Smith grows up, audience doesn't

Kevin Smith's "Jersey Girl" never had a chance in wake of "Gigli" and the whole Bennifer media fiasco. This is unfortunate, as the film, Smith's first departure from the View Askewniverse, is not only good; it's his most mature work since "Chasing Amy." With any luck, this overlooked gem will finally get its just due now that it's been released on DVD.\nBen Affleck gives his best performance in ages as Ollie Trinke, an NYC flack man whose wife, Gertrude (Jennifer Lopez), dies during childbirth, leaving him with the responsibility of raising their daughter, Gertie (adorable newcomer Raquel Castro), alongside his curmudgeon father, Bart (an unbelievably sweet-natured George Carlin). Along the way Ollie loses his PR gig, becomes a New Jersey street sweeper and finds romance with a nebbish yet sexually overt video store clerk by the name of Maya (a very appealing Liv Tyler). The whole thing plays out as Smith's homage to Frank Capra and John Hughes -- yet it works.\nFor a flick that flopped in its theatrical release, the "Jersey Girl" DVD is pretty stacked. There are two commentary tracks; one with Smith and Affleck, the other features Smith, producer Scott Mosier and a guest appearance by Jason "Jay" Mewes. Both are entertaining, though the latter is a tad better if for no other reason than to hear a newly-rehabbed Mewes sounding sober. Other features include the featurette, "From Mallrats to Jersey Girl," in which Smith and Affleck talk about the movie biz and bust one another's balls, and Smith's "Roadside Attractions" segments from "The Tonight Show," which vary greatly in quality. \nWhile probably Smith's least funny film, "Jersey Girl" still has a lot of laughs and heart. Therefore, it should be seen for what it is: a good-natured romantic comedy and not some B. Lo sideshow.