Dogma Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two angels try to get back into heaven using a technicality, but accidentally threaten to erase all of existence, so a woman and a bunch of stoners have to stop them, because…reasons.

🍿 Dogma: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Fallen Angels and a Loophole

Two fallen angels, Bartleby and Loki, discover a loophole that could allow them to re-enter Heaven. The catch? Exploiting this loophole would negate the infallibility of God, thus unraveling all of existence. Banished to Wisconsin for their past transgressions, the angels are desperate to escape their mundane eternity.

Bethany’s Mission

Bethany, a disillusioned Catholic abortion clinic worker, is chosen by Metatron, the voice of God, to stop Bartleby and Loki. Struggling with her own faith after personal tragedy, Bethany is thrust into a divine mission she barely understands.

Prophets and Apostles

Bethany is joined by unlikely allies: Jay and Silent Bob, two profane but insightful stoners, and Rufus, the 13th apostle, omitted from the Bible due to his race. Together, they embark on a chaotic road trip to New Jersey to prevent the angels from succeeding.

Battling Evil

The group faces various obstacles, including Azrael, a vengeful demon seeking to exploit the situation for his own gain. They battle demonic forces and confront their own doubts as they race against time.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Bethany (Linda Fiorentino): An abortion clinic worker and descendant of Jesus who is tasked with stopping two fallen angels from destroying existence.
• Bartleby (Ben Affleck): A fallen angel seeking to exploit a loophole to return to Heaven, even if it means ending existence.
• Loki (Matt Damon): A fallen angel and former Angel of Death, swayed by Bartleby into a plan that threatens all of reality.
• Jay (Jason Mewes): One half of the stoner duo Jay and Silent Bob, who serves as a profane prophet and provides comic relief.
• Silent Bob (Kevin Smith): The silent half of the stoner duo Jay and Silent Bob, who is surprisingly insightful and becomes essential to saving the day.
• Metatron (Alan Rickman): The angel known as the Voice of God, who tasks Bethany with her world-saving mission.
• Azrael (Jason Lee): A demon and former muse who seeks revenge against God by aiding Bartleby and Loki’s destructive plan.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bartleby: “I’m an angel, I’m supposed to have all the answers! I only have more questions.” – Bartleby expresses his frustration and disillusionment with God’s plan and his own existence.
• Metatron: “Faith means believing in something when common sense tells you not to.” – Metatron explains the essence of faith to Bethany, emphasizing its irrational nature.
• Cardinal Glick: “Catholicism Wow!” – Cardinal Glick introducing a campaign to make Catholicism more hip to the youth.
• Jay: “Snoochie Boochies!” – Jay’s memorable catchphrase appears throughout the View Askewniverse.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $30,652,890
• Worldwide Gross: $31,430,896

💥 Dogma Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so Dogma is one of those movies that just sticks with you. I first saw it as a teenager, and it totally blew my mind with its crazy take on religion. The jokes are hilarious, and I found myself laughing out loud, especially during the Jay and Silent Bob scenes. But it’s not just a comedy, it actually made me think about my own beliefs and what faith really means. The scene where Bethany meets God (played by Alanis Morissette!) is so powerful, and I felt like I understood her journey. Plus, Alan Rickman as Metatron? Perfection! Dogma is a wild ride, and it’s definitely a movie I’ll keep coming back to.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Kevin Smith’s other films (Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy)”
  • “Viewers interested in religious satire and philosophical comedies”
  • “Those who enjoy films with witty dialogue and unconventional characters”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language and profanity”
  • “Satirical and potentially offensive religious content”
  • “Violence and some disturbing images”
  • “Mature themes, including discussions of faith and abortion”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “Kevin Smith delivers a thought-provoking comedy that’s both hilarious and insightful. While the religious satire might ruffle some feathers, the film’s heart and wit make it a worthwhile watch. The performances are top-notch, and the script is sharp and clever. Smith successfully balances humor and deeper themes.
• Variety: “Dogma is a riotous and irreverent take on faith, filled with memorable characters and witty dialogue. Smith pushes boundaries while exploring complex questions about religion and belief. The film is consistently entertaining and surprisingly poignant, showcasing Smith’s growth as a filmmaker.
• The New York Times: “While Dogma aims for provocative satire, it often settles for juvenile humor. The film has moments of brilliance and insightful commentary, but its uneven tone and reliance on crude jokes detract from its overall impact. However, the cast is strong, and Smith’s passion for the subject matter is evident.

