Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Chasing Amy’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Love is a terrifying venture, at just about any level. There are nerves involved when we ask someone out, jitters that hit us on that first date and if things gets far more serious over time, we ask them to outright accept our flaws, and all of this is terrifying due to the fact that the object of our affection can turn us down at any time. But if they pass that particular litmus test then we know this love is going to last a lifetime and we ask them to join us in the remainder of our journey and really, all anyone is looking for when they set out on this quest is the perfect relationship, one that is full of joy and is drama free.  

But the reality is rarely that. Few ever get to enjoy the fairy tale ending since love is a difficult venture that requires work and commitment and sometimes our heart doesn't know any better, allowing for us to fall head over heels in love with people who simply aren’t right for us. If anything, I think it is safe to say that really, love is driven here and there by one big emotion, fear. Because fear works well with love, since it is quite talented at having us second guess every decision in our relationships, and it always leaves us wondering if the person we care for is the right person for us and it is these complex themes that are explored in one of Kevin Smith's most cerebral and touching films...Chasing Amy. 

Holden is living the good life. He and his pal Banky are comic book artists that are successful enough to get by and one day while he is out and about promoting his new comic, Holden meets Alyssa, a gorgeous woman that he instantly falls for. But there’s quite the roadblock for Holden when it comes to starting a relationship with her in that, Alyssa is a lesbian. But knowing he must be near her, a friendship begins, one that eventually turns into something more. But there is more to this development than Holden knows, and this love will change him forever.  

This is by far, Kevin Smith's most beautiful and emotional film to date. It strips down the usual tropes of romantic comedies and leaves us with the two key elements I talked about before, love and fear. Holden's love for Alyssa is blinding, so much to the point that she becomes the perfect woman to him and that's where the fear comes into play. For as Banky uncovers Alyssa's past, the dream is shattered, and poor Holden must now figure out how to either forget about who she was or let it haunt him.  

If anything, this is a fascinating movie about how we love, what we expect of those we love and quite frankly, how we do anything and everything we can to be the perfect mate, despite how wrong or unimportant our actions are. It's a film that offers no easy answers on the subject, because let's be honest. No one has them and if by some odd chance you haven't seen Chasing Amy yet, get to it. You'll laugh for sure since comedy is Kevin's specialty, but you'll find yourself tearing up at the raw emotions that this movie brings to the surface, and you won't be able to look away.  

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