Dogma (DVD, 2001, 2-Disc Set, Special Edition)

Imaginative theology and a bigger-than-usual budget make Kevin Smith's (CHASING AMY, CLERKS) fourth film a kind of post-Catholic fantasy that only a comic-book enthusiast of his caliber could dream up. It concerns banished angels, Loki (Matt Damon) and Bartleby (Ben Affleck) who, after a few millennia in Wisconsin, discover a loophole in Catholic doctrine that would allow them back into heaven--but prove the fallibility of God and destroy the universe. As they make their way to New Jersey to receive a plenary indulgence, God dispatches a seraphim (Alan Rickman) to recruit lapsed-Catholic Bethany (Linda Fiorentino) to stop the angels. She finds help in muses, prophets (Jay and Silent Bob), and the forgotten 13th apostle, Rufus (Chris Rock). Before long, all hell breaks loose (literally), and God (Alanis Morrisette) has to put in an appearance of her own. Smith's controversial (and very funny) film is powered by his trademark dialogue, ripe with observations on pop culture, religion, and bodily functions.

I caught part of this film when I was flipping through channels one day, and it intrigued me. After I tracked down the name in the TV Guide, I started looking for a copy to buy. Local stores don't carry it, which is a shame, so I turned to Ebay, which is the way to go.

"Dogma" boasts a star-studded cast, including Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Alan Rickman, Chris Rock, etc. Rather than give details about the plot, I will say that this movie adds humor to religion and spirituality. It's filled with sexless angels, God on vacation, strip-teasing "Muse," fallen angels on a conquest, genocide, crabby priests, everything a comic religious flick needs.

I highly recommend this film for anyone not offended by spiritual humor. If you believe that everything "religious" is set in stone, then it's not for you. I am a Christian, and I have a sense of humor. I love God for his own sense of humor, and I'm certain that "Dogma" made Him laugh out loud.

I love this movie. It is very funny and a great way to spend a rainy day. Dogma is a great story line and an interesting concept. Matt and Ben play two determined fallen angles, bound for heaven. Their battle against Jay and Silent Bob proves to be their downfall and saves heaven from the entrance of th banished angels. I decided to buy this movie because it has long been one of my favorites and I wanted to add it to my growing collection.

I rented this movie a few summers back and thoroughly enjoyed it. The cast is stellar, and their performances are great. The dynamic between Ben Afflect and Matt Damon is in turn hilarious and extremely serious/intense. The irreverence quotient on this movie tops the charts, so if you don't have a sense of humor - do NOT, repeat, DO NOT buy this movie! There is about NOTHING more rewarding for me - as a Unitarian who teaches at a Catholic school - than to turn on "recovering Catholics" to this movie. While on one level it's pure irreverently comedic entertainment, what Linda Fiorentino's character experiences and works through touches most of us in some way - if you have ever looked to the Heavens and thought "God - if You really love me - WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME?!" you can relate to her character, and she does a great job with the role. I don't think there's a bad performance on the part of ANY of the cast - having said that, I am no NY or LA film critic so what do I know? My sons (18 and 14) LOVE this movie as well, and bring their friends over to share it with them - while I would probably screen this prior to viewing it with kids under 18, just so you are confident that you, YOURSELF, are comfortable with the profanity used and the irreverence (George Carlin plays a Bishop? Ohhhh my GOD!) I have to say that this is one of the most hilarious movies I have ever enjoyed, which also bears the potential to spark a lot of really good, thoughtful discussion with others on the topics of what it means to HAVE FAITH.

Personally - If I had to guess, I think Jesus would love this movie. And so will you!

If you have not watched this movie in a while you may have forgotten how funny and irreverent it truly is.It made me laugh...think...and even squirm a time or two. With actors like Alan Rickman, Chris Rock, Matt Damon and Ben Afflack plus many other fine performances how can you go wrong. If you don't have the courage to laugh at your beliefs now and again this might not be your type of film...if on the other hand you have true belief in your own values and are not afraid to delve in to the world of the absurd it is time to see this again. The special edition has all sorts of wonderful extras as well.