When it was
first released, “Dogma” brought with it a storm
of controversy. It has been listed among the
films that the Catholic Church has deemed
immoral and evil (also on the list is the
character of James Bond, so I don’t hold the
list in high regard). People protested it in
front of theatres. It was said to make a mockery
of God and religious beliefs.
Geez, all of that for a dark, but light and
funny comedy that actually promotes the belief
in God? I have a hard time believing that those
who condemned this movie actually watched it.
Kevin Smith has written and directed a fine film
that delivers a great message as well as deliver
the quirky, pop-culture referencing humor of
previous Smith films like “Clerks” and
“Mallrats.” It seems that every time a film
brings up religion and imposes ideas and
suggestions never heard before that someone will
get angry. “Dogma” is a thoughtful film that
seems to present Smith’s view on God and
religion.
“Dogma” stars Smith regular Ben Affleck and Matt
Damon as Bartleby and Loki, two angels kicked
out of heaven a millennia ago. They discover a
loophole in the Catholic religion that will get
them back into heaven. The only problem is that
by doing so, they will negate existence. They
also take on the unpleasant task of killing any
sinners they come across on their trip to New
Jersey, where they can accomplish this.
Meanwhile, a woman who works in an abortion
clinic (Linda Fiorentino) is approached by the
voice of God (the always excellent Alan
Rickman), who assigns her on a holy crusade to
stop the angels. Assisting her is the
resurrected 13th Apostle (Chris Rock,
surprisingly good here) who was left out of the
Bible because he is black. Also along is a muse
(Salma Hayek), who gave the writers of some of
the biggest box hits of all time inspiration. Of
course, it wouldn’t be a Kevin Smith film
without his recurring characters, Jay (Jason
Mewes), the foul-mouthed, sex obsessed stoner,
and Silent Bob (Smith), the quiet as the dead,
but remarkably intelligent stoner. It seems that
they’re prophets of God. It’s then a race for
this team to stop the angels from reaching their
goal…but not if another Kevin Smith regular gets
in their way! Jason Lee is Azrael, a demon from
Hell who is secretly assisting the evil angels.
If you are easily offended or upset, then avoid
“Dogma.” If you don’t have a sense of humor when
it comes to religion, then definitely avoid
“Dogma.” If you are not a fan of Smith’s films,
then you should follow the advice above. “Dogma”
is hilarious, but in Smith’s foul and twisted
way. It’s much darker than his other films and
far more violent. Its best to know what you’re
up for before you see this, that’s why this
paragraph exists in this critique.
In addition to the humor, the film has several
things going for it: snappy and creative
writing, good acting, and themes. The writing
was already discussed, but you must be wondering
why I put “good” next to “acting” when Affleck
is in the cast. Strangely, what I’ve noticed is
that when Affleck plays a supporting role, a
character part, or a comic role (as he does in
most Smith films, even here, despite his star
billing), he actually quite good. The rest of
the cast seems to be having a great time with
their roles, all except Fiorentino, who is a
little on the drab side. Smith’s themes make the
film, though. At it’s core, “Dogma” is about how
no one cares about religion anymore because no
on celebrates it, they only just attend church
and become bored. Smith says that differences
between religions fuel conflict that shouldn’t
exist. This is a wonderfully thought out film
and it’s a royal shame that so many people tried
to rip it apart without having seen it.
©
Written by Jacob Hall
TC Candler's Comment
Consistently
entertaining and observant about the absurdities
of the Catholic religion.
Richard
Propes' Comment
Why can't
other directors figure out how to use Chris
Rock? I always enjoy the Affleck/Damon
chemistry, and in roles such as these they
clearly are having a good time. I love Kevin
Smith as Silent Bob...I've never been overly
impressed with Jason Mewes as Jay (though I'm
keeping quiet...I saw what he did in "Jay and
Silent Bob Strike Back!"). This film is
definitely not for everyone...those easily
offended will...well, be offended. I still love
the re-designed happy Jesus. This film also did
a nice job with its more "cameo" appearances
including George Carlin and George Wallace.
