist he ... more
falls head over heels in love with her. Holden gets the shock of his life when he finds out she's not interested in him. She has her romantic sights set on another......
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Outrageously sexy and frankly hilarious, Chasing Amy is the hit comedy from Kevin Smith, ... more
the critically acclaimed director of Clerks & Dogma. Holden's been looking for the perfect woman - funny, bright and attractive. When he finally meets Alyssa, ...
Chasing Amy is the third installment in the "New Jersey Trilogy"from award-winning ... more
writer/director Kevin Smith (Clerks, Mallrats,Dogma). Cult comic-book artist Holden (Ben Affleck) falls in lovewith fellow artist Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams), only to be thwartedby her sexuality, the disdain of his best friend Banky (Jason Lee),and his own misgivings about himself. Filled with Smith's uniqueear for dialogue and insight into relationships, Chasing Amy offersa thoughtful, funny look at how perceptions alter lives, and howobsession and self-doubt skew reality
When successful comic book artist Holden meets Alyssa, a fellowcomic book artist, he falls ... more
head over heels in love with her.Holden gets the shock of his life when he finds out she's notinterested in him. She has her romantic sights set on another...woman! But, she decides to be friends anyway. As Alyssa andHolden's friendship evolves, so do their feelings. Through a mazeof unexpectedly humorous twists, Holden discovers that friendshipand love have never been so complicated or so funny.
Production Year: 2003 - Comedy - Director: John Crowley - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Colin Farrell, Shirley Henderson, Cillian Murphy, Colm Meaney, Rory Keenan, Laurence Kinlan
(+) Because of the new series the box set isn't complete, which means it will be cheaper! (-) It isnt the complete box set so you'll have to buy the new dvds seperatly or wait for the new set!
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Advantages: A good easy going film Disadvantages: Affleck is good but seems to only have one or two facial expressions
...the title as Holden is chasing Amy, well his own version of Amy. So what can Holden do well why not watch the film and find out.
As previously mentioned this is the third of the Jersey trilogy and although none of the characters are the same in all three movies Smith has kept a consistent theme in Jay and Silent Bob. And although a few of the others return in the most recent offering “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” but on the whole ... ...knack when it comes to writing his films to really bring his main characters to life and really make them believable and in the most part likeable.
As suggested the whole film is shot in New Jersey and moves around a little but on the whole the locations aren’t exactly high pricing shooting locations but instead your everyday run of the mill bar or train station, which I feel really adds a bit of realism to Smith’s work. In some of ... more
Although not finding out about Kevin Smith films until I saw the superb Dogma on Sky Movies a couple of years ago I felt I had been missing out so set about catching up on his earlier work. And this film was one of those earlier films and in fact is the conclusion to his Jersey trilogy, which also includes the superb Mallrats and Clerks. So when the opportunity to buy this masterpiece on DVD came about in HMV one Tuesday afternoon it was too good to pass up.
Holden McNeil (Ben Affleck) and Bankey Edwards (Jason Lee) are comic book artists who are the brains behind the Bluntman and Chronic comical duo. Who in turn are based on Kevin Smith regulars Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith). Everything is going fine for Banky and Holden till they meet Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams) another comic book artist and after a collectors conference they head for a drink and while Bankey is trying to prove he isn’t gay, Holden begins to fall for Alyssa.
However the more Holden falls for Alyssa the more complicated it gets as he discovers something that shocks him. The girl of his dreams already has eyes for someone else, another woman. Holden takes this hard but Alyssa wants to be friends and as she gets to know Holden she too begins to fall for him. But as they get closer Bankey and Holden start to have problems as Bankey has discovered a lot of information about Alyssa and her “past”.
You see she’s told Holden that she’d never been with a man before but Bankey discovers otherwise and decides Holden should know. This ultimately causes a rift between the 2 friends as Holden believes Banky is jealous but after confronting Alyssa about it she tells him everything and suddenly Holden is faced with the prospect of no girlfriend and no best friend. Enter Jay and Silent Bob and the latter’s tale of his attempts to woo Amy and where he went wrong when faced with Holden’s position, Hence the title as Holden is chasing Amy, well his own version of Amy. So what can Holden do well why not watch the film and find out.
