Dogma

Title: Dogma
Rating: 3/5
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
Starring: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Linda Fiorentino
Director: Kevin Smith

Two fallen angels, "Affleck" and "Damon" find a loop in the Catholic dogma which will let them reenter Paradise after being cast out, thus proving God wrong and by that ending existence. "Fiorentino" is the Last Scion that is supposed to stop them and protect the universe from being erased. I won't deny that "Smith" wrote a script that is clever in handling many theological aspects, something that interest me, but in many parts we are presented with a "toilette-humor" that just ruins what could have been a great film. From the beginning we see messages that we should be open minded while watching it, it did anger many, and so I tried to be as open minded as I can. It wasn't the "blasphemy" or "heresy" that lowered the film's status, but many completely stupid events that we shall see. "Not born, but shit into existence!" These are literal words that I'd leave it to your imagination to try and find out what kind of demon we would encounter.

Religious films always interested me, and this one is no exception. "Smith" did present us with pretty interesting matters that I'd love to have a good conversation on. Considering this is a film review, I won't go deeper into the theological aspects. He was smart in writing many parts of the film, but the thing is, he just included many stupid and irrelevant parts. Sometimes I wasn't sure if he was really trying to mix "Wings of Desire" with "American Pie". He did pay attention to many aspects that other writers might neglect, and this I give him points for, such as the "sex" of the angels. I enjoyed how the homage to the classical "fallen angels" tale was made in the theme and the discussions of our two angels; I was actually impressed by some parts. The film at many parts tries to be "funny", which end up being idiotic and irrational. I won't expect a critique of the pure reasons of humor in such films, but I'd expect if someone woke up to a burning-talking man in his room to do other than bring a fire extinguisher then wait around with a baseball bat, completely ignoring the fact the dude was talking while being on fire, unharmed.

The concept of the voyage I enjoyed. We will meet many interesting characters. They are too many to mention, each of them in his/her quirky weird way amusing. I respect "Smith" for being bald in what he shows us. Nothing holds him back in showing what he desires to be shown. While this comes out will in some parts, in other parts I feel we are over-shown. I would have enjoyed some air of mystery considering the subject at hand. He brought out the best in each actor/actress. "Affleck" and "Damon" had this natural charisma between them; they are the ones I enjoyed the most. "Fiorentino" was quite funny in a sarcastic manner in many parts, but I felt she was a bit melodramatic in other parts. These are the ones I enjoyed the most, though we will meet many others. I am sure each of would have his/her favorites.

The film could have been better I think if it defined its path better. Sometimes we shall feel it's aiming to please too many kinds of film lovers. While this task isn't impossible to do, here I felt it wasn't done properly. We will encounter many plot absurdities that I think contradict logic even for an atheist, especially where was "God" while all this was taking place. We will find out, no shyness there, but what we will find out is just absurd. This is completely a bad film; I might see it again in another time. But we just would feel that "Smith" didn't know what his limits are. It's wasn't a bore to watch. There are those who will enjoy it more than I did and there are those who would dislike it more than I did. Anyone who desires to see it should take into count that this is a film; "Smith" didn't try to be "St. Thomas Aquinas".

Trailer