
by Cookie N Screen
Ben Affleck has had more shit in recent years than you can fling a Batarang at. And it only doubled when he was cast as the winged hero last year in DC’s upcoming Superman vs Batman: Dawn of Justice. Of course, some of these damning remarks are often brought up with the following uttered hushed disaster; Gigli. So moving past that, you have to cough up some honesty when it involves Affleck because, frankly, he has excelled much more than most give him credit for. Good Will Hunting, Daredevil (Directors Cut, people,) and many more showcase his talents as a solid thespian, writer and director. More recently, his acting is astute and incredible in the recent Gone Girl it's clear Affleck is triumphing again. But if you were to ask me what springs to mind when I think of Affleck is Kevin Smith’s on point religious comedy Dogma.
Ben Affleck has had more shit in recent years than you can fling a Batarang at. And it only doubled when he was cast as the winged hero last year in DC’s upcoming Superman vs Batman: Dawn of Justice. Of course, some of these damning remarks are often brought up with the following uttered hushed disaster; Gigli. So moving past that, you have to cough up some honesty when it involves Affleck because, frankly, he has excelled much more than most give him credit for. Good Will Hunting, Daredevil (Directors Cut, people,) and many more showcase his talents as a solid thespian, writer and director. More recently, his acting is astute and incredible in the recent Gone Girl it's clear Affleck is triumphing again. But if you were to ask me what springs to mind when I think of Affleck is Kevin Smith’s on point religious comedy Dogma.

1999 film Dogma is centred in Smith’s View Askewniverse starring recurring characters Jay and Silent Bob. The movie itself, however, is much more about the journey of atheist Bethany Sloane and the plot to stop two fallen angels, Loki and Bartleby, from re-entering heaven because a church has messed things up with a Biblical loophole thus incurring existence being entirely wiped out. When Bethany is plucked from her life running an abortion clinic and general dissatisfaction with life and religion to stop the angels from entering the Church. Visited by a hoard of angels and gospels, Bethany must face her own conflicted faith and disbelief while saving the entire universe.
Smith’s hilarious and astute picture is filled with immense themes that intellectually portray religion in its grittiness and glory. Arguing the finer points of Christianity and teachings, what Smith doesn’t do is entirely damn religion. Instead, he brings forth debate while representing different elements of a God filled life that atheists have similarly damned. Though he fires guns at the loopholes in texts and organised religion, he never inflames them and handles the balance between two groups that are often in contention. Placing forward the theme of ideas, rather than blind following, Dogma becomes a must-see cinematic treat for those who find their own ideals wavering and those who are solidified in their beliefs. It’s intellectually and masterfully done, trapesing through feminist, racial and sexual stigmas identified throughout religion.
Smith’s hilarious and astute picture is filled with immense themes that intellectually portray religion in its grittiness and glory. Arguing the finer points of Christianity and teachings, what Smith doesn’t do is entirely damn religion. Instead, he brings forth debate while representing different elements of a God filled life that atheists have similarly damned. Though he fires guns at the loopholes in texts and organised religion, he never inflames them and handles the balance between two groups that are often in contention. Placing forward the theme of ideas, rather than blind following, Dogma becomes a must-see cinematic treat for those who find their own ideals wavering and those who are solidified in their beliefs. It’s intellectually and masterfully done, trapesing through feminist, racial and sexual stigmas identified throughout religion.

Add this to a whole cast who represent different elements of faith in their characters, and the film is a delightfully witty film to invest in. Linda Fiorentio is truly wonderful as Bethany and is able to encompass all that frustration with bad moments in her life and her lack of conviction in God whilst still having her mind-set changed through the holy characters she has met. Matt Damon is comical as Bartleby, a former Grigori who wants to go home. Affleck, however, is enigmatic as Loki, an angel who feels similar frustrations to Bethany as he is cast aside by God but takes a darker root for absolution. Alan Rickman, Chris Rock and Selma Hayek all play their roles marvellously.
With enough laughs to balance the theology, particular helped by the comedic relief of Jay and Silent Bob, Dogma is an enthralling film that will allow you to think and counter the stupidity too. Don’t miss out on this film, it’s entirely acute and brilliant. One of Smith’s best work, make sure it is watched.
With enough laughs to balance the theology, particular helped by the comedic relief of Jay and Silent Bob, Dogma is an enthralling film that will allow you to think and counter the stupidity too. Don’t miss out on this film, it’s entirely acute and brilliant. One of Smith’s best work, make sure it is watched.