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Keeping The Faith
review by Zach B.
Rated PG-13
Studio: Disney
Running Time: 129 minutes
Starring: Edward Norton, Ben Stiller, Jenna Elfman,
Anne Brancroft, Milos Forman
Written by Stuart Blumberg
Directed by Edward Norton
Retail Price: $29.99
Features: Trailer, Commentary with Edward Norton and
Stuart Blumberg, Deleted Scenes With Optional Commentary,
Cast and Crew Bios, Gag Reel
Specs: 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, 5.1 Dolby Digital
English, English Subtitles, Chapter Search
When I first saw the trailer to this movie, I didn't know
what to make of it. It seemed like a funny romantic comedy,
but like a good majority of movies, the trailers are so well
done while the movie itself is a piece of garbage. "Keeping
The Faith" seemed like a very good concept, but if it was
poorly executed, it'd be a major disappointment. What also
worried me (and surprised me) was that Edward Norton, truly
one of the greatest actors of the current generation, was
directing the film. Sure, some great actors have directed
great films (Warren Beatty and Robert Redford come to mind),
but many great actors who take the helm clearly show they
were meant to be actors, and being a visionary offscreen
wasn't their main purpose. When I walked into see this movie
in the theaters, I thought it was going to be a great
energetic comedy. I hate to disappoint you. The trailer did
show most of the good and funny stuff. Still, there are some
good bits not in the preview to be found in "Keeping The
Faith", Edward Norton's directorial debut. Norton's first
helm is surprsingly good. I wouldn't call it a flat out
masterpiece, but he sewed together a nice romantic comedy,
written by his old time friend Stuart Blumberg. Still, I say
Norton sticks to acting.
"Keeping the Faith" follows two lifelong friends, one a
rabbi, Jake Schram (Ben Stiller), the other a priest
(Norton) who are going to see a childhood friend, Anna
(Jenna Elfman) once again when she comes to New York for
some business work with her company. However, a little love
triangle forms. This creates situations and complications
which are often hilarious and somewhat dramatic, but still
predictiable. It also faces questions that deal with religon
and marriage.
The script is good, but I could have seen tons of ways to
go with the plot which may have made the film better. I'd
spill my guts right here, but I don't want to give the whole
movie away, and there is a lot to it. The acting is
top-notch, Stiller, who is always great, is perfect in this
role. Norton and Elfman play their roles to perfection as
well, plus there are some nice supporting roles, but I wish
those were expanded on.
If you lower your expectations a little, you may enjoy
the movie a little more. Not to say it is a bad film, I just
think in some cases it could have worked better. The movie
is also twenty minutes longer than it should be, and the
romance overlaps the comedy. Still, this is a nice date
movie and you're sure to enjoy at least some part of it, but
I only wish there was a little bit more zaniness.
Once again, Disney proves with an anamorphic transfer,
they can get it right. I didn't notice any artifacting, and
there was hardly any dirt or grain on this really clean
print. Detail is very good, especially with the opening
montage of New York City locations. Colors are well
saturated too, it's simply a very nice transfer.
I feel this ruins the disc. The film is presented in 5.1
Dolby Digital, but I didn't hear any surrounds whatsoever.
Dialogue is clear and easy to hear, but what really annoys
me is that most of the music is kept to the front channels,
while I'm sure it would have sounded much better when it
used more of them.
Disney has served a very good amount of special features
for a movie like this, and I'm glad they did.
First up is a Commentary with Edward Norton and Stuart
Blumberg. The commentary isn't the best one I've ever
heard, but it's decent. Their comments can be downright
simple, and some can be pretty insightful. There are some
pauses too, but if you enjoyed the movie and were wondering
about certain shots or locations, give this commentary a
listen.
Commentary can be heard with or without on the ten
Deleted Scenes. They rack up in total to about twenty
minutes, and you can see why they were cut from the final
film. They really don't advance the story, but they are good
for a watch. Norton explains his reason too on the optional
commentary, and I was glad (and surprised) to see the cut
scenes were fully editied, in widescreen and looked great.
A Gag Reel which lasts about seven minutes is
presented, and is good for a laugh, but I couldn't see
watching it for more than a few times. Still, it is there
and some are pretty funny. Rounding out the disc is a
Theatrical Trailer in full frame and some detailed
Cast and Crew Bios.
This film is pretty entertaining and enjoyable, and
Norton shows he is capable of being a pretty decent
director. While I felt the script had room for improvment,
"Keeping The Faith" offers a great DVD release from Disney,
filled with a substantial amount of features and some great
anamorphic video. Keep up the good work, Disney.
 (4/5, NOT included in
final score)
(4/5)
 (2/5)
 (3/5)
(3/5,
NOT an average)
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