Dogma

Rating:
Summary: The Joisey Prophets Fall Flat
Review: I've yet to find myself compelled to hop aboard the Ain't Kevin Smith Clever bandwagon which all started with his shoestring budget hit "Clerks." That film proved to be the blueprint for the Kevin Smith Movie Formula, as it relied primarily on his heavy-handed, rapid-fire dialogue script and sexual/scatological bluntness. The fact that it was crafted with minimal financing and mid-'90's slacker sensitivities in mind apparently meant that we were supposed to forgive how atrocious the acting was throughout.

Then there was the vapidity of Smith's inane follow-up, "Mallrats," which introduced streaks of juvenilia to the formula while apparently attempting to lampoon John Hughes-esque teen angst of yore -- and ending up lost in the ridiculously unfunny brew.

With "Chasing Amy," an enjoyable little film addressing a heavy, offbeat subject, Smith hit his stride and balanced the formulaic pseudo-sophistry and signature crudity with a poignant storyline. Even the acting took a leap forward in the form of (of all places) Joey Lauren Adams, previously relegated to Sex Kitten of Indie Film Bimbonia.

However, "Dogma" has Smith's ambitions overshadowing his abilities and playing out his formula to a highly muddled and unsuccessful end. Smith is obviously a very smart guy, which he wants to show us by anchoring his dialogue in stilted comic book stylization and attempting to tackle "controversial" themes. I just don't think he's as smart as he wants us to believe.

Smith's films have always exuded an alterna-pretentiousness, and his scripts consistently reflect his allegiance to the comic book idiom and sub-literary sci-fi. His characters are talky and full of exposition -- only in "Dogma" the delivery of this formulaic stylization that passes for dialogue is forced out of the mouths of more competent actors (Alan Rickman, Linda Fiorentino) than previously employed. As Smith's budget and popularity increases, he trots in more expensive talent to hopefully lend credibility to his static formula -- tantamount to hiring Michelangelo to illustrate Archie and Jughead. This is parcel to his movies in that they echo the revolution in comic books which has attempted to make them appear more literate and artistic than they actually are.

Meanwhile, the films obfuscate the first rule of fiction learned by every Freshman composition student: "Show, don't tell." And boy do Smith's characters tell. And tell. And tell. My gosh, do they tell. Yack, yack, yack. Unfortunately they don't yack very convincingly. I'm not asking for guns, cars and explosions here -- just a little realistic dialogue not mired in pseudo-intellectual, coffee house philosophizing.

However, in "Dogma," in addition to the blather it's guns we DO get -- in a film presumably out to examine some theological esoteria (at least, that's what the sycophants would have me believe). The presence of this bang-bang-kaboom aspect presumably ties in somehow with Smith's reliance on dabbling in the off-color -- tastewise -- for effect, but has instead merely come to signify pushing the crude and scatological envelopes simply for their own sake. Then again, maybe the inclusion of the Excrement Demon is simply an example of what the fawners mean when they refer to "Dogma's" humorous content.

Meanwhile, for "intellectual satire" fodder Smith trots out versions of the tired PC anti-religion cliches: Black Jesus and God as Woman. For supposedly being such a clever skewering of Catholic dogma, I would expect a bit headier approach -- one that could actually provoke thought instead of groans.

Yet apparently it's groans Smith will settle for as he attempts to cash in on the post-Academy Award currency the Damon-Affleck team (the combined acting range of which is as broad as a moist towelette) yields nowadays. Overuse of the overexposed (and overrated) Ben Affleck has pigeon-holed Smith's movies into an Affleck Vehicle Factory. Let's not supply the lad with too much more employment, okay Kevin? Personally, I'm just a bit weary of his one-dimensional characterizations showing up in the bulk of celluloid distilled from Hollywood these days. As for Salma Hayek, she may be a tasty morsel but certainly won't be earning any Oscars. But then, aside from the occasional glint (i.e., Adams in "Chasing Amy"), I don't look to Kevin Smith films to showcase any high quality thespian performances. (After all, Rickman needs a real script to chomp.) Chris Rock is a very funny stand-up, but his acting talents are scarce, no matter what the role. And if Jason Lee could escape the Kevin Smith continuum perhaps he could branch out from obnoxious roles into ones that might garner a bit more likeability -- and praise.

