Wolff rating: GOOD
Plot summary: A woman meets an angel and is told to go to New Jersey.
Biased, pithy comments: Half a pilgrimmage, half a comic book populated by angels and other biblical characters, this is a film that would never get approval from mainstream Hollywood. Even though it is ultimately a testament to faith (as opposed to a nihilistic parody), it rides pretty roughshod over some sacred cows (pun intended). Smith, who wrote, directed, and appears in the film, has a distinctive laconic voice that always makes his movies funny and diverting, even if not always the finest cinema (like, say, ``Mallrats''). This film comes off as an immensely clever low-budget film staged by wildly talented people saying laugh-out-loud funny things. Unfortunately, the uneven plot turns into a bit of a mess by the end, with characters repeating information from earlier in the film to remind us of what the heck is going on and why we should care, and clearly the proceedings outrun their plots (the movie weighs in at over two hours and there are definitely scenes that could be excised). But what is so refreshing is that Smith, with his View Askew production house, is free to explore anything he wants, and it comes off fresh and funny---truly something to be valued and enjoyed.
Other Notes: Film generated minor controversey, which Smith was happy to embrace for the free publicity. He even dressed up like Jesus and marched around with a sign in front of a theater showing his film.
How many times I have seen it: x1
Starring: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, George Carlin, Linda Fiorentino, Slama Hayek, Jason Lee, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith.
Directed by: Kevin Smith