As previously mentioned this is the third of the Jersey trilogy and although none of the characters are the same in all three movies Smith has kept a consistent theme in Jay and Silent Bob. And although a few of the others return in the most recent offering “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” but on the whole Smith prefers to keep his characters fresh. Smith has a knack when it comes to writing his films to really bring his main characters to life and really make them believable and in the most part likeable.
As suggested the whole film is shot in New Jersey and moves around a little but on the whole the locations aren’t exactly high pricing shooting locations but instead your everyday run of the mill bar or train station, which I feel really adds a bit of realism to Smith’s work. In some of the scenes maybe a little bit more light could have been used but the dingy scenes really seem to make the movie and display the best abilities of Smith as a director. He seems capable of getting the best out of the actors and keeping the film moving along smoothly as the transition from what you imagine he has written to the onscreen
This is the first of Smith’s films to star Ben Affleck in a lead role and to be honest it’s probably his best performance but only just. Taking on the role of Holden, he actually makes the character believable although I’m beginning to be of the impression he only has a couple of facial expressions. Despite this though he is suited for the part and having become a Kevin Smith regular, albeit in different parts each time and it’s from these films that I actually like him, not really any of his other work. Of course where Affleck is Damon is sure to be too and although only a fleeting appearance he’s still there.
To be honest I’d never really heard of Joey Lauren Adams before I discovered Smith’s work and to be honest apart form Dr Dolittle 2 and Big Daddy I haven’t really seen her in anything since. However her performance as Alyssa is pretty good although in places it seems like she’s not the right person for the part as her and Affleck really don’t have any onscreen chemistry. Like the other 2 members of the cast Jason Lee is another of Smith’s regular cast members and provides a lot of the films funnier moments. His dry wit really plays well with the other cast members really bringing Smith’s jokes to life.
As for the actual DVD well there are a few special features on it, although nothing too special. First up is an introduction by Kevin Smith, which is basically (he says that a lot) a short bit of information about the film and to be honest it’s a watch once kind of thing, not a repeat viewing feature. It’s really a rather poor feature that goes on far too long and turns into him just going on and on. Then we have the theatrical trailer, which again is a rather weak addition to the DVD. I’ve already bought the film, I really don’t need it to be advertised. Possibly a good addition if it were on another films feature but no need to advertise a film I already bought.
However it is with great sadness that such a good film comes with such an awful special feature. The Colour bar and yes it is as silly as it sounds. Basically it starts with Smith, Affleck, Mewes and the assistant director basically introducing it till a colour Bar appears on the screen while for a short time while they continue to sort of joke in a rather unfunny way without being seen.
But don’t despair because there are a couple of saving graces within the special features. The first saviour is the directors commentary, which actually features various people from the film but is certainly a good laugh that although again a real one of viewing doesn’t bore you in a similar way to the Introduction mentioned earlier on. And finally like most comedy DVD’s there are a number of deleted scenes and outtakes that include a short introduction by Smith or Affleck or anyone else for that matter. The last 2 items really make up for the first three and although it’s plain to see why they were deleted they are still pretty good.
So overall what is my impression of it. Well the DVD is worth buying just for the film and although a few of the special features really strike me as just being fillers. If you like any of Smith’s other films then you’ll love this but on the same note if you’ve never seen one of his films then why not try starting with this one. Smith’s vision and talent for script writing are a real testimony to this film as I’m sure someone with an inferior imagination would have failed miserably either writing or directing this.