This ignites a flaw which has unfortunately become too prevalent in Smith's films: lack of interesting, sympathetic characters. Aside from the emotionally torn Alyssa Jones and Holden McNeil in "Amy," I can't confidently point to one Kevin Smith character which I give the slightest bollucks about. Jay and Silent Bob have outlasted their usefulness and effectiveness (something which is apparently lost on Smith, considering his latest "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" outing). While in "Clerks" they lent to the lowbrow atmosphere of the entire convenience store motif (in short, they FIT), and their appearance in "Amy" played into the Six Degrees of Kevin Smith Films facet, by "Dogma" they were once again simply relied on for comic relief, as in "Mallrats." By now they're no longer novel -- merely buffoonish charicatures.

Given its theme, "Dogma" was bound to offend religious Catholics no matter what approach was taken. I fault it not for that -- every staid, reverant institution deserves to be prodded and shaken up now and again. My beef is that Smith's signature verbal posturing, frankness and crudity have become an ineffective crutch -- which is a shame, considering he obviously has some insightful commentary to disclose on serious issues (Catholicism, homo/bisexuality). He apparently has the ability and desire to make poignant points, but he doesn't capitalize on it in any consistent, demonstrable way. "Dogma" is the epitome of that sad fact.

Rating:
Summary: Irreverent fun
Review: This movie is hilarious! But watch out if you are someone who clings to Roman Catholic practices religiously. This movie will probably be condemned by many as blasphemy, but its a wickedly funny road to hell. Take the movie as it was intended and you'll have a great time. I enjoyed it, and I'm catholic.

Rating:
Summary: Dogma Rules!
Review: I love Dogma. I love the irreverent humor, the wonderful acting. I love the ideas it has, the possibility that religion is all wet, and the fun poked at the Catholic Church. It's funny, it's totally sacriligious, and I watch it once a week. I wish they'd come out with Dogma 2!

Rating:
Summary: DOGMA...A Cult Classic
Review: When this film was releasd, it was proclaimed by the Catholic Church as blasphemous. On the contrary. The film is a reaffirmation of faith and at the same time, not to be taken seriously. When GHOSTBUSTERS was released way back in 1984, the hype above the titles claimed, "Coming This Summer To Save the World". It got almost the same reaction as this film. As with GHOSTBUSTERS, DOGMA is a comedy and not scripture. The film's main plot is about two fallen angels Bartleby (Ben Affleck) and Loki (Matt Damon) who somehow find a loophole to get back to heaven. For this, they must travel to New Jersey where Cardinal Glick (George Carlin) is planning "pass through the Church doors and have your sins wiped away automatically" day. However, this loophole can mean the end of the world because it would mean God is not perfect. Along the way, they go on a killing spree. Then, the voice of God, Metatron (Alan Rickman), recruits Bethany (Linda Fiorentino) to stop the fallen angels and she in turn recruits help along the way. The funniest of course, are the so-called prohets, Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith) from all of Smith's movies and Chris Rock as Rufus the 13th and only black Apostle. At the same time, Jason Lee as the demon Azrael is scheming to have the fallen angels succeed. Kevin Smith has done his homework and as a Catholic, knows his catechism. As usual, the Kevin Smith's dialogue is crisp and fun to listen to, and the comedy is right on the money. Great support all around from Chris Rock, Alan Rickman, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Lee etc... and Selma Hayek is used right for a change. The final battle scene of good vs. the not so evil may be a little graphic, and Alannis Morissette as God may be a little hard to swallow, but this is one of Kevin Smith's slickest movies to date. The special addition DVD has all the bells and whitsles.

Rating:
Summary: Sharing thoughs
Review: I dont like to wirte reviews, but I just needed to get this written down. I think DOGMA was a good movie.

First let me explain...

You all think way too much while watching the movie. Well it was quite clever in some ways, but it's still a comedy.

I think that Kevin Smith did a good job wirting this piece of movie. It makes us think...

