Chasing Amy (1997)

90% of critics liked it
(69 reviews)
81% of users liked it
(173,501 ratings)

After a pair of films about hipster slackers, the work of writer-director Kevin Smith matured and gained critical respect with this low budget, independent comedy-drama about love, sex and the fine line between the two. Ben Affleck stars as Holden McNeil, a New Jersey comic book writer who is… More After a pair of films about hipster slackers, the work of writer-director Kevin Smith matured and gained critical respect with this low budget, independent comedy-drama about love, sex and the fine line between the two. Ben Affleck stars as Holden McNeil, a New Jersey comic book writer who is roommates with his best friend and professional partner, artist Banky Edwards (Jason Lee). Their hit comic book series, "Bluntman and Chronic," is loosely patterned after a pair of acquaintances, Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (played by Smith), two characters already familiar as supporting players in several Smith films. Into Holden's life comes Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams), a lesbian and fellow comic book creator who quickly becomes a close friend, although Holden is powerfully attracted to her. Eventually, Alyssa realizes that she is attracted to Holden as well and they begin a physical relationship, much to the consternation of Banky, whose ire over losing his best friend to a lesbian seems to border on romantic jealousy. After he learns something about Alyssa's sexual past, however, Holden's immature response to his new knowledge destroys both his romance with Alyssa and his friendship with Banky. Chasing Amy (1997) was the third film in what Smith referred to as his "New Jersey series," films set at least partly in the Garden State and featuring the Jay and Silent Bob characters. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 51 min.
Directed By: Kevin Smith
Written By: Kevin Smith
Genres: Comedy, Romance

In Theaters: Apr 4, 1997 Wide
On DVD: Jun 1, 2000
Studio: Miramax Films

Critic Reviews

Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
Smith isn't just fooling around anymore.
, Hollywood Reporter
The third time out is the real charm for writer-director Kevin Smith.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Neither PC nor crudely anti-PC, this tough and tender movie, like its characters, is prepared to take emotional risks, and the comic book milieu is deftly sketched in.
Todd McCarthy, Variety
Amusing and appealing.
David Ansen, Newsweek
Instead of cool twenty-something irony, Smith startles us with raw emotional honesty.
Eric Brace, Washington Post
Can a script exploring some truly deep questions about human sexuality and emotions be any shoddier and wooden? Will Miramax continue to fund one of the worst directors in the business? Don't stay tuned.
Carly Kocurek, Common Sense Media
Dated romantic comedy wrong for all kids.
Radheyan Simonpillai, AskMen.com
The third installment of Kevin Smith's New Jersey Trilogy is also the only Kevin Smith movie that's worth any serious attention.
Bill Gibron, PopMatters
Like a raw nerve tweaked over and over again by emotions both radiant and revealing, Chasing Amy is as close to a masterpiece as Smith has ever created.
Matt Noller, Slant Magazine
Smith's best film, in a disappointing audio-visual package with some great extras.
Matt Noller, Slant Magazine
Chasing Amy suggests that Smith could do so much better if only he would push himself.
Ryan Cracknell, Movie Views
Smith's most mature film. Yes, it's filled with crude dialogue, blunt descriptions of sex and an overkill of Star Wars references, but it uses these to dig deeper and make its subject matter more accessible.
, Film4
While there is nothing horribly offensive here, neither is there anything as gut-bustingly funny as in his gloriously foulmouthed debut.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The subject -- the complexity of love when all the rules have changed -- proves beyond the scope of his limited vision.
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
The plot and dialogue play too much as if Smith is re-enacting past romantic squabbles he's had, and rewriting them, too.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
The script moves beyond Smith's customary cataloguing of male adolescent ignorance and idiocy to offer sharp insights into the romanticism and pragmatism, pride and double standards that define the tangled threesome.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Like Clerks, this is a politically incorrect comedy with casual profanity, but more profoundly so. Smith doesn't play the Hollywood stereotype of lesbians as women who have not met yet the right guy.
Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews
An intelligent and provocative low-budget film with big-budget talent and look, making it an exceptional independent effort.
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
...Smith makes raw and naturalistic, highly verbal films full of frank talk about sex; making the audience uncomfortable is part of the point.
Jeffrey Overstreet, Looking Closer
... an important movie about young people lost in the Gen-X labyrinth who are giving it a try [and] risking their hearts to find some kind of answer.

