Religulous
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Movie Reviews of Religulous
Movie Review: Very thought provoking film
Summary: 5 Stars
As a practicing Catholic I decided to give this film a chance. I was skeptical at first because I thought it would be nothing more than just another cliche anti-religion bashing. In fact, I believe that the majority of the people who have watched this film are atheists and agnostics.
However, I would recommend this film to all believers as well.
As a believer, here is why I liked it:
Based on Mr. Maher's questions during his interviews, it was clear that he had already done his homework. Having come from a Catholic background, he was already informed as to the background of Catholic dogma, and particular, the Bible. (I've had debates with atheists who were pretty much clueless as to the facts and background of Christianity and Catholicism, which made the debate with them rather pointless.). As a result, I felt that his questions generally were honest and valid, and all believers should take a moment to consider them. Ultimately everyone should at least be prepared to answer the question as to why it is that one believes in his/her belief system....or lack thereof. I commend Mr. Maher for showing up to the places he went to (like that truck stop church) to pose these thought-provoking questions. (I must add that Mr. Maher's knowledge of the Bible is not completely accurate. In the film he claims that none of the gospel authors ever met Jesus, when in fact, John the evangelist was one of his apostles.).
The film did have a few funny moments, but overall I felt it was a serious documentary about religious people, representing various belief systems. I think this should serve as an eye-opener for all (believers and not) that shows what happens when ignorant people abuse religion.
For example, I commend the film for exposing the greedy fundamental "pastor" who takes advantage of otherwise sincere and well-meaning believers to exploit them of their money (the "doctor" wearing the expensive suit and gator-skin shoes). Unfortunately this phenomenon of the greedy exploiting pastor is more common than some people realize. Then there is the exploiter claiming to be Jesus in his 2nd. coming. He didn't seem sincere at all in that interview and he seems to know perfectly well what he is doing. The fact that he was able to fool a lot of people shows how ignorant some Christians can be about Christianity.
By far the best interviews of this film were of the 2 Catholic priests (no bias intended). Unlike mostly everybody else interviewed, I felt that their answers were down-to-earth and non-pretentious in trying to explain faith and believing. Honorable mention goes to the man dressed as Jesus in the "Jerusalem" city in Florida. The latter was even able to provoke Mr. Maher into thinking about his own doubts (and specifically, his own ridicules about God being 3 forms at once in the Trinity). When he was back on the road we can see that he was still contemplating on that.
So to sum up, this movie does an excellent job at questioning people's beliefs, but in a healthy way. I approached this movie as a Catholic, and I watched it to the end, still a Catholic, if not, a Catholic who is aware of the reasons for his beliefs in the first place.
Movie Review: Funny movie,serious topic deserving to be mocked
Summary: 5 Stars
Bill Maher roams the world making fun of the delusions and lengths people go to protect their ingrained irrational. On the way we meet a whacky mix of characters in which Bill frequently gets a laugh out of most by there own doing.
The film consists of a mix of interviews with people from a variety of backgrounds interspersed with little snippets of religious television and movies to comical effect. At times I fear for Bill as he asks the tough questions but most of the time the subjects don't realise their having the piss taken out of them. The looks on there faces and pauses when they realise what they've just said are priceless.
My favourite characters include:
Jeremiah Cummings- Bill stirs him up about his wealth which he is rather proud of despite Jesus's views, conveniently believes it is easy for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle.
The former missionary who tells of all Gods great miracles except can't remember any, except that it rained once. Doesn't believe in Santa Clause at least.
The "ex-gay" pastor trying to convert others. Quote "Gays aren't happy" haha, even looks gay to Bills amusement.
Mark Pryor Arkansas senator - proving you don't need a high IQ to get into senate, even says so - priceless.
The constantly interrupting Rabbi - Holocaust denier and David Copperfield fan
The jewish inventor devoted to creating devices to be used on the sabbath, "Gods loopholes" and his state of the art wheelchair
Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda - reincarnation or is that relative (same thing?)of Jesus, or maybe Carmen Miranda - told in private by God of course.
