Dogma

Rating:
Summary: TOO PREACHY?
Review: Ok. The juxtaposition of the vulgarity, the innate human vulgarity, and the discussions of the divine are what make the movie such a joy, because we are all poor wretches when we're not in the public eye. True faith extends far beyond the confines of a weekly ceremony in an ornate building. The place it takes in our every day life is what really matters, and this is what the film examines. This and the ridiculous 'dogma' that shackles people into fearing their God rather than loving him. Kevin Smith should be more sensitive? Give me a break. There is no point? Give me a break. Wake up. It is infuriating that someone would question a film makers/writers freedom to explore ideas in any manner he/she desires. I hope the two of you don't live in America and if you do, don't bother voting. It will just be a waste of time. Smith is a genius. PLEASE email me. I'm sure I'll be able to sell you a few indulgences, or maybe a thorn from the crown set upon Jesus' head. [e-mail]

Rating:
Summary: Dogma Doesn't Work
Review: Writer/Director Kevin Smith is well known in the film world for his quirky urban work. His first film, Clerks, is a small-budget legend. Mallrats and Chasing Amy helped to define his niche as an independent filmmaker. Now Smith has the clout and the money to make Dogma, his religious comedy about the angels and demons, but it is raising more controversy than critique.

Dogma is an interesting story on the surface. It follows Bartleby (Ben Affleck, Forces of Nature) and Loki (Matt Damon, Saving Private Ryan), two fallen angels who have found a loophole in their banishment from Heaven. Because God said they would never be allowed back into Heaven, if they manage to do it, they will unravel all of reality. To stop them, the angel Metatron (Alan Rickman) appears to a young woman named Bethany (Linda Fiorentino), who is having her own doubts about her faith, and charges her with the task of driving to New Jersey and preventing the angels from carrying out their plan.

Her journey to Jersey is Oz-like in nature. Along the way she picks up two prophets (Jay and Silent Bob, recurring characters from Smith's other movies) and the unknown 13th Apostle, Rufus (Chris Rock, Lethal Weapon 4). The trip for Bartleby and Loki is equally interesting, as Loki decides to go out with a bang by picking up his old job (he used to be the Angel of Death) and taking out a few sinners along the way.

Dogma is distinctly different from Smith's early stories of Jersey life. Gone is the snappy dialogue, the intriguing conversations, and the trademark inside jokes. Smith has traded edginess for irreverence, tackling the subject of religion with the same brashness that he has used to discuss drugs and sex in his previous films. This film is actually a backward step for Smith, and it doesn't feel like his work.

There isn't much to say about the acting in Dogma, either. It seems as if Smith is more interested in guest appearances than good acting. Janeane Garofalo (Mystery Men) plays Bethany's co-worker. Salma Hayek (54) appears as a lost muse. Jason Lee, who has appeared in two of Smith's other films, plays a demon Azrael. Of course, it's no secret that pop singer Alanis Morissette turns up at the end in a surprise role.

Dogma isn't without some merit. As I stated, the premise is actually pretty intriguing. Smith has given us some interesting characters in Bartleby and Loki. Several scenes are genuinely funny. Some moments are reminiscent of Smith's earlier style. His examination of Lewis Carroll's story of "The Walrus and the Carpenter" as an condemnation of organized religion is clever. The depiction of the cartoon cow Moobee (a golden calf) as a symbol of idolatry is funny and thought-provoking.

Unfortunately, it doesn't come off as a real Kevin Smith movie. For fans of his work, Dogma might be a let-down.

Rating:
Summary: Dogma doesn't deliver
Review: I've had a hard time trying to go through this film. I am a big fan of Kevin Smith's previous efforts, I even enjoyed Mallrats. Concerning Dogma, I really don't think Kevin's message whatever it is, really comes through. There are some really hilarious moments, but they are so sparce, that this really can't even count as a comedy (you know there's trouble if the only funny moments are those featuring Jay's comments).

Rating:
Summary: Smith Hits One Home With A little Satire
Review: Again, Kevin Smith proves to the world why he is one of the best young directors of today. This wonderfully crafted film has a very "real" feel to it. Not all spritzed up and mannequin looking, like most blockbusters. And the level of satire going on in this film is unbelievable. I truly delighted in watching it, and saw it three times in the theater. Not for people who don't know how to take a joke, but even the most rudimentary sense of humor should be able to find some enjoyment out of this one!

