Courtesy Ain't It Cool News

I've been going to these test screenings for a long while (I believe Big Top Pee Wee was my first one), and I cannot remember ever having the die-hard desire to see the film that was being screened. Until today. DOGMA. Century City(LA). AMC. I got there nice and early to make sure I was guaranteed a spot in the theater. Dogma was towards the top of my desired films of 1999 list, up there with Fight Club, Eyes Wide Shut, Mystery Men and a few more I'm forgeting. Anyway, the reason for this screening is because Fox wants to buy Dogma, and The Weinsteins wanted it screened with an audience. All the big guns were in the house: both of the Weinsteins, Tom Sherik (i know i spelled his name wrong, sorry) from Fox, as well as a bunch more unrecognizable executives. The film seemed pretty much completed from what I can tell (They are going to show it at Cannes). It had a score. It had visual effects. And most importantly, it had end credits.

Overall, I really enjoyed the film. I was not disappointed. The beginning started off a little slow and confusing, but once you become familiar with the characters--all is forgiven. This is Kevin Smith's best directed film yet. His shots and camera movements were on point. His direction is finally on the same level as his writing. The film was very well written. I felt there was an improvement between Chasing Amy and this. The most noticable imporovement was less really big, difficult words, that I always felt the actors seemed to stumble over. It made the movie easier to believe. Smith is dealing with God, Angels, Demons, Prophets. All beings most people don't encounter on an everyday basis. In the acting department, everyone did a great job. Lots of cool little cameos. Jay, once again, steals the show (he should have his own sitcom). The audience loved him.

I'm Jewish and not overly religious. I have my own beliefs and ideas about god and stuff. This film did not offend me. It didn't seem to offend the audience either. I don't know any deeply religous Catholics, so I can't really predict how they would react. I didn't think the film bashes or makes fun of religion. It questions the beliefs that have been taught from the bible since it was written. I don't see what the big deal is. Disney is a bunch of wimps.

Dogma was great. It was entertaining, funny and very thought-provoking.