Given that this was a film from Kevin Smith, I knew it wasn't going to suck, obviously. What I didn't quite expect was how Raquel Castro would come in and steal the show in the role of 7-year-old Gertie. Even with the title role, that's no small feat in the company of Oscar-caliber actors Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, and George Carlin.

Though some might try to pigeonhole this film into the category of "romantic comedy" (of which it does bear some elements), the real focus is on the father/daughter relationship between Affleck and Castro's characters. The chemistry is there, as is the writing.

Compared to previous View Askew productions, the language and conversation topics in this one are fairly mild. That is to say, it's probably a bit more on the explicit side than most directors would go, especially in a movie whose primary subject is a 7 year old girl. But watching it, you can feel -- like so much of Kevin's past work -- it all comes from the heart.

Although it's hard to pick out one favorite scene because there were so many great ones, among the most memorable and funny was one where the little girl catches her father and his "friend" from the video store (Liv Tyler) in a compromising position, and sits them down for a serious little talk. "What are your intentions toward my father?"

ROTFL.

This film bears not only the distinction of being Smith's first cinematic departure from the 5-part New Jersey trilogy, it is also his first film to which the adjective "cute" easily applies. I don't mean that in a belittling way, because here, it is perfect. Beneath the cuteness, there is also a lot of depth and heart.

For anyone who loves kids, this film will be a treat. For anyone who doesn't, watching it just might change your mind by the end.