Review of Sarah Silverman: Jesus Is Magic (2005) by Jeffrey L — 15 Jul 2012

Perhaps one of the best known (if not notorious) female comedians of the current era, Sarah Silverman proves how incredibly obnoxious yet ultimately funny she can be in her own film, Sarah Silverman: Jesus is Magic. A comedic movie/musical that has no clear direction and combines Silverman's stand up with a snippet of a story and random musical segments randomly inserted, this one is evidently aimed at her most devout fans and those who do not get offended too easily. Anyone not mentioned may want to avoid this one at all costs.

Whatever the story is here, it seems to revolve around Silverman (supposedly playing herself) and a live show she produces at the last minute all in one day (because she lied to her friends about starring in a sold out production and wants to make it a reality!). The best (or is it worst??) of her stand up routine is presented along with random musical numbers thrown in, spontaneously including songs aimed at making fun of politics, Jews, blacks, homosexuals and even the elderly! It all seems to be in good fun, for those who don't take it too seriously.

Silverman's intention in this production is not extremely apparent. But she certainly goes to extremes to get a good laugh out her audience, which may have been the premise all along. Indeed it has its fun moments and her fans may find it the most hilarious film since Animal House, though others may find themselves turning it off halfway through (if not sooner), especially those who do not take well to sexual humor among other things. Laura Silverman (Silverman's real life sister) can be seen playing her friend here. Why the film was given this particular title remains a mystery as the subject is only discussed briefly, though it seems to work.