User reviews

This is a pretty good film and I think it hits perfectly the things we all want in life. Great friends and significant others. It is just a beautiful film which I must say (for a comedy) and a Ben Stiller film is pretty jokeless. Good acting, good directing a good story and good everything. There was one thing that was great though. The way Edward Norton used Faith in this film. Never have I seen so much depictions of Faith in a film and actually enjoyed it. I don't believe in church and stuff, but these two clergymen are way beyond cool, they ROCK!

7 out of 10

Note: this review has been amended to remove some sexist comments I included at the time. Apologies for any offence caused. I was young and stupid at the time, thinking I was being 'cool'.

"Keeping the Faith" is just hip enough to breathe some fresh air into a stagnating genre without sacrificing the requisite "feel good" moments in the process. The film's 2+ hour run time is a bit long for it's simple plot, but it manages to stay focused and dish up enough creativity to make it time well spent. A very enjoyable fun flick.

"Keeping the Faith" as an adult romantic comedy works well. Norton's timing, both as a director and as an actor are magnificent, and Stiller and Elfman add to this shining cast. The approach to religion in a mainstream film is a new one for me at least with deference being paid to each of the respective character's, and the jokes are basically laughing with the religion, rather than at it. The inner struggles that each man faces with his own religion and the woman that threatens to tear apart their religious selves are the most interesting aspects of the film.

The first half is a comedic gem, a laugh-barrage, that completely changes once sex is introduced. It loses focus, changing its story into that of a failing friendship and blossoming love interspersed with awkward and frankly embarrassing moments of comedy. For those who have seen it I refer to the "touchy-feely confession" joke.

At over two hours, it's way too long for a comedy, and it definitely feels it. It's a good film, but by no means can it be considered great. See it to laugh for an hour if you don't mind chuckling and fidgeting in your seat for the second hour.

KEEPING THE FAITH (2000) *** Ben Stiller, Edward Norton, Jenna Elfman, Eli Wallach, Anne Bancroft, Ron Rifkin, Rena Sofer, Lisa Edelstein, Milos Forman. (Dir: Edward Norton)

So did you hear the one about the priest and the rabbi and the `business woman'? Well if that sounds familiar don't let that dissuade you from this frequently hilarious romantic comedy of the unlikeliest of menage a trois in cinema history.

Childhood chums, Jake Schram, Brian Finn and Anna Reilly - The Three Muskateers of the 8th Grade of Manhattan - are reunited nearly 2 decades later with a lot of catching up to do when Anna comes back east for a short stint as a high powered brokerage businesswoman (portrayed in full giddy sexy appeal by Elfman of tv's kooky couple `Dharma & Greg') who has her hands full when she finds her best buddies, Jake (Stiller in fine leading man/comedy mode) and Brian (Norton, equally riotous in his directorial debut) are, respectively, a rabbi and priest.

Seems the best friends only bonded stronger when their female compatriot moved out of the neighborhood pre-adolescently and shared more than their uncommon friendship: their devotion to their separate faiths. To make matters more difficult in Anna's sudden return into their lives is the fact that both buddies are in love with her but it is Jake who winds up making the first move as the frustrated young rabbi who is constantly being set up on disastrous blind dates by his meddlesome congregation (`the kosher-nostra'). After the initial awkwardness is overcome the two friends become a casual sex relationship that only gets further complicated when Jake cannot handle the fact Anna's non-Judea background must be taken into effect if he is to become a full-fledged rabbi at his synagogue. Brian, meanwhile, has found his libido at its leash when Anna begins to subsist in his dreams leading to a comical revelation by the film's conclusion.

The threesome have chemistry to spare and banter so witty and blunt by Stuart Blumberg's script that the pedestrian storyline (will Jake realize just what a good thing Anna really is and will Anna realize Brian really wants the best for her) is a no-brainer (and I have to admit the climax of Stiller addressing his followers with a mea culpea seemed to miss its mark since there was no real sense of him `betraying' his people), the film chugs along merrily and makes light of the religious overtones (one truly funny moment is the depiction of the young Jake sorting through his Jewish rabbi hero trading cards the way one would relish finding a Mickey Mantle rookie card) with a contemporary spin. Edelstein is memorable as well as the sinfully sensual Sofer as, respectively, date from hell and date from heaven for Jake. Bancroft and Wallach also lend veteran character actor shtick with all the nourishment of a nosh at the Carnegie Deli.

