Keeping the Faith (2000) Reviews

• A Divine Comedy

  FlickJunkie-22000-10-22

  There have been so many romantic comedies produced that it is difficult for a film to break out due to the depth and breadth of the competition. This is one that does. This wonderfully funny romantic comedy takes a fresh approach, portraying a romance involving not one, but two men of the cloth. They are not even of the same cloth as one is a Catholic priest and the other a Jewish rabbi. The girl of their dreams is also the girl of their youth as the three were best friends in grammar school. Now, after many years of separation, Anna (Jenna Elfman) returns and both men fall immediately and madly in love with her. The film is chock full of religious humor and sharp-witted dialogue that keeps you grinning between guffaws. The romance is syrupy sweet and the actors have such great chemistry that it is easy to believe they have been friends all their lives. Edward Norton produced, directed and starred in this gem and he shows himself to be adept at spinning a magical yarn with very few flaws. This was Norton's first directorial effort and it bodes well for his future on the other side of the lens. His work with the actors was marvelous, and his pacing of the film was excellent. The film flowed very pleasantly from scene to scene and kept the viewer amused and immersed. The entire cast is terrific. Norton plays Father Brian Finn and is funny and affable in the role. Rabbi Jacob Schram is played by Ben Stiller, whose comedic star is on the rise. In this film, he outdoes his wonderful performance in `There's Something About Mary' with a character that is just as amusing but more complete, with greater range. Anne Bancroft is also fantastic as the rabbi's mother. She has the New York Jewish mother routine down pat, right down to the accent. A dynamite performance. The real news in this film though, is Jenna Elfman. She lights up the screen with her enthusiasm and her charming girl-next-door beauty. She is dynamic, hilarious, sensitive, sexy and lovable and pretty much steals the show. After her terrific performance in `Edtv, she proves once again that she is a talented actor and comedian. One can only hope that the popularity of this film gives her access to more and better parts. This fabulous romantic comedy is highly entertaining and enchanting. I rated it a 9/10. It is especially funny if you happen to be Catholic or Jewish. I highly recommend it.

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• Edward Norton continues to impress

  Geoff-102000-04-09

  Only this time Norton is not only in front of, but also behind, the camera. Keeping the Faith is a funny, romantic and very smart romantic comedy. The three leads are charming and believable, the supporting cast is outstanding, the script is insightful and fresh, the technical credits are polished, the musical selections are energetic, and the tone is so consistently enjoyable that I have to say it's my favorite romantic comedy since Jerry Maguire. Stiller proves again what a surprisingly strong romantic lead he is and carries the whole film, Norton is consistently one of the best actors working and here takes a role like no other he's played before, and Elfman is a real revelation: she's never been this beautiful, confident and intelligent before. She makes it very easy to see why both a priest and a rabbi would fall head over heels in love with her. Keeping the Faith works in every way a romantic comedy should but works on an even higher level thanks to a refreshing incorporation of religion and spirituality. It is in no way heavy handed or dogmatic (or judgemental) in its approach to the subject matter, simply believable and interesting, it's a part of who these characters are. If you like romantic comedies this is a must see, but anyone who can appreciate a solid story, strong characters and two hours of movie bliss will enjoy this film.

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• Good comedy/romance

  stamper2001-09-24

  This is a pretty good film and I think it hits perfectly the things we all want in life. Great friends and significant others. It is just a beautiful film which I must say (for a comedy) and a Ben Stiller film is pretty jokeless. Good acting, good directing a good story and good everything. There was one thing that was great though. The way Edward Norton used Faith in this film. Never have I seen so much depictions of Faith in a film and actually enjoyed it. I don't believe in church and stuff, but these two clergymen are way beyond cool, they ROCK! My favorite in this one is undoubtedly Jenna Elfman. She is so cool and cute. I mean there are so many beautiful women in Hollywood, but man one look into those shiny, glittery eyes and I'm sold. She has just so much natural glow about her it really is amazing. GOOD CHOICE!!! I can only beg producers to use her more in quality productions, she's pretty, she can act and she's very likeable too. 7 out of 10

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• Oh-so-sweet

  lilcutie186132005-07-27

  I really enjoyed this movie. I didn't expect much from this film, considering I didn't really know what it was about, but from the moment it started it caught my interest. The story of a rabbi and a priest being best friends just seemed so beautiful to me. There is no religious cracks in this movie and it shows how we all should accept one another's religions. Then these friends are reunited with their 8th grade best friend, who comes back as a beautiful grown woman. There is an obvious immediate attraction from both guys to her. The only problem is that the rabbi can't be with her because she is not Jewish and the priest can't because he has taken an oath of celibacy. The good part about this movie besides the chemistry between all actors part of this film is that you don't know what will happen. It's not so predictable and you really feel for the actors which is rare these days. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet romance.

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• Romantic Triangle Comedy That WORKS!

  cariart2000-11-16

  'Keeping the Faith' is one of the funniest, smartest, warmest comedies of the last several years, and is a terrific directorial debut for costar Edward Norton. It works on many levels; as a loving look at relationships, on the common ground Judaism and Catholicism shares in compassion towards people, in embracing love, no matter what obstacles might arise...and it does all this while respecting different faiths, which makes this a very unique and special film! Norton and Ben Stiller play lifelong friends, who, as children, meet a fabulous, funny girl who they bond with. Eventually she moves away, and the two boys grow up, becoming a priest and a rabbi...then the girl returns, as a successful businesswoman, and the friendship is renewed...until romance enters the picture! Each character is unique and likeable; Norton is a sweet, funny klutz, endearing in his awkwardness; Stiller is compassionate and quick-witted, dealing with his Temple's matchmaking efforts with wry humor; Jenna Elfman (who has NEVER been lovelier onscreen) is both wise and vulnerable, and totally believable as a person both guys would fall in love with. Major issues are addressed in the film (a Priest's vow of celibacy, interfaith marriages, religious discrimination), and are dealt with and resolved in such a positive, loving manner that you wonder why these issues ever BECOME problems! All this reflects well on Norton, who shows remarkable sensitivity as both a cowriter and director! The supporting cast is marvelous; Anne Bancroft is fabulous as Stiller's mother, Eli Wallach and Ron Rifkin, as a rabbi and synagogue leader, respectively, are equally good; director Milos Forman is terrific as Father Havel, Norton's mentor. Two other supporting players should be singled out, as well; Lisa Edelstein has a GREAT slapstick scene with Stiller, as the Jewish 'Date from Hell', and Brian George is hilarious as a "Sikh/Christian with Jewish in-laws" bartender that Norton confides in. There are a LOT of great one-liners, inspired scenes, and a resolution that is both believable and satisfying. This is a 'feel-good' movie that you can enjoy, again and again! I HIGHLY recommend it!

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