Dogma
p. 
It’s certainly not the first time I’ve seen it, but I watched Dogma again recently, and was reminded all over again what a great film it is. As you might imagine, a film by Kevin Smith (with all the attendant swearing and knob jokes involved)—about two outcast angels trying to get back into Heaven via a loop-hole in Catholic dogma—was hugely controversial. Given that it also featured a black 13th apostle (best friend of a black Jesus), a Muse now working in a lapdancing joint, and the great, great (etc.) grandniece of Jesus—oh, and “Alanis Morisette(Requires Flash)”:http://www.alanis.com/main.html as God—the film was at the receiving end of a torrent of condemnation in the Catholic press. This is a great shame, since Kevin Smith is himself a devout Catholic, and even goes to the trouble of having a long disclaimer at the start of the film, explaining his views and the fact that he wasn’t out to offend anyone. Personally, I can’t see how anyone could find it blasphemous—in fact, I think that it rather celebrates Faith (as distinct from Religion). But then I’m not religious, so I’m perhaps not the best person to judge these things. Mr. Bsag on the other hand is a practising Catholic (admittedly a very laid-back and liberal one), and loves this film. He particularly treasures the line, “Leave it to the Catholics to destroy existence”, and actually wants to have a ‘Buddy Christ’ figure[1].
