When the final version of Dogma was presented to Miramax many months ago, the higher-ups (read: Disney executives) felt they didn't want to get into another squabble with the Religious Right. After shopping the film around, Lions Gate finally stepped in to acquire the distribution rights. Until now, speculation over boycotts, the feelings of the Catholic Church, and even what was actually in the film was highly debated in the press. Another classic case of way-too-much hype, over a little heap.

In Dogma, we are introduced to the lives of two angels, Loki (Matt Damon) and Bartelby (Ben Affleck). Apparently after a disagreement with God several hundred years ago, they leave Heaven and end up in Wisconsin (ouch). Upon a chance encounter, they discover they can return to Heaven by passing through the arches of a New Jersey church at a precise time. However, by returning to Heaven, they would prove God to be fallible and cause the destruction of the world. To stop this apocolypse, another angel is sent to Bethany (Linda Fiorentino), a church-attending abortion clinic worker, to enlist her to stop Loki and Bartelby. Helping Bethany get to New Jersey, are the always funny Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Director Kevin Smith), returning from Smith's previous movies.

The additional cast of characters that become involved is the brightest spot in Dogma. Salma Hayek plays Serendipity, a Muse who goes to Earth to become a writer, but ends up being a stripper. Chris Rock does his usual racially balanced comic routine perfectly, as a Biblical prophet ruminating on his friendship with the partying Jesus Christ. By portraying heavenly figures in a very human-like form, it is easier to convey a message without being heavy-handed. Much of the criticism towards Dogma will come from this portrayal. However, their personifications are merely a vehicle to carry a story.

For no reason should Dogma be criticized for an anti-religion message. In fact, the opposite is true. Smith is not asking for the abolition of religion, but rather the way we perceive it. Religion should be about basic truths and a way of living, versus a hierarchical, organized structure. If anything, this movie will ask people to question religion themselves, rather that shutting it out altogether.

From his black-and-white 16MM opus Clerks, Kevin Smith has progressed to his most ambitious film (now with CGI effects!). Even his themes have matured, from slackers, to a lesbian love triangle, to now...God. However, the responsibilities might have overtaken him. Where Clerks was brilliant for its in-your-face comedy, Dogma seems to be thrown together with a bit of everything. There are moments in the film where Smith seems to be making that leap to great storytelling, but falls flat. The presentation of religious themes shown from a contemporary perspective can be done extremely well. Paul Newman's personification of a modern day Christ in Cool Hand Luke is performed with a powerful subtlety. When at times Smith could have increased the power of the movie, he resorts to general campiness to provide comic relief. Dogma seems to hover between pure, absurd comedy and great movie, but can't decide which.