Real
miracles, sensibly priced
"Leap of
Faith" requires a sort of leap of faith to fully
appreciate it. There is, quite potentially, much
here to NOT like. I'm not really sure why I have
such a strong appreciation for this film, but I
cannot deny that every time I've gotten the
chance I've found myself watching AND enjoying
this film tremendously.
"Leap of Faith" centers on the life of Jonas
Nightingale, a traveling preacher who is a fake
faith healer...I don't think this script
maximizes the use of Martin in this role. In
some ways, I think he was born to play such a
faith healer...it allows him to utilize the
Martin charm, humor and intellect to create a
character that is both captivating and
conniving. It's prime Martin material. While
it's a surprisingly subdued performance much of
the time, I still like what Martin brings to the
table here.
Just as attractive for me here is the
performance of Debra Winger as his sidekick who
begins to question everything. Winger does a
nice job with a character who does an about face
in the course of the film.
Lolita Davidovich leads a wonderful supporting
cast that includes Liam Neeson, Lukas Haas,
Meatloaf and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. While I'd
like to see the supporting roles fleshed out
more, I also felt like the actors brought out
what they could and Haas and Davidovich were
particularly effective.
I could see easily where Christians, especially
those who are into the "revival" scene...would
be somewhat bothered by this film. It clearly
looks at the "business" of religion and doesn't
really look upon it favorably...yet, with the
number of televangelist scandals and other
Christian controversies it is hard to argue with
a film such as this one.
In some ways, my enjoyment of this film defies
explanation...it is not about reason or
logic...it is not really even about true
critical analysis. I can certainly find faults
within this film. Yet, I give this film major
kudos because time after time I have watched it
and surrendered to the story. The characters
have resonated with me over the past 12 years
and I have cared about them. Any film that can
accomplish that gets a higher rating in my
world!
©
Written by Richard
Propes
TC Candler's Comment
N/A
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