...to change your mind. With Chasing Amy we have a film so frustratingly under-rated and under-watched it’s sickening. It seems that beneath that bearded, apathetic face, there rests a mind rich in real life experience, in love, and in loss. Holden, the film’s lead, exclaims at one point “I want to do something more personal, like in the beginning” in reference to his art. I hear you, Kevin, I hear you. Holden, a comic-book creator ... ...seen in my entire life, Chasing Amy is genuinely moving, without a single cliché or cringe-worthy, ham-acted scene in the entire of it’s duration. This is why the film is beyond anything other I have seen from the genre, and that’s why no one should turn their nose up at it for a second. People consider ‘Sleepless In Seattle’ or some other Hanks/Ryan/equivalent film to be the pinnacle of romantic-comedies, but with Chasing ...
Peakly 24.05.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Chasing Amy (DVD)
Advantages: Good story, strong acting, funny, dramatic. Disadvantages: Drifts slightly at the end.
...Now don’t get me wrong, Chasing Amy still has dick and fart jokes. Not as many as Mallrats or Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, but they are there. However, it’s the rest of the content that makes Chasing Amy a considerably stronger film than anything else Smith made before it and everything that he has done since.
The story itself is a simple one. Holden, a comic book writer (Ben Affleck) meets and falls in love with Alyssa, another comic book writer ... ...the usual romantic comedy standards, Chasing Amy makes a point to subvert them.
The main advantage this film has over others of its type is the depth that it allows for each of its characters. Most would just be content to offer depth to Holden and Alyssa, and relegate anyone else into a minor supporting role. However, in Chasing Amy, the other characters are also given their chance to shine, most notably Banky (Jason Lee), Holden’s best friend, ...
eddie7sf 27.06.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Chasing Amy (DVD)
Advantages: bit stronger than kevin smiths other stuff Disadvantages: nowhere near enough of Jay and Silent Bob
Well this one was a little different, I mean this is a Kevin Smith movie right?, of course it is, but its just that it doesn't have as many comedy moments as the other three in his collection, but does that mean its not that good? Well the answer? its not that bad, but it certainly isn't Smiths best. Out of all 4 Kevin Smith movies, this one has the strongest storyline, we start off by meeting Holden McNeil (Ben Affleck) and Banky Edwards (Jason ... ...on Jay and Silent Bob, after A long time of dialogue we are introduced to Hooper Lamont (Dwight Ewell) and Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams), two more comic-book writers. As the movie trundles on it becomes Holden has fallen for Alyssa, but theres only one problem - Alyssa is a lesbian, much hilarity prevails right? well there is some but not much anyway onto the movie itself, cast list time - Holden (Ben Affleck): Well obviously hes the main character ...
Angelus 14.11.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Chasing Amy (DVD)
Advantages: Intelligent dialogue, superb script. Disadvantages: Certain aspects of the film aren't explored enough in detail
...and superbly performed films.
Chasing Amy was the third low-budget movie directed and written by Kevin Smith (Clerks, Mallrats, Dogma) and this is easily up there with the best of them. STORYLINE:
The story revolves around comic book artost Holden (Ben Affleck) and comic book 'tracer', and friend, Banky (Jason Lee) who are introduced to Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams) by their gay friend Hooper X (Dwight Ewell). Holden instantly beings to fall for this ... ...full of personality. But then the twist - he finds out she's gay. The story then moves onto to show Holden's difficulty dealing with this but he carries on meeting up with her and they soon become best of friends. Then after a major arguement with Bunky, Holden realises that he can't hide his feeling from Alyssa anymore and then, in possibly the greatest 'I love you' speech in any film, he confesses his feeling to her. And after some soul searching ...
seteo 20.01.2001 (07.03.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Chasing Amy (DVD)
the story line is interesting.and well worth watching for. ben affleck is good ina n earlier role as a guy who falls for the girl but whoops she just happens to be gay. this film is directed by kevin smith him of dogma, mallrats and clerks fame. this is a decent cult film and funny as well. it is well acted and although it has a cheap feel to it this just adds to the greatness. anyw ay ti ends up the girl swings both ways and ends up sleeping with ...