Rating:
Summary: Don't let the protests keep you from this incredible movie!
Review: I, being a huge Kevin Smith fan (I am going to marry that boy one day), admit I am a little biased about his films, but this one knocked me out of my seat. I laughed throughout the movie while thinking. It's refreshing that someone could write a wonderful movie like this and still make you think about religion. He doesn't really say that any religion is wrong so I don't understand what all that fuss was about. The actors he chose were perfect for their roles. Even that of God: Alanis Morrissette and the old man with a love for skeeball. If you aren't afraid to think about your religious convictions and want to laugh, this movie is perfect for you. A tale of hope that we all need.

Rating:
Summary: The Heart of the Matter
Review: This movie is like a breath of fresh air (and I'm not only saying that because I share my first name with its "chosen one"). After watching movie upon movie that portrays God as a mean, white taskmaster sitting in his golden throne ambivalent to everyone--this movie was truly refreshing. I mean sure, there are some inconsistencies that are never quite resolved (why again was an all-powerful God unable to sever his/her being from the body trapped in the hospital?), but overall, I think it captures a side of God that is too often neglected by filmakers today. For example, when Alanis Morisette is smelling the flowers and doing handstands against trees, it's a wonderful picture of God's love for Creation and the fact that He doesn't always have to be played by someone Charleton Heston-like. And the text screens about the platypus that play at the start of the movie are the perfect responses to anyone who tries to be offended by this movie that offers to look at God while (gasp!) experiencing humor and joy instead of guilt and condemnation.

Rating:
Summary: A must see =>
Review: So what.... The majority of Kevin Smith's fans LOVED this movie. I know that I did. I honestly haven't laughed so much in a movie in a while. We could have lived without the "poo" monster, but hey, thats Smith for ya. His comedy is one of a kind and to be enjoyed. NOT to be taken seriously. And for all of you that did not like Clerks, all I can say is that you have to work in a job like that to understand. I may not know everything, but I know that this is a hit! I also wait and hope and pray that Smith comes out with another film soon! You rock Smith!

Rating:
Summary: WAY too preachy!
Review: Kevin Smith should really stick to regular people and not try to get deeper than he can really get. I really enjoyed "Chasing Amy" and I thought that "Mallrats" was half-decent, but what made those movies was the fact that you weren't force fed any ideas. I am a devout but open minded Catholic, and I was hoping that some Catholics who reacted to this movie were over blowing it (as they occasionally do) but I do have to admit I was a little red faced with embarrassment at some of the material. But the movies main flaw is that it goes in over its head, and you don't know if you are supposed to take it seriously or not. Yeah, at one point they are trying to talk about God, and the next point they are fighting a monster made out of...uh...poo. It's hard to get a point across when there are stupid distractions like those. And the whole abortion debate thing DID NOT need to be thrown into the mix, either. I hate to say it, but "Dogma" did need to be a little more sensitive (even for Kevin Smith, and I hope he returns to form his next movie) and way, way, way less preachy. There were a few scattered laughs, but most of the movie I spent rolling my eyes and looking at my watch.

Rating:
Summary: Kevin Smiths comedic skills evolve for the better!
Review: I have long been a huge Kevin Smith fan therefore I may have somewhat of a bias opinion but I still know good movie making when I see it. This movie revolutionizes the intelligent comedy with witty dialect and an original outlook on religion. If you've seen any other Smith films you'll understand the slap stick humor and welcome Jay(Jason Mews) and Silent Bobs(Smith himself) excellent performances. This is at very least a definite rental. To Kevin Smith fans its a must buy dvd.

Rating:
Summary: One of the overlooked films of 1999
Review: This is one of those movies that you're either going to love or hate. I loved it. It was a really great movie that really made you think. And for all of those people who got all upset, they probably hadn't seen the movie. For if they had, they would have seen the disclaimer at the begining. I feel that this (along with GO) Was one of the more overlooked films of 1999. The acting was great, it was cleverly written and above all, its just a comedy!