Well, Father Geek has received the following review of Ed Norton's newest effort, KEEPING THE FAITH, a departure from AMERICAN HISTORY X and FIGHT CLUB for the popular actor turned Director...
I know that KEEPING THE FAITH isn't exactly the type of picture that the average AICN fan will get goosebumps about, but you must have some Edward Norton fans out there (like me) who want to know what's up. After eating up his performances in American History X and Fight Club I jumped at the chance to see a sneak preview of his "30 million dollar priest-rabbi joke." I was not disappointed.
Everybody knows that Norton picks kick-ass movies to act in, and KEEPING THE FAITH proves that his talent extends into directing and physical comedy. While not quite as kick-ass as his past endeavors, (there are some slow moments which made the film just a little too long), this is a clever, warm-hearted, very funny movie with outstanding performances all around. Norton's altar-boy innocence is as charming as his physical comedy is hilarious. My only complaint is that he there wasn't enough Ed , and a little too much Ben Stiller. Also charming (with occasional traces of Mr. Furious), Stiller plays Norton's best friend beseiged by well-meaning congregants trying to set him up with every single Jewish woman in town. Jenna Elfman sparkles as the anti-Dharma - a sophisticated, kick-ass workaholic who looks even more beautiful than usual. Elfman is the Meg Ryan of the 21st Century - loveable by all - men will fall head over heels for her and women will adore her. Supporting performances by Anne Bancroft and Milos Forman are also terrific.
The screenplay is very witty- original but just familiar enough without being cliche. Some of the pop culture references were downright spooky (why did he choose my favorite songs for the soundtrack, my favorite scene from WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN - you know the one where Andy Garcia loses it over paper towels!) but the not-so-subtle nods to other movies are really hilarious.
I recommend this film for any Edward Norton fan, if only just to see him do his Rainman impression. This lighthearted romantic comedy marks a successful turn for him - he proves not only his comedy skills but also makes a strong directorial debut. He has managed to balance the romantic comedy genre - the movie is sweet without being cheesy-cornball AND avoids too much profanity, sex or violence (the film is PG-13!). I think this film will appeal to a wide variety of folks - meaning me (the FIGHT CLUB generation) and my parents(the SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE generation) - possibly even grandma.
It's funny. Ed's adorable. Everybody looks great and the story is wonderful. Go see it.
Call me
Wondawomyn