Read all 21 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

John M

This is simply the best Kevin Smith movie imo. While many may disagree its the from the heart feel of this movie that makes it something special and has made Kevin Smith an amazing icon to me.
Matthew S

Chasing Amy delivers brave, genuine, comically-rich and insightful dialogue and a great performance by Joey Lauren Adams. The character she plays is Godly (yes, with a capital G), so acutely aware and unashamed of herself and receptive to life around her. This is Kevin Smith's… More
Chasing Amy delivers brave, genuine, comically-rich and insightful dialogue and a great performance by Joey Lauren Adams. The character she plays is Godly (yes, with a capital G), so acutely aware and unashamed of herself and receptive to life around her. This is Kevin Smith's most mature work that I've seen, maybe out to prove himself to his financial backers early in his career after going relatively bonkers with Mallrats. Whatever the reason, he proved he can deliver smart, intense drama along with the laughs.
Tim S

Setting the independent film world a blaze with with his slacker classic Clerks and failing miserably in the studio system with Mallrats, Kevin Smith decided to get back to basics for the third film in what became his 'New Jersey Legacy.' If Clerks was his most honest work… More
Setting the independent film world a blaze with with his slacker classic Clerks and failing miserably in the studio system with Mallrats, Kevin Smith decided to get back to basics for the third film in what became his 'New Jersey Legacy.' If Clerks was his most honest work then Chasing Amy is his most personal and most reflective. Shot with very little money, it's not the best-looking film Smith has ever made, but the performances carry it like clockwork. It has a particular sting and rings true on an emotional level that few films like it have ever done, with enough pathos for four more movies. I've always felt like that it was, and still is, a new age Woody Allen film. Human relationships askewed, but still incredibly relatable, is something that Kevin has always been good at, and he has never been better than with Chasing Amy... and in my estimation, hasn't topped it.
Graham J

The deepest and most meaningful trip into Kevin Smith's world.
AJ V

My least favourite movie from Smith. It's much too dramatic for the romantic comedy it's trying to be. Plus, I can't stand Adams for more than thirty minutes, she's so annoying. If you wished there were more drama in Kevin Smith's movies, you'll enjoy… More
My least favourite movie from Smith. It's much too dramatic for the romantic comedy it's trying to be. Plus, I can't stand Adams for more than thirty minutes, she's so annoying. If you wished there were more drama in Kevin Smith's movies, you'll enjoy this.
Matt G

Banky Edwards: I'm not a tracer. This is a difficult one to talk about. On one hand, I really enjoyed the plot, the actors, and the writing. On the other hand, it has terrible pacing, which was simply annoying but as I mentioned, there are many great aspects making up for a very… More
Banky Edwards: I'm not a tracer. This is a difficult one to talk about. On one hand, I really enjoyed the plot, the actors, and the writing. On the other hand, it has terrible pacing, which was simply annoying but as I mentioned, there are many great aspects making up for a very convoluted pace. Anyways, Joey Lauren Adams, who was last seen in 'Mallrats', was stunning in probably her best performance. Adams' performance is very real, emotional, and at times funny. Affleck is good in [almost] every role he is in, so there is not much explaining here. Along with writing and directing, Silent Bob (Smith) delivers one of the best speeches in cinematic history, despite the situation. Ultimately, 'Chasing Amy' is a good film, but certainly not a great one. Recommended. Read more movie reviews at creedsdelight.com
Steven C

I absolutely loved "Chasing Amy." Looking back at "Clerks," it's hard to believe such a transcendent and observant film like this came from the same writer and director. Kevin Smith crafted a true zeitgeist film that is an unparalleled examination of sexual… More
I absolutely loved "Chasing Amy." Looking back at "Clerks," it's hard to believe such a transcendent and observant film like this came from the same writer and director. Kevin Smith crafted a true zeitgeist film that is an unparalleled examination of sexual mores and modern relationships. Candid and frank in both it's emotion and humor. Ben Affleck's performance may be the only weak spot in the film since his character is essentially just a stand-in for the audience. He is simply a reactionary, simple minded character. Joey Lauren Adams however is the films main star, next to Smith's sparkling, revolutionary screenplay. Adams hits all the right notes as a sexually confused yet strong young woman. Her emotional scenes are uncomfortable for all the right reasons- awkward anger, a bitter confidence about past mistakes."Chasing Amy" is an outstanding film with an unexpected and completely honest deconstruction of men and women.
Melvin W