Elfman has proven to be a lovely comedienne and has always reminded me of Jamie Lee Curtis with her buoyant performances and adds just the right bounce as the tomboy all grown up. Stiller continues his stance as the hardest working man in comedy with another deft, dry turn as the befuddled rabbi and Norton display the tricky balance of skilled actor of his generation (his choirboy persona is perfectly advanced for his good-hearted priest and his knack for perfect imitations - i.e. Dustin Hoffman's `Rain Man' )- is only matched by his straight ahead approach to filmmaking; trimming the fat but keeping the high calorie comedy quota intact.

He even gets his former director Milos Forman (who put Norton through the paces on `The People vs. Larry Flynt') for a small cameo as an elder clergyman to get one of the film's biggest laughs (interrupted by a middle-of-the-night phone call for Norton he says he was `dreaming of his mother's sausages').

Believe in love and laughter is to appreciate a wonderful romantic comedy that has both in spades.

Edward Norton's Keeping the Faith is a well meaning a good hearted comedy about boyhood to adulthood loves and different faiths in the cross fire. For first time director Norton this is a good example of what one can do when he is not shaving his head or getting into fights (j/k).

The film stars Ben Stiller as rabbi Jake with some nice tones of comedy in his weekly services and Norton plays priest Brian (Stiller's best friend) that means well. They both love their childhood friend-girl Anne, who when she grows up (Jenna Elfman) becomes the apple of both their eyes. It goes around for a while, and it turns out to be funny and expectable results. Still, good effort by Director Norton, script-writer Stewart Blumberg, and the cast for pulling this through. A

The picture is a romance story between three friends, a Catholic priest Brian(Edward Norton), a rabbi Jake(Ben Stiller) and a gorgeous girl(Jenna Elfman),she is an old childhood friend and now she returns to New York city and the friendship is re-established. The two male friends fall in love with the enticing executive, creating themselves a loving triangle. Jake is in a traditional congregation that want him married with a good Jewish woman but is the fact which his mother(Anne Bancroft) disapproved to his brother for marrying with a non Jewish .Jake is a little worried about his future and he's out step,out of place and desperately looking for a fiancée with numerous suitors(Rena Sofer) The problems are when Brian cannot break his vow of celibacy and Jake cannot marry but isn't Jewish . We never met a pair as liking as Stiller and Norton.They along with Jenna Elfman are agreeable,enticing and enjoyable.The film has great load of amusement,fun,giggles,chuckles and is very entertained.Besides there are a brief exploration about Jewish way of life, making a slight exposition of the rites ,ceremonies ,habits, religion and the Tora .Although the screenplay sounds some ridiculous and absurd ,the plot is well developed and has surprises and its good moments here and there. Nice and cheerful music score by the classic Elmer Berstein(Seven magnificent,Age of innocence).Direction by Edward Norton captures the special excitement or mood protagonists and scenarios. The flick will like to romantic comedy enthusiastic. Rating: Nice and Well worth watching.

A great date movie. Edward Norton and Ben Stiller are just as appealing as ever and Jenna Elfman is equally interesting.

The film is light and fluffy but a cut above the usual light romantic comedies in that the jokes are a little better than usual. A nice combination of wackiness combined with the more emotional moments make this a nice way to spend a couple of hours.

This is three or four movies squished into one. It's a lifespan movie, a romance, a comedy of manners, and it's some kind of commentary on modern urban life. Problem is, the elements of the movie-- the excellent cast, the lofty sentiments, the touching moments, the quirky ideas, the goofiness and the frustrations-- seem almost randomly inserted here and there throughout the cliché and mechanical "moments" that movie making by rote often produces.

None of it fits together as any kind of coherent whole-- and none of the possible movies actually gets made. Instead, I was able to enjoy a LOT in this flick, but I had to do so in a fragmented way. Nothing that came before each scene nor anything that came after fit. Nothing was built, nothing really meant anything, nothing ultimately satisfied.