The whole of the Dutch Muslim gay community - "hope you like each other"
Muslim cleric with his Led Zeppelin ringtone going off at inconvenient time.
and of course Jesus himself - with his ice/water/steam analogy
Though ultimately amusing it is distressing to see the hatred and denial of facts hidden behind the veil of religious beliefs that we are somehow led to respect. Not any more.
I also found Religulous to provide some valuable history lessons for example the obvious similarities to Horus, Mithras and other gods written in texts thousands of years before Jesus. This and a broad array of useful quips, comebacks to be used in reply to any rubbish that is thrown your way - Atheists have a right to speak up too.
There is a moral to the story and Bill outlines how disturbing andhow open these people are to the end of the world and the risks of self-fulfilling prophecies.
To most of the reviewers who criticise Maher for attacking the "straw men". To them I say the fact is these people are well and truly out there, visible to the public and often profiting rather well ultimately at their expense. To the more moderate believers it could be argued that if anythings these people are true to their religion there is ample room for literal and ultimatley evil interpretations.
For those who are arrogant enough to think they know how we were created,why we're all here and what happens after we die - well you don't, I don't and neither does Bill.
Movie Review: All Too True
Summary: 5 Stars
Overall, I enjoyed this documentary/comedy far more than I ever expected. The most unfortunate thing about the movie is that it's not a fiction; this kind of "religulous" behavior is far too real.
Throughout the movie, Bill exposes the beliefs and often contradictory beliefs of just about every major religion, and some minor religions/cults. He begins the film by explaining his own spiritual upbringing. Though some found this boring, I thought it was an important part that explained how Bill M. grew up to be the man he is today.
Despite being called a comedy, which it is, I think this movie attempts to be something more. I recently heard a professional movie reviewer state that this movie is "Simply comedy meant to make a buck." I have to full-heartedly disagree. Clearly this reviewer didn't watch the end.....if she had, I think she would have seen that he is trying to do much more than make people laugh. What was funny about the point he was making at the end? Nothing, it was cold, rational and extremely serious and biting. You'll have to see for yourself.
I have to say Bill is my new hero. Since I was a child, I never identified with my church. I was essentially taught to be ashamed and embarrassed of not being a "believer." The age old, `you're going to go to hell' kind of shame, and being called a "monkey" for defending evolutionary science in my high school have been all too common in my life. This movie helped me see that there are others out there like me, most notably, Bill Maher. At times, he took the words right out of my mouth. It was a liberating experience. Although he is a comic, not a scholar, I think the world needed a professional comedian to expose the comedic nature of organized religion (of which is his main target).
Another big criticism I hear is that he didn't interview "educated" people, such as professors, to talk about religion. I'll admit, this would have given his movie more credibility. Though, he did interview a handful of credible people, such as PhD level scholars within the catholic church, etc. Most of his guests were normal, day to day, religious leaders. So why would he interview these people and not all scholars? Well...think about it....these are the people "actually" preaching to the people. The "higher ups" in most churches are quite rational and educated. Those people are not the problem. I think Bill is trying to say the problem is at the lower levels, within the people, not necessarily in the vatican, mecca, etc.
Finally, I couldn't help but watch this movie with my more religious parents. Ironically, they laughed with Bill when he critiqued the "odd" nature of other religions. However, when their church comes on the chopping block, all of a sudden it's not so funny. What does this mean? It's easy to laugh at others, and call them silly. In this movie, Bill seems to be holding up a mirror and saying....."TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF!"
Movie Review: Really Funny
Summary: 5 Stars
I will try to be to the point, having seen the film and read many pro and con arguments.
1. This movie is meant to be a funny treatment of a serious subject. Look at the title and cover. It is NOT meant to be a PBS-esque formal documentary of comparative religion. So don't knock it for being what it doesn't claim to be.
