Review of Dogma (1999) by Ola G — 10 Nov 2013

The two fallen angels, Bartleby (Ben Affleck) and Loki (Matt Damon), were banished from Heaven after an inebriated Loki, with Bartleby's encouragement, resigned as the Angel of Death. Exiled to Wisconsin, the pair see their salvation when a church in Red Bank, New Jersey celebrates its centennial anniversary with a plenary indulgence. They can have their sins forgiven by passing through the doors of that church, and-upon death-regain access to Heaven. They fail to realize that this will overrule the word of God and destroy existence. Bethany Sloane (Linda Fiorentino), an abortion clinic worker, attends a sermon, in which donations are collected for the hospital bills of the homeless man who was beaten into a coma and is now on life support. Later that day, Metatron (Alan Rickman), the Voice of God, appears to her and tasks her with preventing Bartleby and Loki's return. Bethany resists the mission, as she lost her faith in God due to her infertility and resultant divorce. Bethany is attacked by the Stygian Triplets, but is saved by Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith), two prophets whom Metatron said would appear. Eventually Bethany accepts her mission and she is also aided by Rufus (Chris Rock), the thirteenth apostle who was left out of the Bible for being black, and Serendipity (Salma Hayek), a Muse with writer's block...

"Dogma" twists religion as we know it into something new and there´s several thought provoking ideas within the movie. Is it funny? Is it good? It´s a 50/50 situation in my eyes. I reckon "Dogma" has an interesting foundation, but in one way I think Kevin Smith pisses that away with his usual fart humour á la Jay and Silent Bob and rehashing his previous work. Two characters I have never liked and never will. The acting, direction and storyline is slightly unbalanced in "Dogma", while the dialogue is interesting at times. Alan Rickman and Linda Fiorentino is great for example compared to Salma Hayek and Chris Rock. And I like the idea of God being in a female shape and with a playful almost childish side. "Dogma" has something, but I´m not fully convinced by Kevin Smith and his way of making movies.