Dogma (1999)

Dogma talks more than any end-of-the-world movie has a right to. Kevin Smith gave nearly every character a long speech about faith, rules and free will. Some of those speeches are terrific. Plenty go on forever, and at 130 minutes you feel each one. Alan Rickman is the MVP as Metatron, the voice of God, dry and weary like he’s been on hold with humanity for a few thousand years. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have a blast as the angels, and Damon’s Loki gets big laughs out of having zero chill. Chris Rock’s Rufus, an apostle who got left out of the official story, wants credit and kinda earns it. Linda Fiorentino plays Bethany straight, and that grounds it. What sneaks up on you is how sincere it is: it pokes at church marketing and still clearly loves the idea of faith. A 6.7 because it has real heart and nobody told Smith to trim. $71.57 says you find yourself defending Wisconsin to someone who never even brought it up.

What works: Alan Rickman’s weary Metatron and the Affleck and Damon duo are a joy, and the film’s affection for faith gives it real heart.

What doesn’t: At 130 minutes it’s overloaded with long speeches, and the pacing stalls every time the plot stops to argue theology.

Who it’s for: People who like their comedy chatty and their big questions handled with a mix of jokes and sincerity.