Review of Religulous (2008) by Adam B — 10 Jan 2010

It is always a difficult task reviewing a film with a clear agenda, particularly if it is one in which you entirely subscribe to. For me, religion and "faith" is about as stupid as it is conceivably possible for a human being to get, and I won't deny that I do get a certain sense of superiority for not having been struck down with this "mental illness", as Maher at one point calls it.

So, this film could be seen as simply an act of preaching to the choir, if you pardon the pun. But in truth, all agenda and personal opinion aside, it is actually a very well put together film, with clear points made and an excellent way of getting them across, and with a host that always stays on the side of baffled intellectual and never a condescending arse.

He manages to weave in and out of stories from the surreal to the downright nasty, keeping the film on the level, and director Larry Charles has to take great credit for this as well. Will this be for everyone, of course not.

Many religious people see questions about faith as a singular evil and an insult to their god, but for those of us who like to learn more and find almost all of Jesus, Mohammad, Abraham, Buddha, Thor and the rest's teachings just that little bit lacking in today's world, then this is a film for you.

Although, the knowledge that you are in the sane minority and that the world is controlled by religious maniacs may just make you want to get on your knees and pray.