Audience Reactions

The movie’s witty and thought-provoking dialogue sparked engaging conversations.: Viewers praised the film’s bold humor and insightful exploration of faith and religion.

Alan Rickman’s portrayal of Metatron was a standout performance that resonated with many.: Fans loved the film’s blend of comedy and serious themes, making it a unique cinematic experience.

Overall Consensus: Dogma is a controversial but thought-provoking comedy that blends religious satire with heartfelt storytelling, sparking conversation and laughter among viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Kevin Smith faced considerable controversy and protests from religious groups before the film’s release, even though many protesters hadn’t seen the movie.”
• “Alanis Morissette’s casting as God was kept secret until the film’s premiere. Kevin Smith wanted the reveal to be a surprise.”
• “The character of Rufus, the 13th Apostle, was conceived to address the lack of diversity in traditional religious narratives.”
• “The ‘Buddy Christ’ statue, first introduced in Dogma, became a popular item sold by Kevin Smith and View Askew Productions.”

🖥️ How to Watch Dogma?

Dogma can be streamed or purchased on various platforms. Check digital retailers like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu to rent or buy the film. Availability may vary by region, so be sure to check your local listings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Dogma, you might like these similar films:

• Life of Brian (1979): A satirical take on religion, similar in its irreverent humor and challenging of religious norms.
• Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975): Uses absurdist comedy to explore themes of faith and the absurdities of organized systems of belief.
• Bruce Almighty (2003): Explores themes of faith, responsibility, and the nature of God in a comedic way, similar to Dogma’s more lighthearted elements.
• The Prophecy (1995): Also features renegade angels, a war in heaven and the fate of humanity but with a much darker tone.

🛒 Dogma Related Products

• Dogma (Blu-ray): Own the cult classic on Blu-ray for the ultimate viewing experience. This edition includes deleted scenes, commentary, and behind-the-scenes footage, making it a must-have for any Kevin Smith fan.
• Buddy Christ Dashboard Jesus: Bring Buddy Christ along for the ride. Based on the design from Dogma. This finely detailed figure will be a reminder to drive safe.
• Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (Blu-ray): Join Jay and Silent Bob as they venture to Hollywood to stop a movie based on their comic book counterparts. Full of cameos and laughs.
• Clerks (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: Relive the black-and-white brilliance of Kevin Smith’s debut film, Clerks, now in a pristine Criterion Collection edition. Featuring extensive bonus content, including documentaries, interviews, and deleted scenes.

🎧 Soundtrack

Dogma features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Still” – performed by Alanis Morissette
• “Religious Man” – performed by Alanis Morissette

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ben Affleck & Matt Damon Reflect on Their Careers Together | Vanity Fair

Join Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as they reminisce about their iconic collaboration in ‘Dogma’, sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes that bring the film to life. This engaging interview is a must-watch for fans of the movie and anyone interested in filmmaking.

Kevin Smith Breaks Down Jay and Silent Bob Fan Theories from Reddit | Vanity Fair

Dive into the imaginative minds of ‘Dogma’ fans as Kevin Smith hilariously reacts to their theories about the film’s hidden connections and unanswered questions. This video is a delightful exploration of the movie’s enduring impact on pop culture.

Kevin Smith talks about protesting his own movie “Dogma”

Get ready for a laugh-out-loud moment as Kevin Smith recounts his experience protesting ‘Dogma’. His humorous insights into the film’s reception and his own creative journey make this video a must-watch for fans of the movie and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes drama of filmmaking.

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