Dogma

Starring: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Linda Fiorentino, Jason Mewes, Chris Rock, Alan Rickman, Jason Lee, Salma Hayek, Janeane Garofalo, George Carlin, Alana Morissette, Ethan Suplee
Directed by: Kevin Smith
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
1999

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: A woman (Linda Fiorentino) is chosen by God to stop two fallen angels (Ben Affleck, Matt Damon) from getting back into Heaven- and destroying the universe in the process. Along the way, she is helped by two "prophets" (Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes), the 13th disciple (Chris Rock), and a muse (Salma Hayek).

Review:

Tim: Putting aside my own religious beliefs and the beliefs of what many consider to be in good taste (the Catholic Church was NOT happy about this movie), Kevin Smith's Dogma has a great deal of potential, but falls far short.

I will give Smith credit for writing an impressive film. The story takes typical theology and turns it on its end. This perversion can very often be funny, if not downright blasphemous. This movie has it all- from fallen angels to racial commentary, devils, moronic Church members, Serendipity, and much more. Smith should be commended for thinking of such a twist on typical theology.

Smith also assembles an impressive cast. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are excellent as the fallen angels. They get along so well together, and it's fun seeing them in such a different role. Linda Fiorentino makes a good heroine, and I generally enjoyed her in the role. It was also humorous to see Smith and Jason Mewes as Jay and Silent Bob. Chris Rock gives a hilarious performance, and Salma Hayek is quite stunning throughout the film. George Carlin adds some great comedic work, and Alanis Morissette makes a surprisingly appearance near the end. Alan Rickman and Jason Lee also put in good supporting performances. The cast is definitely Dogma's strongest aspect.

The film ultimately fails because although it is somewhat epic in quality, it feels too small. Smith's directorial effort is not as strong as his writing. The film pushes the boundaries a little too far, and it is hard to take this film serious (I know it's a comedy, but there was so much potential for some real commentary on religion today). These more striking moments are lost in the movie. In the end, Dogma feels like a great effort that doesn't quite work. This is not Smith's best film, but it is certainly his most ambitious.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 4.5



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