Yes, its foul mouthed, its lewd and for some people, I'm sure its insulting. However, that doesn't stop "Chasing Amy" from being one of my top favorite films of all time.

"Chasing Amy" follows comic book writer and artist Holden McNeal, played by Ben Affleck (Jersey Girl), when he meets fellow comic creator Alyssa Jones, played by Joey Lauren Adams (A Cool Dry Place). He quickly falls for her, until he discovers she is a lip-stick lesbian. Already, the story is good. "Lesbians equal ratings," to quote Howard Stern.

Alyssa really likes Holden, and they develop a friendship, which eventually turns romantic. Yes, the lesbian is converted and very believably explained why by writer/director Kevin Smith (Clerks, Dogma). This of course adds conflict to the 20 year friendship and partnership Holden has with co-creator Banky Edwards, played by Jason Lee (Almost Famous).

Eventually, Banky digs up bedroom dirt on Alyssa, and Holden confronts her to find out if it is true. He can't deal with her answer and basically, breaks up with her. The climax of the picture is a completely inevitable situation, showing how stupid and immature Holden truly is. The picture has a lot to say about leaving your loved one's past in the past, and take pride in the fact they found what they are looking for in YOU.

The picture is extremely well written in that it follows an order of inevitability, which allows this high concept to come in loud and real; a true credit to Kevin Smith. I have yet to see a picture of his top the work on "Chasing Amy."

Affleck gives one of his best, or at least, my favorite performances as Holden, while Lee quickly nabbed a generation worth of fans with his role as Banky. Lee's performance was probably the most dynamic and well developed of the picture.

Adams gives probably the most memorable performance of her career, but still has moments where she leans over the top. However, her take on the climactic finish was dead on, perfect.

This picture is so hilarious, heart warming and thoughtful, it is a benchmark for the kinds of productions I look for in both my career and DVD library. The DVD disc is also loaded with one of my favorite commentary tracks of any other title, second only to "The Goonies" commentary. There is a bank load of deleted scenes and some outtakes, plus a few extras. The disc is awesome all around.

If you like down and dirty talking guys from Jersey trying to realize what they love most in their lives, this movie will have you rolling. I'm proud to call it one of my five favorites of all time.

Benn - Where's the Humanity?