Religulous - B

In theaters. Rated R, 101 minutes. Trailer.

Religulous, the pet project of star Bill Maher and Director Larry Charles (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Borat), is their attempt at disproving and pointing out the inconsistencies and bad consequences of some of the world's religions. My appetite for mocking Scientology and Joseph Smith is insatiable...my appetite for Bill Maher is like a stapled stomach, which resulted in an odd but surprisingly enjoyable film with a lead that I can't stand. From the outset, Maher is clear that he isn't an atheist, but that on the 'big questions' he "just doesn't know." Click below for more on Priest's likely least favorite film of the year:

I know some people will be offended by this film, but let's be clear: this is a snide and cynical look at religion, especially Christianity, Mormonism, Scientology and Islam, so don't go if you can't tolerate skepticism of your religion.

Moving on. Charles has a talent for comedic interludes and knows how to find the insightful/hilarious moments in the myriad interviews Maher conducts. Most of the time, Maher is respectful but forceful as he challenges the core beliefs of good people. He seems most upset with the Christian fascination with a world that is 6000 years old and he never does get a good answer to that question. I'd be interested to see what Priest's take on 'pure' creationism versus intelligent design and evolution. Maher gets too rough on a 'converted gay' man that has a Christian ministry that helps to reform gays, and makes too much fun of the man's life. Christianity gets the most attention, but I didn't feel it was picked on more than the other religions. The funniest moments of the film were with 2 obvious false prophets, one guy seriously claiming to be the second coming of Jesus and another preacher wearing a $3000 suit, etc.

His riffs on Mormonism were well executed and funny, if too short. I love the idea that Joseph Smith kept making up the 'golden tablets' to get himself out of jams, and people bought it. Scientology only gets a little attention, probably because it is so preposterous to begin with. Islam is, thank the Lord, treated extremely harshly for its adherents unwillingness to acknowledge the violent passages and the alarmingly high amount of violence in the Muslim world. He focuses on the Theo Van Gogh killing and Mohammed cartoon debacle in Holland to illustrate his points.

Toward the end of the film Maher takes his most serious shots at Christianity, citing to several pre-Christ belief systems that featured a messiah with a similar story. He then winds the film up with his theory that the Revelation prophecies are essentially self-fulfilling because man created the ability to end itself (nuclear bombs) before it grew enlightened enough to be free of religion. That coda to the main film is such an odd tonal transition it really doesn't fit with the rest of the film.

I enjoyed this film and found it challenged several of my own beliefs and thinking about several religions. Not for the easily offended.