Netquix: Chasing Amy (1997)

Netflix content reviewed in 150 words. Or thereabouts.

Chasing Amy (1997)

Dir: Kevin Smith

1 hour 53 minutes

Slamming the brakes on Mallrats’ knockabout antics, Chasing Amy is writer/director Kevin Smith’s reach towards greater emotional maturity. Chronicling the turbulent relationship between Ben Affleck’s dough-headed comic doodler Holden and adventurous, flighty Alyssa (charmingly played by vinegar-voiced Joey Lauren Adams), it’s a realistically-played and often perilous portrayal of love, sex and egotism.

Getting to the bottom of "Fingercuffs"

"Snootchie Bootchies!"

 A contentious sell maybe (“hetero male dates lesbian”), but that it retains warmth and humour whilst making serious points about gender orientation, sexual autonomy and, er, comic books, is to the film’s eternal credit. Naturally for Smith, there are also vulgarities to savour, a brilliant Jason Lee performance, and a hilarious Jay & Silent Bob cameo.

Admittedly, not everyone will enjoy this seemingly self-indulgent couple’s romance, and some of the dialogue sounds distinctly literary, rather than conversational. These are, however, slightly underwhelming comic panels in an otherwise brilliant trade paperback. Chase Amy. Chase her down right now.

7/10