It also didn't help that much of the movie's "craftsmanship" was sloppy. For example, Ed Norton's character, a Roman Catholic priest, gets staggeringly drunk at one point-- he is shown stumbling around with dirty, messed up clothing, and 3 or 4 days' worth whiskers on his face. He passes through a doorway, and his clothes are miraculously pressed, his shirt is tucked into his pants, and he has somehow shaved ("in a twinkling" perhaps?). Jenna Elfman's hair and body makeup also changed subtly within certain scenes. At times she had freckles, at other times not.

Plus the movie seemed visually muddy, almost blurred (several theater patrons present at my screening complained, and asked the management to have the projectors focused). Even after optical adjustments in the projection booth, and with the main faces on screen reasonably in focus-- it was still blurring SEEMING. All of that is small stuff, but it is distracting. Even crappy movies can manage bright colors on the film, and they also sometimes manage continuity. Note: the local Santa Barbara movie chain tends to project movies at what is apparently full brightness-- in reference to the recent controversy about theaters running projectors at lower voltage to save money. But even with the advantage of ample amps and wattage, "Keeping the Faith" looked dull and dingy.

You'll read lots of critical remarks about the movie's premises and plot, so let's not waste time on that. Suffice it to say, nothing fits together, and nothing is convincing, and nothing really works.

I must also add here that I am a tremendous fan of Jenna Elfman. I think her talent is enormous, and she is a charismatic and soulful human being and actor. She is immensely talented and gifted, as well as totally hot, so I expect that her film career will blossom and flourish in the next few years. So to her, and the other fine actors in this movie, I say, Don't despair-- don't freak; an "A" for effort, even if the whole thing is kind of a clunker. At least the potential can be seen. For real Elfman fans, it is worth the effort, although it does become somewhat of a "Do it yourself" ordeal. I gave "Keeping the Faith" a 6 out of 10.

There have been so many romantic comedies produced that it is difficult for a film to break out due to the depth and breadth of the competition. This is one that does. This wonderfully funny romantic comedy takes a fresh approach, portraying a romance involving not one, but two men of the cloth. They are not even of the same cloth as one is a Catholic priest and the other a Jewish rabbi. The girl of their dreams is also the girl of their youth as the three were best friends in grammar school. Now, after many years of separation, Anna (Jenna Elfman) returns and both men fall immediately and madly in love with her.

The film is chock full of religious humor and sharp-witted dialogue that keeps you grinning between guffaws. The romance is syrupy sweet and the actors have such great chemistry that it is easy to believe they have been friends all their lives. Edward Norton produced, directed and starred in this gem and he shows himself to be adept at spinning a magical yarn with very few flaws. This was Norton's first directorial effort and it bodes well for his future on the other side of the lens. His work with the actors was marvelous, and his pacing of the film was excellent. The film flowed very pleasantly from scene to scene and kept the viewer amused and immersed.

The entire cast is terrific. Norton plays Father Brian Finn and is funny and affable in the role. Rabbi Jacob Schram is played by Ben Stiller, whose comedic star is on the rise. In this film, he outdoes his wonderful performance in `There's Something About Mary' with a character that is just as amusing but more complete, with greater range. Anne Bancroft is also fantastic as the rabbi's mother. She has the New York Jewish mother routine down pat, right down to the accent. A dynamite performance.

The real news in this film though, is Jenna Elfman. She lights up the screen with her enthusiasm and her charming girl-next-door beauty. She is dynamic, hilarious, sensitive, sexy and lovable and pretty much steals the show. After her terrific performance in `Edtv, she proves once again that she is a talented actor and comedian. One can only hope that the popularity of this film gives her access to more and better parts.

This fabulous romantic comedy is highly entertaining and enchanting. I rated it a 9/10. It is especially funny if you happen to be Catholic or Jewish. I highly recommend it.

I think this was Ed Norton's first time directing. If that's the case, not bad. But I think he helped with American History X too.

