"I like Jason very much and have been a true admirer of his work since we worked together on Mallrats. He is quite different from his on-screen persona but we do get along very well. He is subdued and courteous, open and gregarious, generous and sweet. If you look up 'good man' in the Funk and Wagnals English vol. XVIII there is a production still of Jason from 'Amy.' I consider him the funniest actor I've ever worked with-- a gentleman and a friend." - Ben Affleck

I've been a huge fan of Jason's ever since Mallrats. So here's just a brief synopsis (according to me) of the characters he's played (and a list of his other films that I have yet to see)

Mi Vida Loca (1993)- a.k.a My Crazy Life. Jason played a Teenage Drug Customer. This was his first film.

Mallrats 1995)- The film that started it all. For me, at least. Kevin Smith's second film, Lee played Brodie Bruce, best friend of T.S. Quint (played by Jeremy London). Brodie is a wise-cracking slacker, who cares more about comics and playing Sega than showing affection to his girlfriend. And while Mallrats was criticized unmercifully by the critics, as was London's performance by everyone, including Kevin Smith, Jason Lee gave a stellar performance, proving him as good an actor as he is in skateboarding.

Drawing Flies (1996)- A View Askew produced film, directed by Matt Gissing and Malcolm Ingram, that I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing. I'm not even sure who he played in that one.

A Better Place (1997)- Another View Askew film, directed by Vincent Pereira. Although he had the small role of Dennis Pepper, Jason still gave it his all, turing an originally small role into a hilarious break from the intensity of the film, proving yet again his outstanding talent as an actor.

played Chasing Amy (1997)- Kevin Smith's third film, and Jason's next major role. This time he Banky Edwards, best friend of Holden McNeil (played by Ben Affleck), and tra... I mean, inker of their comic, Bluntman and Chronic.

Weapons of Mass Distraction (1997) (TV)- An HBO special. He plays bad boy, Philip Messenger, son of Julian Messenger, played by Ben Kingsley. This role was quite variant from his other roles, but he played it just as well, showing his versatility as well as his talent.

Mumford (1998)- This was a very cute movie. Not anything you'd go home and call all your friends to go see, but enjoyable none-the-less. Jason plays Skip Skiperton, a wealthy but lonely modem guy who develops a friendship with doctor Mumford. Although his role wasn't very large, as usual he gave a wonderful performance, and though Skip isn't quite the most sane character in the world, I really felt sorry for him.

Kissing a Fool (1998)- His first large non View Askew role. In this on he played Jay Murphy, a writer who is in the process of editing a book about his ex-girlfriend. He sets up his best friend with his editor, who, in a matter of weeks get engaged. Then things start getting difficult. This also got really bad reviews by almost everyone, but as always, Jason gives an excellent performance. And Harry Connick Jr. performs two songs in the film, so if you're anything like me, it's worth a watch.

Enemy of the State (1998)- If you have not seen this movie yet, go rent it now. Lee plays Zavitz, a guy who studies geese, but accidentally tapes a murder. Jason isn't in the movie for very long, but those of you who've seen all of Jason's other films will really get a kick (I hate that phrase) out of this role.

American Cuisine (1998)- This is a French indie film about an American chef (whom I'm assuming Jason played) who goes to France to work for a French chef and falls in love with his daughter. I've heard high recommendations on this film, but haven't had a chance to see it yet.

Dogma (1999)- The 4th Kevin Smith film, and the third they've done together, this time Jason plays Azrael, a former Muse of God who was sent to hell and is now plotting a way to get out. Again, his screen time was too short for my taste. Being so closely involved in the making of the film, however, I can't really give it a proper critique. It was on the set of this film that I met Jason. He's a really swell guy, but I'll tell you all about that in the next chapter.

Almost Famous (2000)- One of the best movies I've seen in a really long time. Jason plays Jeff Bebe, the lead singer of Stillwater. The movie chronicles the rise of the band to almost stardom. Even if Jason wasn't in it I would still love this movie, but the fact that he is makes it all the better, IMHO.

Find out about my own personal encounter with Jason Lee on the set of Dogma!

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