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 #204 - Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo
2003 - Rated G - 1 hr 40 min
Director: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich
Starring: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe, Brad Garrett, Allison Janney, Stephen Root, Vicki Lewis, Geoffrey Rush, Elizabeth Perkins

Another great movie and one I know most people love.  Possibly one of Disney/Pixar's finest achievements, this little cartoon is entertaining for just about anyone.  It's a very basic plotline - a father searches for his lost son - but it's done so well and with the perfect blend of humor and emotion that you can't help but get sucked in.  You'll be rooting for these little fishes before you know it.

And Ellen DeGeneres is just priceless.  Her percentage of quotable lines is high, for both kids and adults. 

I was happy to sit down and watch this one with Ellie for the first time.  And I think she loves Nemo as much as any kid does.