Kevin Smith has done it! He created a film with Ben Affleck in a starring role as a central protagonist that does not suck! In fact, it's quite good! (WELL, o.k., but Affleck was barely in "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back!" and, yes, Dogma was his best, but Linda Fiorentino was the major central protagonist there. Besides God I mean...) (please note the ommission of "Chasing Amy" among the films just listed. Yes, that was QUITE intentional). Affleck plays Ollie Trinke, a man left a widower and single father when his wife (Jennifer Lopez, also quite good for her short part) dies in childbirth. He raises his daughter, Gertie (Racquel Castro, when she turns seven) with the help of Grandpa Bart (George Carlin) in a New Jersey suburb, after he screws up his high paying publicist job in New York. Sure, when called upon to emote Affleck is usually awkward to watch, and the schmuck he essays here is nearly a repeat of the whiney guy from "Changing Lanes," but then, surprise! Kevin Smith's funny and touching script, combined with great performances by Castro, Carlin and Liv Tyler actually carry the film, and Affleck's Ollie even matures! Thank you, Kevin Smith! (O.K., in fact, dare I say, there is some likeable Affleck acting here
? Nah! Let's not ruin my rep
) (P.S., if anyone has seen my rep, please contact the Imdb. I've put posters up. Hopefully it will show...)