Years later, Kevin Smith reflects optimistically onJersey Girl.Jersey Girlis a 2004 film written and directed by Smith that chronicles the story of a widower who has to take care of his young daughter and work on his life and career following a tragedy.Ben Affleck plays the lead roleof Ollie Trinke, with a supporting cast that includes Liv Tyler, Raquel Castro, Betty Aberlin, and Paulie Litt.
Twenty years after the release ofJersey Girl, Smith discusses the film in an interview withEntertainment Weekly. The director called it “the redheaded stepchild of all [his] films.” In its defense, though, Smith pointed out that it earned $25 million at the box office. Check out the full quote from Smith below:
Jersey Girl for the longest time was the redheaded stepchild of all my films. Are we still allowed to say that? It was an expression that my mom used to use on me all the time. She hates redheads. You know, all things considered, this movie had to follow Gigli. Gigli made 6 million at the box office. And so I was like, what the hell? Because honestly, our ad campaign was like ‘did you like Gigli, well here’s more of that s***." This movie wound up making $25 million in a post-Gigli climate. Like, you know, write about that, Leonard Maltin.
What Kevin Smith’s Comments Mean About Jersey Girl
When callingJersey Girlthe “redheaded stepchild of all [his] films,” Smith is likely referring to the fact that itwas poorly reviewed, and even mocked, during the time of its release. The film holds a 43% Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes, with nearly 200 reviews on the site. Audiences did not likeJersey Girlthat much better, giving it a 48% Popcornmeter with over 100,000 ratings. Smith is right that that movie did make $25 million at the domestic box office, and it actually brought in an additional $10 million overseas, bringing its total to $35 million.
Why Jay And Silent Bob Aren’t In Kevin Smith’s Jersey Girl
Jersey Girl from 2004 was the first Kevin Smith directed movie not to feature Jay and Silent Bob; here’s why they’re missing.
When Smith is referring to a “post-Gigli environment,” he is referencing the infamous 2003 filmGigli, which also starred Affleck.Gigligained notoriety after being panned by critics and bombing at the box office. Even today, the film has just a 2.6/10 score on IMDb, among over 50,000 users. GivenJersey Girlwas just the next year, the film was in a tough position, for people had been soured on Affleck’s acting after that flop.
Our Take On Smith’s Jersey Girl
Kevin Smith Has Gone On To Make Better-Received Films
Jersey Girlwas a particular blow toSmith’s careerat the time, because things had just been heating up with releases likeChasing Amy,Clerks, andJay and Silent Bob Strike Back.Jersey Girlwas considered inferior compared to those other films. Luckily, however, Smith has been able to come back from these lackluster reviews and produce several other key titles, including 2008’sZack and Miri Make a Porno. This year, Smith came out withThe 4:30 Movie, a teen comedy set in the 1980s. Despite missing the mark withJersey Girl, Smith will keep forging on in his career.
Jersey Girl
Cast
Jersey Girl is a 2004 romantic comedy-drama directed by Kevin Smith. The film stars Ben Affleck as Ollie Trinke, a music publicist whose life changes dramatically after personal tragedy forces him to reconnect with his roots and assume the role of a single father. Liv Tyler and George Carlin co-star in this story of love, loss, and familial bonds.