1.5. Yes, that does make it biased. Every documentary has bias. I remember watching the docu-series "The Staircase" and being unsure about the protagonist's guilt or innocence. Later, on line, I read a lot about the film maker's bias, what was left out, and how incriminating it was. So "documentary" does not = "unbiased." This film does NOT pretend to be something it isn't, like The Staircase was. I admire Bill for that.
2. Bill is not Richard Dawkins. Each speaks up against the ills of religion in their own way and with their own strengths. So don't bash Bill for not being Richard, either.
3. Many negative reviewers and commenters claim Bill singles out easy targets for ridicule. Not so. An evangelist with 100,000 followers, one who used to be a musical star, the Vatican astronomer, Catholic priests, a leading scientist, a US Senator, the head of the Creation "Museum", a prominent Rabbi...these are easy targets? Really? I think the crazy guy on the corner, faith healers and the like are much easier targets. Most of his guests are intelligent, prominent people in the community. If they look like idiots, it's their own fault. Like the US Senator saying an IQ test isn't a requirement for a government post, then realizing how dumb he looked.
4. I suppose an 'easy target' is anyone who some people think represents them poorly. Sorry, but the agnostics and atheists generally don't go for the "No True Scotsman" defense.
5. Bill does target Jews. He makes a few Jew jokes that some might find unpleasant, and he deserts the Rabbi because the Rabbi babbles on and on and never lets Bill get a word in. And keeps telling Bill to wait while he finishes his long rambling speech.
6. People should be less offended by swear words and sex comments and more offended by the obvious violence religion brings (and which is shown in the movie.)
7. I felt obligated to give my own review after reading all the one star rants which were obviously (and sometimes admittedly) written by people who have never seen the movie. That is dishonest and speaks poorly for their religion. I don't want to "win" an argument thru dishonesty. Kudos to one star reviewers who actually watched the film and made insightful comments.
I loved the movie.
Movie Review: HILARIOUS, Sharp, Frank and ... well you will see.
Summary: 5 Stars
GLOBAL WARNING: "If you do not have a Bill Maher, please invent or clone one. IT WILL DO YOUR COUNTRY GOOD". We, in the US have the original and are very happy with him.
I read in Variety about a few advanced "RELIGULOUS" screenings in Claremont California, (August 2008) and immediately hoped in my car, drove 40 miles and rushed to see the film. Happy I did.
The film is sharp, intelligent, real, thought provoking, educational and it is HILARIOUS! Though, sometimes I was not sure ... if I should laugh or cry? Cry for the foolishness and ignorance of so many of us who believe or believed in those clowns up there on the big screen. Let's not call them clowns, because I like clowns, but call them opportunists or entrepreneurs. It is a free country, THEY can sell anything that looks right from the outside and rotten in the inside.
The film eloquently showing us, RELIGION: Business for Grabs....fast and easy. "Religulous" would have been 24 hrs long if he would have included all religions and sects, but tackled only the major organizations and a few odd groups like the Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda. You will have a hoot listening to this impostor.
I loved the film, and I am recommending to ALL who have some common sense and open to intelligent conversation. This film will open more dialog than The DaVinci Code, and hope it will make "semi-believers" question their faith or at least see that all this Religious Business is nothing else but, well... business. I only wish Bill and his creative team, would have mentioned the Inquisition and the multitude of evil crimes, these religions committed since their existence. Than again, THAT WOULD NOT BE FUNNY.
Religious+Ridiculous=Religulous. What a great title and only after I watched the film, I realized how ridiculous were "almost" all who agreed to be interviewed, how selfish, how brainwashed and irrational ready to tell the world how they and "only THEY" will be saved at the end. I say almost, because there were some great people, including Bill's mother and a few ex-religious folks, who give us a good insight of their past. All the way through the film, Bill kept us laughing and informing. Sometimes amazingly serious and sometimes just plain funny.
Have a good time, go see, rent or buy the DVD. But caution: It is not for the already brainwashed poor souls or religious fanatics! They will get angry, shout, speak in tongs (like in the film), they will hear voices from god or find 1 million ridiculous answers for all Bill's questions. It is recommended for intelligent people, period.