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The fourth film in Kevin Smith’s View Askew Productions New Jersey saga, Dogma, is also his best. Controversies aside, this film presents a storyline of philosophy and religion, and couples it with the usual flatulence, defecation, and foul language as Clerks, Mallrats, and Chasing Amy, and it mixes them into the perfect blend of comedy.

For the first time, the famous Jay and Silent Bob, the market-characters of the View Askew world, carry the film on their shoulders, with the help of Bethany, a descendant of Jesus Christ. Who would ever even think of putting Jesus in the same sentence as Jay and Bob, much less the same movie? Kevin Smith. He even makes sure to give them all some screen time with God herself. Or is it himself?

Regardless of your personal religious beliefs, which are criticized, satirized, and downright mocked in this film, Dogma leaves the audience with something to think about. You’re left with an idea. You’re also left with an aching belly from all the laughing.

From black thirteenth apostles to strip dancing muses, Dogma is comedy never before seen in movies. Original, smart, philosophical, and funny. How many movies can offer all that, and throw in salvation for free?

DVD Update

As usual, Kevin Smith and View Askew have put together a great DVD, this one a 2-disc set. The DVD features 2 commentaries: the first is the usual funny group commentary featuring Smith, producer Scott Mosier, View Askew “Historian” Vincent Perriea, Jason Mewes, Ben Affleck, and Jason Lee; the second is a “technical” commentary, which isn’t very technical but it does fill in a few of the blanks left in the first. Speaking of blanks, Disney and Columbia Tri Star have done a collective number on these tracks. Disney, who dumped the film before it’s theatrical release, has “beeped” out any reference to Walk Disney related material, including mentions of Disney, Miramax, Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein, and any Disney film. Columbia Tri Star edited out a section during which Smith discusses his disagreements with Linda Fiorentino on the set. Not to mention the fact that the “Judge Not: In Defense of Dogma” documentary that was supposed to be included on the DVD was cut due to objections from The Mouse. Smith has stated, though, that View Askew will release the documentary in some fashion soon. Check back here for more updates on the missing documentary.

What remains on the DVD, though, is fantastic. 100 minutes of deleted scenes with introductions by Smith are all very interesting and funny. Also included are storyboards and the trailer. The whole DVD contains pro-Catholic messages presented in various humorous ways. And don’t miss the Easter Egg that features Jay and Silent Bob action figures getting into precarious positions, to say the least.

This DVD easily earns a HUGE, despite the unfortunate censorship.

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Judge Not: Dogma
by Christian De Matteo

HUGE

I just watched Dogma again for the third time and absolutely loved it. Being religious and having always had an interest in religion, the film pleases me greatly by tackling satirically many important issues and makes great jokes out of them, all the while making a subtle point.

Written and directed by Kevin Smith (Clerks, Chasing Amy), this is the movie that almost got him crucified by throngs of “do-gooders” who’d never even seen it. This is extremely unfortunate because, when viewed as a work of fiction— which, by the way, it is— it stands as one of the most intelligent comedies ever made brave enough to row into these holy waters. And I, again a religious person, was not at all offended.

With an excellent cast of Linda Fiorentino (Men in Black), Matt Damon (All the Pretty Horses), Ben Affleck (Armageddon), Chris Rock (Down to Earth), Alan Rickman (Die Hard), Salma Hayek (Timecode), Jason Lee (Mallrats), George Carlin (Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back), and Jason Mewes and the director returning as Jay and Silent Bob, as well as many others, the film rolls merrily along to a very serious and yet still funny conclusion, keeping you laughing and thinking throughout.

Smith’s knowledge of Catholicism and religion in general, is very apparent throughout, giving credence to what could come off as a presumptuous attack. But the film is anything but an attack. Dogma is a clever fun-poking at humanity and its institutions, relying heavily on the belief that God has a sense of humor. And wait till you see who God is.

Between an excellent and well developed plot, quality scripting and talented directing, Dogma gets my highest possible recommendation for anyone who likes comedy that can simultaneously make you think and laugh at gross anatomic and body fluid jokes. Imagine a religion course taught by two stoners, complete with one’s sex-obsessed sexual diatribes. Perfection.

Infinitely rewatchable, be sure and pick up the DVD which has over 100 minutes of deleted scenes with Kevin Smith commentary before each one.

Full Cast & Crew: IMdb

Awards: IMdb

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Trivia: IMdb