Kevin Smith’s 1999 film Dogma was probably groundbreakingly irreverent for audiences in its day. However, much like some of the tenets of organized religion that the movie pokes fun at, it doesn’t feel like it’s stood the test of time. Although the timing and structure of Smith’s writing still hits its mark, the actual content of the jokes no longer seems particularly provocative or relevant.
The film stars Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as “Bartleby” and “Loki,” respectively, two angels who have been exiled from heaven. When they figure out that their way home involves exploiting a loophole in God’s laws that would destroy the universe, they meet opposition from “Bethany” (Linda Florentino), a cynic who must return to her faith in order to save the world.
Smith combines the cheeky, bawdy slacker comedy he’s known for with an attempt at something sharper, and for the most part, he succeeds. Unfortunately, jokes that were on the cutting edge in 1999 now seem painfully out of touch. It’s not necessarily his fault, but the style of humor he’s going for requires some level of relevance, and the attitudes towards issues like sexuality and race that he presents don’t jibe well with today’s thoughts on the subjects.
Thankfully, Affleck and Damon give performances that are mercifully unaffected by the ravages of time, and they bring a great amount of sympathy to the otherworldly expats they’re portraying. Other highlights include Alan Rickman as God’s grumpiest trumpet, George Carlin as a conniving cardinal, and especially Jason Mewes and Smith himself as “Jay” and “Silent Bob,” whose childish antics still ring true after more than a decade. The weak spots lie in Florentino, a shockingly underwhelming and uncomfortable actress, and Chris Rock as thirteenth apostle “Rufus,” who serves his purpose but has too many culturally insensitive jokes to handle.
If you’re looking for a wave of 90’s nostalgia and a whole lot of fun, Dogma fits the bill. It’s not perfect, and many of its scenes don’t sit quite right today, but if you can forgive its flaws, you’re in for a treat – albeit one that’s slightly stale.
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