* * * * (4 Popcorns)

Filmboy Recommends: "Clerks"

Starring: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Linda Fiorentino, Chris Rock

One of the best things about watching Kevin Smith's movies is watching him grow as a filmmaker. With every film, he learns a little more and gets a little better. While other young directors are trying to be the next Tarantino, Smith has developed a funny, thoughtful, bawdy vision that's all his own. His cinematic exploration of the denizens of Red Bank, New Jersey in "Clerks," Mallrats" and "Chasing Amy" strike a deeper chord in me than any of the visual fireworks set off by the latest graduate of the MTV Film School. When I watch Smith's movies, I always feel like I'm enjoying something put together by a friend. Underneath all the dick and fart jokes, there's a sensitivity and warmth that's missing from a lot of contemporary films.

There's been a lot of talk about how Smith's latest work, "Dogma," is controversial. A lot of people who haven't seen the movie have decided that it's offensive because it takes a humorous look at religion. The only thing controversial about this film is that it's a mainstream movie about faith being seen in a society that's growing increasing secular. And it's making money.

Smith has created a modern fable. It's a story filled with angels and demons, saviors and prophets. The climax of the story consists of nothing less than the fate of the Universe. Hats off to this guy for being so ambitious. The safe bet would have been to do another comedy more along the lines of his earlier work. I give him credit for taking the road less traveled. Smith has crafted a film that promotes faith in God and does so without getting preachy. He makes the Father, Son and Holy Ghost sound like a pretty hip trio.

"Dogma" is about Loki and Bartleby (Damon and Affleck, together for the first time since "Good Will Hunting"), two exiled angels who find a loophole in church dogma that will let them back into Heaven. Since their discovery would disprove a universal truth -- that God is infallible -- their re-ascension will "negate all existence." God sends His messenger (played by Alan Rickman from "Die Hard") to recruit Linda Fiorentino (from "The Last Seduction"), an abortion clinic worker having a crisis of faith, to stop the renegade angels. She is aided in her quest by comedian Chris Rock (veteran of numerous HBO specials and "Lethal Weapon 4") as Rufus, the unknown 13th apostle, and the indefatigable Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Smith himself).

This film's cast is emblematic of late 90s' cool. In addition to Affleck, Damon and Rock, the movie also features Jason Lee (who got his start in Smith's "Mallrats," and seen lately in "Enemy of the State"), Selma Hayek (of "Desperado" and "From Dusk Til Dawn" fame) and Janeane Garofalo (from "Mystery Men"). There's also a rogues gallery of cameos from past stars of Smith's movies, including Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson (Dante and Randal from "Clerks") and Dwight Ewell (Hooper X from "Chasing Amy").

While Smith's movies always boast great dialogue and clever insight, they suffer occasionally from uneven performances, slow pacing and rough cinematography. "Dogma" is his smoothest movie to date. The cast is full of great talent and the story really flows. Given the grand subject matter, it could have benefited from a glossier look. However, the visuals do add to the stray dog charm that's consistent with all of Smith's movies. The acting and writing really stand out and overpower the film's minor flaws.

There's a scene between Rickman and Fiorentino that is extremely memorable. She questions why God has chosen her for this task and he shares a story about a 12 year-old Jesus asking him a similar question. The scene gives Rickman a chance to show a sensitive side not often seen in his other work. Rock also gets a chance to stretch his acting muscles. He plays Rufus with a touch of melancholy when he speaks about his relationship with Jesus. These moments give us a new perspective on Christ. Rufus is giving holy pronouncements about the Son of a God, but quiet stories about a good friend. Someone who liked to laugh and really cared about people. Sounds like somebody that I'd like to know better.

To everyone who's got their panties in a twist over this movie, please lighten up. Saying this movie slams God is like saying a beer commercial condemns social drinking. It's a very positive -- and funny -- look at faith and the Almighty. Yes, it's a little raunchy. Yes, Alanis Morrisette is kind of goofy as God, but if we can't laugh at ourselves, we're all in a lot of trouble.

You know, a lot of people are going to see "Dogma" because it's funny and stars some cool people. Many of them will be kids that don't give their spiritual life a great deal of thought. Perhaps this movie will get them looking at God in a new way. Maybe it will even inspire them to read the Bible or go to church to see what all this talk is about.

I think that would be a good thing.

And if you insist on getting worked up over the "offensive" content of this movie, I have only one thing to say: If your faith is so weak that it's threatened by a movie, then you've got bigger problems than Kevin Smith.

Personally, I can't wait to see what the guy does next.