“Keeping the Faith”
"Keeping the Faith"What's that about? I couldn't remember, either, until I walked back out to see the poster.
Oh, yeah, Ben Stiller, Jenna Elfman, Edward Norton. A priest, a rabbi and ... well, whatever.
Even though the title is forgettable, the overall effectiveness of the movie is right on target.
"Keeping the Faith explores the lives of the aforementioned threesome, who grew up as inseparable friends, only to be reunited years later.
Stiller is the Rabbi, Norton the priest and Elfman is an ultra-successful business woman.
A kind of "Three's Company" situation occurs, and I can't go into it too deeply without destroying the plot completely.
Besides, its not too hard to figure out, and the the movie pretty much follows the formula for feel-good movies, but it's still worth the two-plus hours of playing time.
Before the movie even began I tabbed it as one of those "hey, lets-make-fun-of-the-religious" type of movies, but was I wrong.
The movie approaches faith with humor, human frailty and tenderness.
I was particularly impressed with the way they showed that even priests and rabbis are only human. They struggle with everyday problems just like regular people.
Stiller, Norton and Elfman are all likable, and despite the obvious ending, it still is enjoyable.
"Keeping the Faith," just like "28 Days," is pushed as a comedy on the TV trailers. Don't be fooled by the half dozen humorous clips.
This is a touching, and yes, humorous at times, movie.
Score: DM 49