Banky: Since you like chicks, right, do you just look at yourself naked in the mirror all the time? Chasing Amy is something most comedies can't be. It's vulgar, funny, and yet insightful. It centers around love, be it gay or straight, and friendship. It's a really… More
Banky: Since you like chicks, right, do you just look at yourself naked in the mirror all the time? Chasing Amy is something most comedies can't be. It's vulgar, funny, and yet insightful. It centers around love, be it gay or straight, and friendship. It's a really funny movie with Kevin Smiths typical sense of humor and dialogue that you either love or hate. Ben Affleck is pretty good in this movie and it's probably his best performance as he has a reputation of not being the best actor around. Joey Lauren Adams is decent, but her voice is pretty annoying and her emotional outbursts in the movie aren't very believable. The rest of the cast is superb. Jason Lee and Dwight Ewell are both hilarious . Then there's the rest of Smiths normal cast. Silent Bob has some great dialogue about "Chasing Amy." All in all this is probably one of Smith's better movies, although I will never be able to like one more the Clerks. Chasing Amy is a great comedy/drama. Fans of Kevin Smith definitely can't be disappointed in this. Alyssa: I love you, I always will. Know that. But I'm not your fucking whore.
Wildaly M

This was kinda good. I liked it.
Spencer S

Whenever lesbianism is featured in a love story, you can bet that there are going to be mistakes and inadequacies. Instead of handling the subject matter indelicately like the film The Kids Are All Right, Chasing Amy was very honest and multi-layered. Not just a poignant piece of… More
Whenever lesbianism is featured in a love story, you can bet that there are going to be mistakes and inadequacies. Instead of handling the subject matter indelicately like the film The Kids Are All Right, Chasing Amy was very honest and multi-layered. Not just a poignant piece of drama, Kevin Smith directed with his usual comedy flair, including much of his usual cast and Gen X wit from films like Mallrats and Clerks. The beginning holds the most interesting comedic aspects, introducing us to the characters and their connections to one another. When Holden's (Affleck) and Alyssa's (Adams) relationship burgeons into one of serious romantic intent, the entire film shifts. One minute we're watching another tongue in cheek "film" of Smith's, the next it's a serious relationship drama that calls sexuality of all people into question, and how we're evolving to accommodate the people we love. Sexual orientation plays a big role in all of this, but never burdens the film with being a societal standard that other such works have to live up. Still, they do, as even the Criterion Collection has added this to its collection. A commentary, but also a comedy, this is by far Smith's greatest accomplishment.
Drake T

A truly successful and rewarding Romedy, Chasing Amy not only delivers as an emotionally sophisticated charged romance but as a sexually open and gender provoking discussion. In many ways it feels like Smith's finest hour, too often critics are turned off by his… More
A truly successful and rewarding Romedy, Chasing Amy not only delivers as an emotionally sophisticated charged romance but as a sexually open and gender provoking discussion. In many ways it feels like Smith's finest hour, too often critics are turned off by his "tasteless" use of raw dialogue and uncivilized humor but here it's completely evident that he always has a plan written between the lines for those of us willing to look for it. The only problems lie in the chemistry between Affleck and Jones, you're never really convinced with the romance between their characters other than their word.
xGary X

Two comic book obsessed twenty somethings find their friendship threatened when one of them falls for a lesbian. The first hour of Chasing Amy is a typical example of Kevin Smith's take on relationships, pop culture and dick jokes, but it's done in a rather more mature and… More
Two comic book obsessed twenty somethings find their friendship threatened when one of them falls for a lesbian. The first hour of Chasing Amy is a typical example of Kevin Smith's take on relationships, pop culture and dick jokes, but it's done in a rather more mature and better observed way that his previous films (particularly the appalling Mallrats). Affleck and Lee's friendship seems believable enough to be genuine and there are are fair few genuinely funny moments, usually provided by Dwight Ewell's amusing gay black activist. Unfortunately, once the romance begins in earnest, Smith starts trying to be "profound" and it turns into a contrived photo love story with lots of whining, shouting and tedious soul searching. It's a fair attempt at making a chick flick that nerdy guys can relate to, but by the end it starts to feel like one of those boring relationship heavy episodes of Friends.
Dan S

An original, offbeat romantic-comedy featuring a comic book writer (Ben Affleck) who falls head over heals in love with a carefree spirit (Joey Lauren Adams), even if she might be a lesbian. This movie was so disappointing, since it features a passionate, terrific turn from Adams,… More
An original, offbeat romantic-comedy featuring a comic book writer (Ben Affleck) who falls head over heals in love with a carefree spirit (Joey Lauren Adams), even if she might be a lesbian. This movie was so disappointing, since it features a passionate, terrific turn from Adams, strong supporting performances from Affleck and Jason Lee, and a story that is not afraid to go and explore places and relationships not often seen in film. However, it falls flat on its face during its last 1/3, where Jay and Silent Bob somehow appear out of nowhere and Affleck proposes a ridiculous scenario to two people he loves which in turn exposes Smith's offensive take on homophobia. This could have been a special, incredible film, and it is for the first 2/3, but it really loses a lot of steam in its last section, despite the conclusion of the movie being completely fitting and somewhat moving. Stick to "Clerks", which is Smith's best stuff, would be my advice, although this film certainly has his moments, no argument there.
Tsubaki S

