Review of Dogma (1999) by Kilian Z — 17 Jan 2011

The best comedy is the comedy that is the most taboo. Kevin Smith uses his talent and personal belief to take a huge risk and make a Christian comedy like no other. One that's smart, personal, and side-splittingly hilarious.

Dogma is about Bethany, a Catholic woman who is loosing her faith, until she is visited by the Voice of God told to go on a holy crusade to stop renegade angels from returning to Heaven, thus negating all existence. With the help of teh 13th Apostle, the Muse, and the "prophets" Jay & Silent Bob, Bethany finds a new view on religion and life, whether she likes it or not. This movie is literally jammed packed with famous stars who give it their all in this comedy. Kevin Smith who wrote and directed Dogma extends his talent for writing and character building to a new hight. Adding his own personal views, he not only creates another top notch comedy, but one that gives new and creative philisophical insight to religion and the characters he written.

After 3 previous low budget movies filmed from the downtown and suburban view of New Jersey, Dogma is Kevin Smith's most impressive looking movie to date. Using fancy special effects, more sets and a wider location range to shoot in, though Smith's style appears more cleaner and less independent, he still holds true to not only the way he shoots his movies, but his talent of presenting the scenes. The comedic is directed better than ever, but what I'm more impressed with is Smith's ability to capture dramatic scenes as well. He was able to touch hearts once in Chasing Amy, and Dogma shows that it was no fluke. Comined with an impressive original score, comedy, drama and suspence is found in this movie.

Kevin Smith has a talent to take ricks on his movies by being vulgur, original, and personal. He touched love in Chasing Amy, and now religion for Dogma. But does he succeed with his second highly controvercial view on his personal feelings? Absolutely. The script is not only incredably funny, uniquely and intelligently written, but very well made too. This is the kind of movie that I can't get enough of. With plenty of memorable scenes and lines, Kevin Smith only goes to show that a good story, comedy, and message has no bounds.