All those Kevin Smith fans out there awaiting a chance to see the familiar comedy of such films as “Mallrats,” “Clerks,” “Dogma” and “Chasing Amy” are in for a surprise. For any of you who haven’t enjoyed these classic movies, “Jersey Girl” is still a great movie if you want to laugh, cry and drool over Ben Affleck all in one movie.

“Jersey Girl” stars Ben Affleck as Ollie Trinke, a smooth-talking public relations man in the music industry. He seems to have it all in life. Living in New York, nice car, beautiful wife, and of course, a job that puts him close to every single major recording artist in the country.

For those of you out there who are still grieving over the Jennifer and Ben break-up, here is a chance to see them back together again, for a short time. Gertrude (Jennifer Lopez) and Ollie are the perfect couple (hmmm, kind of sounds familiar) living in New York City. Ollie is originally from Jersey, and takes Gertrude there to meet his father (George Carlin) and determine whether or not she is the right girl for him. If she can survive Jersey, she can survive anything.

The two marry, and soon they are expecting a baby. For those of you thinking, “Where is the comedy? This sounds like a chick flick!” don’t worry. Ollie’s assistant, Arthur, is played by Jason Biggs (of “American Pie” infamy) and manages to provide that bit of laughter that is needed to stop the tears.

Ollie seemed to be the guy who had it all, but his life takes a 180-degree turn when his daughter Gertie is born. Not to give the entire twist of the story away, Ollie is forced to move back to Jersey, where life hits rock bottom for him.

But in walks Maya (Liv Tyler, “Lord of the Rings” trilogy) and the comedy returns to wipe away the tears that all the girls will be crying. Maya brings something special to the movie through her interaction with Ollie, as well as with Gertie, Ollie’s daughter (Raquel Castro), now 7.

Even though Ollie would appear to have hit rock bottom, the performances by Carlin, Tyler and Castro show otherwise. They are very funny throughout and keep the movie going. With the help of these three, Ollie is able to realize that what he thought he needed to be happy was actually completely different. And that growing up a “Jersey Girl” isn’t as bad as he thinks.

Kevin Smith has written a great script and directed a great movie with “Jersey Girl” because it combines his humor and wit from his previous movies with the sensitivity of his Silent Bob character (played by himself, of course). Not only will this movie appeal to those that have followed his previous movies (sort of like a cult), but it will draw in all those underage moviegoers who weren’t allowed to see his films before.

So, for everyone who has seen a Kevin Smith movie and liked it, and even those that have and didn’t, this is a great movie to see. There is definitely something in it for everyone.

Grade: A/B