Chasing Amy

REVIEW
Making a hyperspace jump from his previous two efforts, writer-director Smith has fashioned a very funny, insightful and painfully honest romantic comedy for the '90s. Affleck plays a popular comic book artist who befriends Amy (Adams), a lesbian, at a comic book convention. Their friendship develops, but he finally breaks down and confesses his love for her. At first angry, she soon declares similar feelings and they begin a relationship. That is, until he discovers her sordid, straight past, which he can't stop obsessing over. Some remarkably mature observations about love and relationships are made by Smith, particularly in his recurring role as "Silent Bob." Gone are the bathroom jokes and farcical nonsense which ruined Mallrats. This is an accomplished, enjoyable movie which accurately pokes fun at a variety of modern relationships (straight, gay and bi) and even manages a few honestly tear-jerking sequences. Lee has also come a long way from Mallrats, bringing humor and texture to the role of the "other man." And look for Matt Damon in a tiny role.