I admit it that I had at first a hard time liking it. I even though that it was unclever! But 2hours ago, as I rewatched it I liked it more. And I know why... I just turned off my premade opinions and watched it. It made me see some things diffrent. And isnt that what this film was all about?

Vulgar language is unfortunaly a part of our society, but DOGMA is a part of our society therefore it had to contain such language. Still I understand that people are offended by it. My only advise for you, who are offened by this kind of language, you might not want to see this movie.

Well and for all catholic people out there:
This movie is of course a bit offending. Well maybe highly offending. Maybe it had to be.. to just get you out of your old thinking. I am NOT saying that your way of thinking is wrong. I am just saying that it might be a good thing to get a new angle to look at things.
But consider this: "This movie made me get closer to having faith than getting me away from having faith!"

-Sharing Thoughs

Rating:
Summary: Satire? This isn't a satire, my friend.
Review:

I'm mostly commenting on the fact that many reviewers call this movie a satire. There's nothing satirical about it, it's one of the most entertaining, approachable movies about religion.

First off, why isn't it satire? It's religion + humor, right? Yes, but the humor isn't designed to ridicule Christianity or faith in general, but to discuss it. I really didn't find an ounce of cynicism in this flick, and to be honest, my faith was somewhat renewed thanks to this movie's fresh perspective on religion.

Some compare this movie to "Life of Brian." Wow. Some people are posting from the left side of Pluto. Brian reaks with cynicism and dark humor, while, on the other hand, Dogma earnestly presents a world in which God and Satan and their assorted minions are very much a part of our life. This leads to some outstanding scenes, especially the one in which the Angel of Death, back from a long absence, renews his career by liquidating the corporate board of a Disney...


Classic line from that scene: "He was your son, you sick..."


Anyway, this movie is great because it really discusses God and religion as something unremovable from life, even our modern, cynical lifestyle. To all its detractors, most of whom have never, and will never, see it, this movie probably did more for the Faith than a million episodes of "The 700 Club."

And you have to admit, the Angel of Death looks good with a Desert Eagle .45.

-- JJ Timmins

Rating:
Summary: Better: Clerks, Amy
Review: I love Mr. Smith's directing and writing. He's just freakin' awesome. So I hold him to very high standards. I know a lot of people talked trash about this movie, but it really wasn't bad. What it was, was corrupted by Kevin Smith's celebrity friends and their cameos. One of the things about Kevin Smith's earlier movies was the actors involved didn't detract from the movie. Even Amy with a then-unknown Ben Affleck. In this case, however, it's hard to let the story shine with people like Matt Damon involved. And don't get me wrong- I love Matt Damon.

Rating:
Summary: Kick A$$
Review: this is my absolute favorite movie, you have to see it.

Rating:
Summary: gotta have a sense of humor for this one
Review: Dogma is rather a brave movie because it deals with the Cathlic Church. Kevin Smith set out with this film to question his own Cathlic faith and does a really good job with it. The entire cast is great and really makes an impact. I've seen the movie a few times and I never get tired of it.

Rating:
Summary: Religious satire at its best
Review: Few films have upset the religious community as much as Dogma, and probably none have so little to cause such a reaction. Obviously crafted by someone who knows a lot about Catholic tradition (and dogma, as it were), Dogma has far more in support of God and religion than anything else.

As a DVD, the Dogma SE is quite well done, with menus that reflect the cheesy marketing as evidenced by the "Buddy Christ" in the film. Also of note is the "religious fanatic" who says something when a menu is selected. The commentary is quite funny (esp. the blatant and shameless attempts by Smith to promote Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash), although the video portions are pretty dull, except for revealing that Jason Mewes was completely intoxicated when recording it. The cut sections, however, are where the DVD truly shines. Framed by explanations from Smith, these scenes truly enhance the experience, provided you really liked the movie (which, of course, is the only reason you should buy deluxe editions like this). My only complaint is that the "Hosties" animatics promised throughout the various commentaries is not at all present. Otherwise, it's the perfect DVD for fans of this movie, or Kevin Smith's "View Askewiverse".