fish-46

left something lacking. Basically, put "The Blair Witch Project" and "The Last Broadcast" together, and you've got one rocking movie. Lacked much of the out-right terror of BWP, but it did have some truly novel ideas going for it. Jury's still out on that ending, though.

Bottom line: a fantastic film. True, it had some parts, the lameness of which have not been witnessed since the debacle that was "Mission to Mars." Quaid's character was so painfully all-American, at parts it makes you want to spew red, white, and blue chunks. And it seems to run a tad long.

And now for what's good. You never know what's coming next. I'm not talking about "Usual Suspects"-like twists or anything, but very effective act breaks that really turn the story and keep you interested, as it basically breaks down into three complete stories (for the price of one!) The story, on the surface, does seem a bit suspect. However, it is dealt with precision in this script and in the direction which is also stellar. The action scenes are many and in retrospect don't make much sense at all, but while watching it, you never have time to stop and think about what's happening. Excellent cover-up technique, I must say. They are carried out with sharp editing and great timing. Caviezel is a touch weak, but, like the rest of the film, he shines in all the right parts.

Bottom line #2: The perfect film to forget about reality and get completely lost in an excellent story well told. "What if?" indeed.

"Keeping the Faith" as an adult romantic comedy works well. Norton's timing, both as a director and as an actor are magnificent, and Stiller and Elfman add to this shining cast. The approach to religion in a mainstream film is a new one for me at least with deference being paid to each of the respective character's, and the jokes are basically laughing with the religion, rather than at it. The inner struggles that each man faces with his own religion and the woman that threatens to tear apart their religious selves are the most interesting aspects of the film.

The first half is a comedic gem, a laugh-barrage, that completely changes once sex is introduced. It loses focus, changing its story into that of a failing friendship and blossoming love interspersed with awkward and frankly embarrassing moments of comedy. For those who have seen it I refer to the "touchy-feely confession" joke.

At over two hours, it's way too long for a comedy, and it definitely feels it. It's a good film, but by no means can it be considered great. See it to laugh for an hour if you don't mind chuckling and fidgeting in your seat for the second hour.