So, a part of the nerd community hates this movie because they hate Kevin Smith, and the other part of the nerd community loves this because they love Kevin Smith. Between that there's a sometimes fun but unfocused movie that constructs a solid premise for a relation between two… More
So, a part of the nerd community hates this movie because they hate Kevin Smith, and the other part of the nerd community loves this because they love Kevin Smith. Between that there's a sometimes fun but unfocused movie that constructs a solid premise for a relation between two people, then throws it away in favor of dumb plot mechanics involving 3somes and other dumb crap that makes no sense. Dwight Ewell and Jason Lee pretty much steal the whole thing, Ben Affleck is just flat, as usual, and a very weak lead character. He takes away a lot from the film. Joey Lauren Adams is hot and charming, the fact that she didn't become a big star is beyond me.
Conner R

A movie that was ahead of its time that criticized the very meaning of love and sexuality. It isn't just a comedy, but a very well done dramatic piece that isn't afraid to ask big questions. It's got some great performances and dialogue that show Kevin Smith's… More
A movie that was ahead of its time that criticized the very meaning of love and sexuality. It isn't just a comedy, but a very well done dramatic piece that isn't afraid to ask big questions. It's got some great performances and dialogue that show Kevin Smith's well-rounded talent.
Lady D

Clerks aside, I?m not a huge fan of Kevin Smiths?s work, Chasing Amy, however became better the longer the film went on. It is perhaps a little too loaded with the male fantasy idea of a story, yet ultimately relating to relationships in general. Sort of quirky.
Ross C

The Kevin Smith gang in a slowly paced but an enjoyable story about a guy falling for a lesbian.
Chris W

One of the most profound, touching, moving, honest, insightful and well written films about romance I've ever seen. This is definitely near the top of the list of Smith's best films. Until Jersey Girl, this was Smith's only 'mature' film. For me, as long as he… More
One of the most profound, touching, moving, honest, insightful and well written films about romance I've ever seen. This is definitely near the top of the list of Smith's best films. Until Jersey Girl, this was Smith's only 'mature' film. For me, as long as he keeps his writing sharp, witty, and insighful, I don't care what kind of films he makes, be they silly and mindless, or brilliant and meaningful. I'll be happy either way, but probably more pleased when something like this comes along, because, damn, few movies are quite as powerful and great as this one.
Jens S

In many aspects this is a typical Kevin Smith movie: full of geeks, dirty jokes and dialoges, comic cons, movie references and discussions (especially the Lando Calrissian argument is hilarious) and of course Jay and Silent Bob, but also a lot more serious themes than in his other… More
In many aspects this is a typical Kevin Smith movie: full of geeks, dirty jokes and dialoges, comic cons, movie references and discussions (especially the Lando Calrissian argument is hilarious) and of course Jay and Silent Bob, but also a lot more serious themes than in his other films. Especially the climax and solution here are surprisingly serious and disenchanting, asking a lot more of the actors than in his other comedies. Silent Bob breaking his usual silence and delivering the story behind the movie's title is also probably the most touching scene Smith ever directed.
Cassandra M

To me a film can have no action and no real special effects and still be great. If that film can take it's characters and make them interesting by making them speak the way we know people do, then you are left with a fantastic film. So is the case with Kevin Smith's… More
To me a film can have no action and no real special effects and still be great. If that film can take it's characters and make them interesting by making them speak the way we know people do, then you are left with a fantastic film. So is the case with Kevin Smith's wonderful film Chasing Amy. For anyone who thought that Ben Affleck couldn't act, watch this movie and enjoy how he plays Holden. He is honest in his approach to a character that is as complex as any great movie character. Also cast perfectly is Joey Lauren Adams as his girlfriend and Jason Lee is so good as Banky, his best friend and business partner that I really could have seen him with an Oscar nod that year. Kevin Smith's strength is that he knows how people talk and he is honest in his assessment of his characters. And that is what makes this film the gem that it is. And did I mention that it is a wonderful romance and it is wickedly funny? If all you've ever seen of Kevin Smith is Clerks, then check out this awesome flick. It certainly makes you appreciate how good Smith is at writing characters. A really great film. Note**** If anyone is a true fan of Jaws ( and I, like Smith think it is the greatest movie ever made ) then watch for the scene in Jaws where Hooper and Quint compare wounds to be parodied hilariously in this film.