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All-Reviews.com Movie/Video Review
Dogma
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  out of 4
 Review by Jim VanFleet 4 stars out of 4
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Is it just me, or are people afraid of watching intelligent
movies anymore? Honestly. We sit comfortably in
theaters and watch Independence Day and Mission Impossible 2. We rent Nightmare on Elm Street 3.
When a movie like Dogma comes out, we say, "I should
see that one, it looks interesting . . . oops, I'm late for Just
Shoot Me!" Dogma, a $10 million dollar movie from Kevin
Smith, the man behind Clerks, Mallrats, and Chasing Amy,
is an example of the type of movie aforementioned.
A superior to Clerks, and definitely Mallrats, Dogma represents Kevin Smith's entry into the mainstream.
The story goes like so: Bethany (Linda Fiorentino) is
recruited by the Voice of God (Alan Rickman) to prevent
two fallen angels (Matt Damon and Ben Affleck) from
re-entering heaven, and, thus, " . . . negating all
existence." Why? Who cares? Especially with such an
eclectic cast.
Salma Hayek is a muse who now strips for quick cash,
Chris Rock is the 13th apostle (ignored in the Bible
because he's black), Jason Lee is a demon that wants the
world to end, and Jay and Silent Bob reprise their roles from
the three previous Kevin Smith films, this time as 'prophets.'
The supporting cast make this film what it is.
Consequently, that may also be the only flaw. Linda
Fiorentino does a fine job, but she is constantly upstaged
by Chris Rock, Jay and Silent Bob, and Alan Rickman.
Their hilarious dialogue, along with Matt Damon and Ben
Affleck's chemistry (best pal chemistry), keep the film from
lagging a moment during its two-hour run.
I would have liked to understand Linda's character a bit
more, and I would have toned down some of the sex talk
by Jay (Jason Mewes), but overall, this is easily one of the best religious pictures in years. If you like Kevin Smith's films (they're cult classics now), check this one out. If not,
still check it out. Not for the kids, but this will have a warm
spot in my heart for years to come.
Copyright © 2000 Jim VanFleet
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