"Dogma," or Good and Evil come to New Jersey, is described as a "fantastic comedy," a "cosmological fun ride," a "not so simple parable," and "celestial suspense." It's never called boring.
The confusing accolades notwithstanding, the story centers around faith, obviously, and specifically around the diminished faith of a Planned Parenthood clinic worker named Bethany (Linda Fiorentino), and her mission to regain that faith. I think. .
There are two fallen angels in Wisconsin, (?) who find a loophole in Catholic dogma that will allow them back in heaven, at the same time doing away with what we know as God, and the world as we know it. They must be stopped.
Well, one night in her bedroom Bethany is visited by a heralding angel who names her the savior of humanity. Potentially. She then gathers up no end of misanthropic allies, and embarks on an adventure to stop the fallen angels, Loki and Bartleby, (Matt Damon and Ben Affleck). Along the way she picks up the 13th apostle, the unknown black apostle, (Chris Rock). Add to this mix, a heavenly, though sexy, Muse, (Salma Hayek), and two prophets known as Jay and Silent Bob. (One has to wonder what Ingmar Bergman would make of all this.)
It is said that the film is frowned upon by the Catholic Church. It is also said that Director Kevin Smith has made an "intensely spiritual" film affirming God, and not really anti-Catholic. In any event, it seems New Jersey will never be the same.
It is rated R for strong language including sex-related dialogue, violence, crude humor and some drug content. (The basics.)
It starts Thursday at Market Square East.