With Clerks. (1994), Kevin Smith proved that he had a remarkable talent for writing dialogue. The difficult follow-up, Mallrats (1995), struggled to replicate past success. Both are comedies which aim straight for the funny bone. Chasing Amy, however, shows Smith as a maturing director who is rapidly gaining skill behind the camera. Instead of offering more of the same, this film goes for the heart.

Of course, this being a Kevin Smith movie there is still superb dialogue and many funny moments. The script is laced with wry observations and discussions on pop culture, but the humour resonates because it is grounded in believable characters. There is no slapstick farce here like in Mallrats, and unlike Clerks. this film is actually given a strong plot to work with. We're introduced to Holden McNeil (Ben Affleck) and Banky Edwards (Jason Lee), two semi-successful comic book artists and lifelong friends. When introduced to Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams), Holden senses a connection, which irks Banky. Although Alyssa is a lesbian, Holden can't help but fall in love with her.

From the outset it's clear that between the jokes Smith actually has something to say here. The script takes a serious approach at discussing issues surrounding sexuality and love. To work, the casting has to be spot on, and Ben Affleck is the sort of leading man that you can believe might just turn a lesbian straight. Jason Lee, who also had a starring role in Mallrats, plays a different character here and is slightly toned down. He's still given some of the best lines, but he serves as an opposite to Affleck. Joey Lauren Adams, meanwhile, tackles some strong emotional scenes and comedic moments with ease. The three leads all have screen presence and work together well, each bringing a different dynamic to the story.

Like Smith's previous two movies, Chasing Amy is also set in the View Askewniverse and so features numerous references to past events and characters. Fans will most likely be eager for the return of Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith), and although they only have one scene they're a welcome addition. Admittedly they feel a little clumsily inserted, but it's enjoyable seeing their faces reappear. A few other familiar faces also show, but I won't spoil the surprises.

Those who seek Kevin Smith's more low-brow moments may struggle with Chasing Amy, and although there is much sex talk here it is often off-set with dramatic moments. Considering Smith has thus far made a career out of dick and fart jokes, it's refreshing to see him going in a different direction. Surprisingly, it isn't in the comedy where Chasing Amy really excels, but it's in the human moments and the relationships between the characters. Seemingly drawing upon personal experiences, this third entry into Smith's View Askewniverse is his best yet - and there's also a wonderful homage to Jaws (1975) re-envisioned with Smith's unique brand of humour. Even those that haven't enjoyed any of Smith's previous films should at least give this one a go - it's just different enough and smart enough to feel like a proper grown-up movie.