Posted by ghostmann at 209.162.83.22 on November 10, 1999 at 16:16:49:
In Reply to: My review of DOGMA posted by Neil on November 10, 1999 at 14:35:21:
: Ok, I know that there remains a fear of too many DOGMA reviews on the board, but I felt that since I saw it before Friday (actually it was at the benefit show in Red Bank, and I'm just barely feeling confident enough in my feelings about it to try to express them), that I would share my thoughts here before I did elsewhere. Ignore them if you like... and note there are a couple of minor spoilers, I think.
:
: Here it is:
: First of all, I should note, I’m a Kevin Smith fan. I saw CLERKS in a theater five years ago and have been going to his movies ever since and watching his growth, as a filmmaker and as a writer.
: Because of this, I had high hopes that DOGMA would be the movie that would convince the skeptics. It has a cast of talented name actors, which should have drawing power. It has a funny script. Everything in the world is going for it.
: After seeing it, however, I have to say that while it does build off his other work and is another interesting step in Kevin Smith’s career, it’s not going to change many peoples mind about him. Sure, it being a better movie than MALLRATS - but still has that kind of broad appeal adventure plotting - it will draw a wider group and may create some new fans… yes, I’m continually amazed at how large a percentage of the general public knows nothing about him and hasn’t seen any of his films.
: DOGMA itself is the story of two renegade angels, played by Oscar wunderkinder Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, whose efforts to retain their place in heaven threatens to nullify the Universe. On the quest to stop them is Linda Fiorentino as an abortion clinic worker who has a special calling (many of you probably have heard the details of what makes her special, but I’m not going to spoil it), who must follow two prophets, the ever-present Jay and Silent Bob (played, as always, by Jason Mewes and writer-director Smith) on her quest to Red Bank, NJ to save the world.
: On the way, we are asked to see how lack of faith can get in the way of achieving one’s goals and what faith itself can achieve. Despite the ridiculous and disingenuous protests, this movie is a long wet fellating (or cunnilinging – which is by no means a real word) of the Lord and belief.
: The story is a lot of fun and the action moves quickly, especially for the first hour when this movie is like an express train plowing along full steam. The dialogue is funny as always and the growth in developing character through dialogue that Smith demonstrated with CHASING AMY is still in tact. There are some very effective dramatic scenes along the way.
: This is also, as one would assume from a cast featuring Fiorentino, Alan Rickman and the wonder twins, the best overall acting seen in a Smith film yet. Both Affleck and Damon make their scenes shine, giving a real power to their plight as homeless and homesick angels wanting to have a place in the scheme of the world again. Rickman is nothing short of stunning. Both his dramatic power and comedic skill are on in full measure and it’s a real treat to see. Chris Rock is hysterically funny as well as believable in the peculiar role of the 13th Apostle.
: Mewes gives his best performance yet, both funny and somehow real in the role of the perpetual stoner Jay. After seeing this, I really want to see him do more work. I really think if he put the effort in, he could make a career for himself beyond Smith’s films. I didn’t strongly have that feeling after any of the earlier films, only that he does have a certain screen presence. Now, I think he’s actually got some acting chops… underdeveloped still, but definitely showing through.
: The visuals… ah… the easiest complaint against the entire Smith canon. Well, it’s improving, but he’s clearly still no Ridley Scott. There are some striking images here and there throughout the film, however he still hasn’t gotten down the rhythm of keeping a visual energy on screen that a filmmaker needs. He still relies on his words to keep the story moving.
: Let’s face it; the man does love his words. I can’t completely blame him; his words are usually witty and intelligent, even when they are lowbrow. And in the case of DOGMA, the words are reciting some of the most intriguingly original spiritual philosophy I’ve seen in a film. However, he does still let them tell too much of the story and the actions of the people not carry enough.
: I don’t think this is Smith’s best film; CHASING AMY touched me in a much more personal way. I do think this is definitely a film that shows a lot of growth as a storyteller, though, and I feel comfortable recommending it even to the unconverted. It’s definitely worth giving a chance and drawing your own conclusions.
: And I continue to look forward to seeing his growth continue in the future. He is a man with a unique talent, that I hope he is able to hone down into the greatness I think it clearly has the potential for.