![Jay & Silent Bob Reboot [DVD]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/A137aEYAApL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
![Clerks III [DVD]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71kAICKCUlL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
I do not recall seeing `Dogma' on any lists of top ten cult movies, usually dominated by `The Rocky Horror Picture Show' and Ed Wood works, but it should be there, cheek and jowl Tim Curry and his musical transvestite crowd. One sure sign of cult greatness is my initial reaction to this movie, which was `Where in the world did this thing come from!!!!'. At the time, I was totally unaware of Kevin Smith's other movies, so I had no inkling of his type of humor or his stock company of Ben Affleck, Jason Lee, Jason Mewes, Smith himself as silent Bob, and, occasionally, Matt Damon. I was also totally unaware of his very positive working relationship with Harvy Weinstein of Mirimax pictures which provided the resources for casting such A list cast members such as `Hans Gruber' himself, Alan Rickman and talents such as Salma Hayek, Chris Rock, and Linda Fiorentino, not to mention the very quirky Alanis Morissette and George Carlin. What an incredible cast for an independent movie from an at the time relatively unknown director whose main claim to Hollywood fame is that he got Mirimax together with Damon and Affleck as executive producer, with View Askew producer Scott Mosier, of the critically very successful `Good Will Hunting'.
Getting back to initial gut reactions, my first impression was very similar to seeing `Monty Python and the Holy Grail' for the first time. It is simply so different, yet so funny, that your sense of the talent required to put the movie together is palpable. How did they even think of these things. There are many silly and superficial potty jokes and doper jokes and running gags, but below all that is this very deep concept of what could go wrong if there were some logical flaw in divine thinking, and someone in a position to take advantage of it. This is the point of the title, `Dogma', in that the driving force of the story is a loophole in church dogma which will permit two banished rogue angels, Loki and Bartleby, to reenter heaven contrary to the wishes of God. And, God can't do anything to prevent it. Icing on the cake is an evil spirit Azrael, who cleverly puts God out of the picture temporarily and leaves the handling of the situation to God's right hand angel, played by Alan Rickman.
If all this wasn't enough, enter our heros, Jay and Silent Bob, fresh from minor roles in `Mall Rats' and `Chasing Amy' who are their usual doper selves, thrust into the role of assisting the scion of Christ in thwarting the banished angels, Loki and Bartleby (Damon and Affleck) in their plan.
A mere synopsis of the plot as I have given above doesn't even come close to capturing all the nuttiness of the business and the depth of the story. I would love to know what inspiration Smith had for naming Loki and Bartleby, but I like to believe it was no accident that he named a Christian angel after a Norse god with a very nasty reputation for mischief.
The entire cast gives their best to the movie, although I do get a sense that Affleck and Damon are not breaking much of a sweat and running purely on star power, although it is worth noting that at the time of the movie, Rickman probably had the most substantial reputation, as I believe `Good Will Hunting' had not yet been released.
The cinematography, editing, and other technical stuff is adequate, but nowhere near Oscar level quality. The name of the game in this movie is plot, plot, plot. Like all the best comedies, going back at least as far as Shakespeare, in spite of all the fun, there is a clear threat unless our heros can complete a task and, in this case, the threat is the end of the world. No small potatoes.
The extras on the DVD are a must for all Kevin Smith fans. The voice over commentary to the flick is pretty good and gives a bit more than average `how we did this shot' stuff, including some on set difficulties with some actors and much appreciation for the professionalism of others. It was particularly touching to hear of Jason Mewes being so impressed by the appearance of the very professional Alan Rickman that Mewes learned all his lines before shooting started. It is also surprising to see how little of the business was ad libbed. Almost all of this stuff is in Smith's script. The other extras are mostly candy for Kevin Smith junkies.
My queries at the local video store show that this movie has sustained a substantial popularity after a modest release which just managed to recoup its cost. I wish Smith continued success with movies of this ilk, and hope he finds it in his heart to bring back Jay and Silent Bob after his flirt with the main stream style in `Jersey Girl'.
Highly recommended for anyone who has or enjoys a quirky sense of humor. And before I forget, Salma Hayek and Chris Rock are a blast in this movie which even merited a sequel shared with `Chasing Amy', in `Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back'.
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the manufacturer
About us
Sony Pictures has a long history of entertaining diverse audiences. With our vast content across all genres and platforms enjoyed by hundreds of millions of people around the world, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. Through a vibrant culture, which applauds individual talent, celebrates differences and values contributions from a diverse workforce, Sony Pictures offers a variety of resources for employees and partners.
Reviews with images
Perfect!
It came brand new and beautiful! This has been a pain to find for a good price but I finally found it! Thank you!
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2004
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2024
Top reviews from other countries
Jean-Sebatien Leveille
Great wonderful movie of the 90’s !
Reviewed in Canada on September 13, 2023
