Movie #323 - Jersey Girl

Jersey Girl
2004 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 42 min
Director: Kevin Smith
Starring: Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, Raquel Castro, Jennifer Lopez, Jason Biggs, George Carlin, Stephen Root, Mike Starr, Will Smith

Despite a quote that says so on the back of the DVD, I don't think this is "Kevin Smith's greatest film yet."  While it's nice that someone thinks so, that claim belongs to Dogma.  But this film -- as a classic troubled family man rom-com type deal -- has a much wider appeal than just jaded Catholics, so I can see how some might laud this as his best.

Maybe.

The truth is, his characters have weird names that sound silly.  The relationships are a bit flat.  And Liv Tyler's just not as sexy as she thinks she is.  Although many applaud J Lo's early death in the film, cuz hey J Lo's gone, this film had the potential to become another Gigli and fast.  George Carlin does what he can to save the movie and Will Smith's cameo as himself is pretty funny. 

But no, it's not Smith's greatest film.  It's a mediocre attempt at the "main stream."  Even Zac and Miri Make a Porno was more entertaining.

Movie #26 - Anaconda

Anaconda
Columbia Pictures
1997 - Rated R - 1 hr 29 min
Director: Luis Llosa
Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, Jon Voight, Eric Stoltz, and Owen Wilson

Say it with me, everyone, J-Lo can't act. But if you can get past that, the bad CGI snake, and Jon Voight's ridiculous accent, you're all set to enjoy this late 90's thriller. It's action-packed from beginning to end. Honestly, there's never been a fiercer snake lurking in any body of water, anywhere. This thing is ruthless and wants to eat everyone. It gets all manner of things done to it and still won't die. (Maybe that's because it's clearly robotic, but no one told J-Lo and friends.)

It's not very high quality, sure, but Anaconda still remains a guilty pleasure.