LIZZY111 30.07.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Chasing Amy (DVD)
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Advantages: Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith, Jason Lee Disadvantages: Jeremy London
Mallrats is one of the best movies I have ever seen, it is so funny, Jay and Silent Bob are the best double act going at the moment. I can’t believe this got slated by the critics, which if you buy ChasingAmy on DVD and watch the deleted scenes there is one scene when Kevin Smith lifts one of the reviews he read about Mallrats and puts it into the script, which when you watch it is very funny.
But on with the film, Mallrats starts of with Brodie (Jason Lee) and T.S Quint (Jeremy London), as two friends which have just been dumped by there respective Girlfriend’s René (Shannen Doherty) and Brandi (Claire Forlani), Brodie got dumped for not having direction in his life and T.S got dumped for not wanting Brandi to go on her fathers game show, which stops his plans of taking Brandi to Florida with him. Not knowing what to do ...
Snoogans 03.12.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Mallrats (DVD)
Advantages: hilarious, character centred, very witty dialogue Disadvantages: The story doesn't really come across as appealing. Possibly bad word of mouth with the lack of success at the box office
favourites both in the View Askew Universe and in film in general. Brody (Lee) had got to be my all time favourite, the Jay and Silent Bob characters get a more prominent role this time round, which is a welcome addition as they provide some of the funniest moments in the film.
However, things were not all that great. When the film was released the film flopped at the box office and slated in most of the reviews that were written by the critics, bar a few. I've no idea why, as it has all the elements of a succesful film. Thankfully, the movie cme into play when it was released on video and then the eventual release of the DVD's. The downside to the latter being that when Smith was pitching his next film ChasingAmy (review coming soon, bah shameless plug) to the studios, they had little or no confidence in him based on the disastrous ...
danm2 29.07.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Mallrats (DVD)
Advantages: Jason Lee, script, Jay and Silent Bob Disadvantages: Jermery London
photographs. There is also a music video by the band The Goops (build me up buttercup) that was directed by Smith. This video is funny, but weird, as it just features Jay and Silent Bob running around a totally white soundstage. It must be the cheapest music video ever, if not the funniest. There is also an easter eggs which is simply Kevin Smith telling you to get a life and stop looking for easter eggs.
So go on and buy the DVD and become part of the Dooyoo mass that I have converted. And once and for all Mallrats is good, damn you!!! (ChasingAmy audio commentary joke). ...
Silent_Bob 03.04.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Mallrats (DVD)
Holden has been looking for the perfect woman and finally meets the woman of his dreams; Alyssa. The big problem is that Alyssa is also looking for the perfect woman! Despite this they embark on a relationship that they have both been looking for...
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINM; TECHNICOLOR DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
Kevin Smith Introduction, Colour Bars From The Cast And Crew, Audio Commentary From The Director And Cast, Deleted Scenes, Outtakes, Featurette, Theatrical Trailer
Aspect Ratio
1.85 Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Professional reviews
Review
"...The film's great strength is its screenplay, which approaches its actors with moving emotional honesty..." (Film Comment, p.55, 01/03/1997)
"...A little movie with big truths, a work of such fierce intelligence and emotional honesty that it blows away the competition when it comes to contemporary romantic comedy..." (Los Angeles Times, p.F12, 11/04/1997)
"...A riotous, ferociously smart love story....[Adams has] four dimensions and a mouth big enough to prove it..." (Movieline, p.95, 01/12/1998)
"...Still showing his touch for garrulous, hair-splitting conversation, Mr. Smith engages his characters in a bright spirited demonstration of just how difficult modern love can be..." (New York Times, p.C3, 04/04/1997)
"...This is Smith's most provocative outing yet and certainly the toughest to forget..." (USA Today, p.4D, 11/04/1997)
DVD Description
When handsome young comic book creator Holden McNeil (Ben Affleck) meets cute young comic book creator Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams), romance seems preordained. But Holden is soon confronted with Alyssa's complex sexual history, as well as his friend and colleague Banky's (Jason Lee) conflicted and enraged response to the affair. Despite the seriousness of the issues, director Kevin Smith keeps the laughs coming, even as Holden goes through hell and grows up.
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