Dogma - Irreverent sweary surreal fun (definitely not for everyone)

There are about 800 reasons why you probably won't like Kevin Smith's 1999 offering `Dogma.' It uses abnormally foul language. It's crude. It's irreverent. It's completely wacky and also part of the `Askewniverse' (where you basically have to watch Smith's other films to fully appreciate all the gags here). It is definitely an acquired taste.

However, if you can overlook the language, the daftness and generally light-hearted mockery of organised religion, Dogma really is something different.  Two angels who displeased God many thousand years ago have been banished to Earth and now want to return home to heaven via a loophole in Catholic faith which will absolve them of their sins and send them skywards.  The only problem is that by doing this it will prove that it's possible to go against God's law and therefore UNmake the entire universe.  So, in case you're wondering why the Almighty doesn't just sort this out himself (or should I say HERself?), he's only gone and disappeared, leaving a rag-tag bunch of angels and holy beings to try and prevent the universe from expiring prematurely.

Also, it has an all-star cast, not all of which are fully developed, but it's great to see so many talented performers on one cast list.  Alan Rickman is the standout (in my opinion, anyway) and steals all the scenes he's in (and he's not in it as much as I'd like, but never mind).  And, of course, if Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Chris Rock aren't enough for you, you also have the comedy due of writer/director Kevin Smith and his (hetro) life-partner, Jason Mews as the wonderful 'Jay and Silent Bob.' Secondly, it's original. It's safe to say not many films are about a rag-tag bang of religious warriors are trying to stop two exiled angels from returning to heaven in case it destroys the very fabric of the universe. And, finally, it is genuinely funny. The banter - albeit sweary and sexual - is well-written and amusing.

Although, you may have to have a reasonably broad sense of humour to fully appreciate this. For, even if you find the banter funny, it is pretty dark. Surprisingly, it does get pretty violent in places.
So, if you're looking for some surreal, violent, foul-mouthed, smutty black humour, then this one is for you. Or, just watch any of Kevin Smith's other `Askewniverse' films. If you like them, you should like this. 'The Life of Brian' it isn't, but it's a different take on the misconceptions created by organised religion.

9/10 almost as perfect as The Godfather