Chasing Amy

1997

2.5/4 Stars

Kevin Smith's "Chasing Amy" explores friendship, love, and sex from a decidedly 1990's perspective. In the course of exploring these issues, Smith tackles lesbianism, a subject where his knowledge is questionable. As is the case in all of his films, the driving force behind his story-telling is his snappy, clever dialogue.

The characters in this film- Ben Affleck's Holden, Jason Lee's Banky and Joey Lauren Adam's Alyssa- all deliver jabs and counter-jabs in two hours of witty banter. Throughout the delivery of this dialogue, the quality of acting ebbs and flows, delivering a product that feels somewhat uneven. Lee's Banky is the most consistent here, delivering raunchy, funny one-liners that keep the film from becoming overly self-important.

The film is often funny, but one gets the sense that Smith took on a bit too much in tackling the homosexual element. The scene involving a lesbian sewing circle in which one member announces: "another one bites the dust" after Alyssa discloses she is dating Holden seems to imply that most lesbians eventually turn to dating men in the end. Why is this in the movie? What is Smith really trying to say?

The major theme is that of Holden's own sexual insecurity. Alyssa has more experience than he does and he does not know how to handle it. This idea is best articulated by Smith himself late in the film during his cameo as "Silent Bob" when he tells his own tale of "chasing Amy". Rather than linger with this notion a bit longer, Smith goes for a shocker ending that is not entirely believable (although Adam's speech is well-acted).

Overall, an entertaining 90's film that hits on some points and misses on others.