Leap of Faith
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Movie Reviews of Leap of Faith
Movie Review: Excellent Fare, and a Great Drama
Summary: 5 Stars
I first saw this in a VHS format, and the primary comment is that the Widescreen view, and 5.1 audio is very good. So, if you have seen this film, think you know it, well, please give it a second chance in its new life.
Okay, my understanding on the basis for this film, is that it was written after a very prominent preacher was caught doing exactly what Jonas does. This preacher is STILL very prominent. Anyways, the best drama is often based in fact. And the elements that make this drama work are all here, including the "Cold Reading" of the Policeman who pulls over the Main Truck in the opening scenes. It takes quite a skill to do the kind of cold reading that "Jonas" does, but it's more of an illusionist sort of trick, and for the most part makes great theatre, and in part is what some good side-show Psychics do to "tell fortunes".
Where this parts company with the real life Con men who pretend to be men of god who have a line to God, is that Jonas discovers a real miracle with the Young Lukas Haas. Jonas Knows he is a fake, and justifies his work as someone who entertains at rates cheaper than the Stages in New York... entertainment at a reasonable price. So Jonas discovers that there is a real version of what he is selling, and he makes a break for it, and his miracle is complete with the last few events of the film.
There is a lot to this film, and very worth a few watches. I am surprised no extras were included, but I guess if they showed up how the real major con-artists work, then they may get "sued". Part documentary, part insight into illusion theatre, it is defnitely a major drama piece, with great plots working on all fronts.
Movie Review: Yakety Yak, God's Talking Back!
Summary: 5 Stars
"Leap Of Faith" jumps off the stage as a pentecostal hoe-down of a film, and the perfect vehicle to showcase what Steve Martin can do, given a challenging dramatic part..And boy howdy, does Martin deliver the good word!..Martin is akin to a lily white Michael Jackson in his prime, sequined jacket and all, sans glove..And more importantly, you won't want to miss a single frame of Martin, as Jonas Nightingale, the huckster "faith-healer" like a shark on the eternal prowl for sinners to sink his teeth into!..Martin and his holy-rollers end up stranded in Kansas because of truck-engine trouble, and pitch tent on the spot, to meet their expenses of $3500 a day..It just so happens this Kansas town is smack dab in the middle of a dustbowl drought, that has the bank recalling all the local farm loans, yikes!..Baby, they need a little rain, quick!..Will, the local badge, (Liam Neeson), sees right through Jonas and does everything within the law to defrock Jonas to keep the locals from pouring money they can't spare, into Nightingale's coffers..Jonas's manager, (Debra Winger) and Will find a little faith of their own, a sideshow..Jonas claims he's not a fraud, but just a straight up entertainment empresario, like the other Billy Graham of Fillmore West, producing a "Broadway" opus ala Godspell, and Jonas delivers the message everynight with a rheumatic fever, hotter than hell!..You just have to see Martin in action to believe your eyes, and you will walk away a true believer, if not in the false prophecies of Jonas Nightingale, then in the genuis, comedic gifts of Steve Martin..Are you ready for a miracle?Movie Review: One of Steve Martin's best
Summary: 5 Stars
When I was a kid, my favorite movie was "The Music Man". I must have seen it in the theater at least a dozen times. I loved the story of the con man who got caught in his own con and I experienced the same joy watching Steve Martin do his own version of Prof. Harold Hill (now Jonas Nightengale) in "Leap of Faith."
This movie was truly misunderstood by most critics who tried to compare it -unfavorably- with such films as "Elmer Gantry" or characterize it as a statement on televangelism. They also focused too heavily on the emotional, and therefore, "unrealistic" ending. Even worse, the studio mis-marketed the film, and you'll often find it in the comedy section of the video store. Warning: it is not a comedy. Yes, there are light moments- how can there not be with Steve Martin- but this film is much richer than a typical Steve Martin comedy.
Steve Martin's performance is superb and magical and should have been nominated for an Oscar. The film score is tremendous with some of the best gospel singers in the country providing the music- not to mention Meatloaf! Contrary to the critics, I found the ending mesmerizing- left open enough for interpretation, moving, and inspirational.
So, ignore most of the critics, approach it with an open mind, and be willing to listen to the message. "I always think there's a band, kid," said Harold Hill in "The Music Man"; "Just because a person doesn't show up doesn't mean the person doesn't care about him," says Jonas Nightengale in "Leap of Faith". Enjoy!
Movie Review: Fantastic Steve Martin Vehicle
Summary: 5 Stars
Steve Martin, without his funny-man routine, turns in a great performance as the leader of a ministry of con men who is out-conned by none other than.........Jesus.
This is a film for people who wonder about life under the "Big Top" of traveling ministries where miracles MAY take place--for a price. There's always a fix in to find the truly needy under the big top and its great theatre watching Martin on stage as the man "GOD" speaks to. Until one day he actually, by hook or by crook, pulls off the big miracles no one in his gang can figure out! Martin as well!
I hated the ending, you may see why. I wanted him to go on to bigger and better cons, but the spirit got to him.
An excellent film also starring Meatloaf and Debra Winger (Winger's chacter disappoints for some reason, maybe just too unbelievable a woman would act as she does in the end.)
Overall, Martin and cast are fantastic in this film, with George Duke Gospel songs throughout, Meatloaf on the radio, and the Glen Frye title track.
I want a sequel, where Martin goes back to the pulpit and cons all the suckers again. I hope Jesus dosen't mind.
Somebody say "Amen!"
Movie Review: Marvelous Martin
Summary: 5 Stars
What a great film. A spellbinding performance by Steve Martin, who seemingly was born to play this role. He portrays Jonas Nightingale, a traveling huckster of a preacher, who leads an entourage going from town to town bilking poor hopeful people out of what little they do have.Another reviewer was dead on - it is impossible to watch any of his scenes in this film without focusing totally on him. He is so full of the role but not in an overbearing way (unlike Jim Carey whose portrayal as Batman's foil The Riddler, comes to mind as a poor comparison).
It's not merely a send up of preaching, Christianity or of films like the great Elmer Gantry (to which it is often compared and found severely lacking). It is much more than that. It is also much much lighter. It also has a brilliant musical score, dominated by some of the most stirring and uplifting gospel music ever to come from any of God's creations.
Different from any role Steve Martin ever did. Brilliant!