classicsoncall I can understand how this film would offend a lot of folks, Catholics in particular. I'm Catholic myself, and I think you almost need that perspective to be 'in' on some of the characters and humor in the story. Though I do find the excessive use of the 'F' word to be off-putting and tasteless, I think there was the germ of a good idea presented here with the suggestion that God can be appreciated better as a thoughtful and loving Deity than a harsh and demanding one. I mean, even George Burns thought so when he took on the role. That business about the plenary indulgence loophole was kind of a brilliant stroke, but I don't think God would allow himself to be taken in that easily by the kind of argument posited by the story's main premise. But hey, nice try on the part of writer and director Kevin Smith, who's role as Silent Bob can be appreciated for the fact that he actually does say something from time to time. If there's a major downside to the picture it would be that hideous excremental creature concocted for the lowest common denominator movie fans. That could have been left out and the picture wouldn't have suffered a bit. As for the choice of Alanis Morrisette as 'God', well, by that time in the story I think there was a point to be made about the whole concept of God and religion, and that the question of the Infinite is just a bit too much for any individual to contemplate and understand, so go with an interpretation you can be at peace with. After that, just say a prayer.

TownRootGuy I would have said this was an 11 when it first came out but now I'm just bitter Salma doesn't release the krakens. I hate it when R-rated movies don't have naked babes. WTF is the point? This has a great cast, outstanding eye candy, some FX AND the humor is sinfully delicious. This is an awesome movie, Smith is a genius. I can watch this every 2 - 3 years.

Jonkeenan-237-838968 Obviously we cannot thank these guys enough.It's almost twenty years since this came out and reviewers here are still rendering plot synopses? Fer Pete's sake, anyone here has already seen the film, therefore recaps are redundant.I got to this film looking for more Damon/Afleck stuff because I watched GWH, again, on a flight to Copenhagen. After six months I've found this movie and have explored the whole Kevin Smith thing.Masterpiece. Then Clerks and Amy, etc. and I'm on to Smith, who's inspiration/business- model can be summarized in two words; Lucas & Bruce. Lucas created a cinematic universe and Springsteen created a fan-base. Good work. Excellent.My hat is off to Smith, who did it all with just his local buds, a bit of sympathetic outside talent, and chutzpah. Plus, Jason Mewes makes it all worthwhile. Don't buy it? Watch his little "Amy" bit again. If you can't admire that, what DO you admire?I won't even go into Rickman, Rock, and Morrisette, their parts made me want them to be here forever.Just give 'isms and 'phobias a rest and enjoy an excellent film.

Python Hyena Dogma (1999): Dir: Kevin Smith / Cast: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Linda Fiorentino, Chris Rock, Salma Hayek: Extremely original in its theories with a warped view of Christianity. We are given a vision of Alanis Morrissette as God when the Bible indicates that Jesus refers to him as "Father." Matt Damon and Ben Affleck star as archangels banished from Heaven yet believe they have found a loophole. They must travel to New Jersey where a century year old Church is holding a ceremony. This would prove God fallible thus threatening human existence. God sends a woman who works at an abortion clinic to stop them. Unique achievement by director Kevin Smith who previously made such intriguing comedies as Chasing Amy and Clerks. Damon and Affleck have tremendous chemistry as two corrupt and lost souls out to escape judgement but ultimately meeting damnation in a violent showdown. Linda Fiorentino brings out the frustration of a woman thrown into the bizarre. Chris Rock plays the 13th Apostle who gives amusing speeches that are not Biblically accurate. He claims that racial discrimination dismissed him from scripture. Salma Hayek plays a muse who appears as a stripper before battling a monster made of toilet waste. There is something here to offend everyone but the the result is a visually stunning attack on organized religion. Score: 8 / 10