It’s Friday which means, it’s time for another Friday Night Movies feature, and tonight the existence of humanity is on the line as we take you back to 1999 with ‘Dogma.’ This film, directed by Kevin Smith, is a divine blend of satire, comedy, and thought-provoking themes.
For those who may have never heard of Dogma or simply passed it off as a possible silly comedy, we are here to tell you that it is worth reserving your Friday night for. Imagine a film that blends theological satire with a road trip comedy, throws in a dash of celestial drama, and serves it all up with a side of witty banter and an all-star cast. This is not just any comedy; it’s a Kevin Smith creation that questions, challenges, and entertains all at once. It’s the kind of film that doesn’t just pass the time; it invigorates the mind and tickles the funny bone.
Plot
In ‘Dogma’, the plot revolves around two fallen angels, Bartleby and Loki, who discover a loophole that could allow them back into Heaven but risk undoing all of existence in the process. Their plan sets off a celestial crisis, prompting the intervention of the heaven-sent Metatron. He recruits Bethany, a disillusioned Catholic, to stop them. Along her journey, Bethany encounters various eclectic and divine characters, including the prophets Jay and Silent Bob. The narrative weaves through themes of faith, redemption, and belief, all while delivering Kevin Smith’s signature blend of humour and thought-provoking dialogue.
Cast
You may be surprised at the talented cast in Dogma. At the forefront, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon portray fallen angels Bartleby and Loki who are looking to stir up travel and find their way into heaven. Linda Fiorentino as Bethany, provides is tasked with saving humanity amidst the celestial chaos.
Add to this Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith who reprise their roles as the comedy and most times useless duo Jay and Silent Bob. The late Alan Rickman, as the angel Metatron, Chris Rock as the 13th apostle Rufus plus Salma Hayek as Serendipity — providing quite the support cast for a relatively under-the-radar film.
Reviews
If you ask the critics on Rotten Tomatoes their reception of the film is slightly above average with only a 68% Tomatometer. As usual, this is a significant gap from audience reviews with an Audience Score of 85%. IMDb echoes the audience sentiment, with a rating of 7.2 speaks to its cult status and the lasting impact it has had on viewers who appreciate its daring humour and unconventional storyline.
Trailer
Fun Facts
Did you know that Alan Rickman, who plays the Metatron, had specific demands for his role, including not getting drenched in water? Also, the film caused quite a stir upon its release, sparking debates and protests, which only added to its mystique and appeal as a film that’s not afraid to push boundaries.
How To Watch Dogma
Surprisingly, Dogma isn’t available to stream anywhere — however, a search on YouTube might yield some desired results.