Kevin Smith is some kind of cult legend and to be perfectly honest, I just don’t get it. Sure “Clerks” was good in an low budget, black and white dark comedy kind of way, the kind of good seen in Art College pieces or obscure french cinema. However I endured his 5th directorial “Dogma” for the second time in my life today and I was not pleased. I don’t know whether it was the fact I am pretty hungover and I’m combating that overhang with the traditional hair of the dog (for those who don’t understand, I got drunk again). Or maybe it was the lack of script writing talent, or the random inappropriate pop culture references*, perhaps the oh so tiresome “LOL GOD!!11″ attitude, whatever it was it wasn’t good.
Basically for those who haven’t had the pleasure of this visual nail to the eye, “Dogma”…
is basically the pursuit of two ‘fallen angels’ – don’t worry I know it sounds one wolf reference away from some Japanophiles wet dream, but it’s not that terrible – who are trying to re-earn the favour of God or die trying. Somewhere in the story we bump into Pro-Choice Faith-losing Christian, the 13th Black-rights apostle, 2 self proclaimed but somehow holy prophets, a demon and his 3 henchmen, OH and another angel (played by Alan Rickman).
If that sounds a little stupid, don’t worry it DOES stay that way. I feel really sorry for Alan Rickman, maybe his career took a sore turn for the worse or he was trying to find footing in between “Die Hard” and “Harry Potter” but come on… “Dogma”? To make matters worse two of the 5 main characters are played by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Yup.
Can somone explain why this is such an awesome movie to me yet? This film features the worst acting from Jason Lee (the demon) I have ever seen and what it Alanis Morisette supposed to be doing? God? I’m guessing she doesn’t speak because the lacks the talent to do so.
I, however, advise you see this movie, not because it is any cinematic masterpiece, not so you can join in the conversation with wannabe stoner students but for the mere fact you can disagree with everyone who enjoys it. You too can learn the truth, the what-not-to-do style of cinema, and you will reach TRUE enlightenment.
*Pop culture references include, in no order: “Alanis Morisette”, “The Six Million Dollar Man”, “Bill and Ted” (on multiple occasions), “Through the Looking Glass”, “Krush Groove”, “E.T” (twice), “Indiana Jones”, “The Piano”, “The Karate Kid”, “Con Air”, “The Incredible Hulk”, “16 Candles”, “The Breakfast Club”, “Wierd Science”, and according to Wikipedia, some other Breakfast Club/Real Life reference to one of Smiths good friends.
If you can make a statement like “This film features the worst acting from Jason Lee (the demon) I have ever seen”, then you’be obviously never watched anything with Freddie Prinze Jr. in it.
As for Dogma? Well, I can understand you remarks about Smith’s visual style -or lack thereof- but I’m a fan of his work. When I say ‘fan’, I don’t mean the stoner type whose going to tell you to go fuck your mother on account of dissing ‘Kev’s’ work, but I do rate the guy as a story teller, and I like his dialogue.
I guess taste is very much subjective, I found Dogma to be original, funny and clever – but that’s just me. I’d be interested to hear about the type of films you do like if you have a moment spare.
J.A.F.O – Look out for more by me, I don’t normally write about things I ‘dislike’, but thanks for your comment.
“This film features the worst acting from Jason Lee (the demon) I have ever seen”, reads wrong, it should read “This film freatures some of Jason Lee’s worst acting” or something along those lines.
I’ll certainly pop back to the Palace of Malice from time to time and have a read.