This is a bad, bad, bad movie. Not that it's dumb... it would be better if it were. It deals thoughtfully with weighty and significant subjects... but it's afflicted throughout with the curse of low-grade intelligence, which is much worse than stupidity. With remarkable consistency almost every line in the movie takes the semi-smart low road - it's like being stuck in a restaurant with a bunch of people who think they're clever and are determined to discuss worthwhile things, and absolutely won't shut up, and keep saying bland and obvious, halfway plausible, but ultimately pointless and useless things. Actually it's worse than that... because here there are the elements of narrative and character, and those are consistently badly done with the same persistent mediocrity. Nobody comes out of this looking good... but then it's hard for actors to shine when they're working with such poor material. In fact, though, come to think of it, Anne Bancroft does manage to come off unscathed... which is a considerable testimony to her immense talent and experience. The younger players are not so lucky, and mostly sink under the half-thoughts of the script... especially Edward Norton as the priest (and he bears most responsibility, having directed the picture as well). I'm sorry if this is cruel, but I'd really have to say that Stuart Blumberg, the writer, should look for another line of work... please... and don't write novels either - we deserve to be spared more of this. One also has to question the wisdom of Norton as director - what did he think he was doing with this? Was he aiming for deep...? If so, he failed by a long way. Was he aiming for light romantic comedy? Failed that one too. If he must direct movies, maybe he should stick to something more visceral, with minimal dialogue. Not really recommended to anyone... although I suppose a very young, somewhat thoughtful person who'd never seen a halfway intelligent movie about priests and rabbis might get something out of it.

Only this time Norton is not only in front of, but also behind, the camera.

Keeping the Faith is a funny, romantic and very smart romantic comedy. The three leads are charming and believable, the supporting cast is outstanding, the script is insightful and fresh, the technical credits are polished, the musical selections are energetic, and the tone is so consistently enjoyable that I have to say it's my favorite romantic comedy since Jerry Maguire.

Stiller proves again what a surprisingly strong romantic lead he is and carries the whole film, Norton is consistently one of the best actors working and here takes a role like no other he's played before, and Elfman is a real revelation: she's never been this beautiful, confident and intelligent before. She makes it very easy to see why both a priest and a rabbi would fall head over heels in love with her.

Keeping the Faith works in every way a romantic comedy should but works on an even higher level thanks to a refreshing incorporation of religion and spirituality. It is in no way heavy handed or dogmatic (or judgemental) in its approach to the subject matter, simply believable and interesting, it's a part of who these characters are.

If you like romantic comedies this is a must see, but anyone who can appreciate a solid story, strong characters and two hours of movie bliss will enjoy this film.

This film won't change the world, but it is very sweet and smart and has very likeable characters, and it's not the least bit cynical, which is a welcome change for a modern movie.

Jake Schramm (Ben Stiller) is a rabbi, his friend since childhood, Brian Finn (Ed Norton) is a priest. They team up occasionally on community projects. Then another childhood friend, Anna Riley (Jenna Elfman) that they have lost touch with since she moved to California, moves back to New York for work and they all reconnect. Except they were children when they last all met, and now Anna is a beautiful intelligent young woman. They are both attracted. There is an awkward attempt to set Jack up with a woman that does not work out. Then Jack turns up at Anna's apartment and they begin an affair that they both keep secret, because they think it would be "weird" for everyone involved. The problem is that Jack would hurt his career as a rabbi if he married outside of his faith, and then there is his mother (Ann Bancroft) who would likely drum him out of the family like she did to Jack's older brother when he married a girl who was not Jewish.. Also, Anna is going back to California after this temporary job is over.

Meanwhile, Brian, who knows nothing about Jack and Anna's affair, is misreading all of Anna's signals - friendly embraces, short kisses, etc. as romantic interest. Plus he is interested too, and this surprises and disturbs him. This leads him to a real test of his faith. How will this all work out? Watch and find out.

I saw lots of little problems in the editing here, but that is really not what this film is about. And it is good to see a rom com where nobody is portrayed as an unlikeable stereotype and where faith is portrayed as something that should bring people together not tear them apart. With an almost unrecognizable Lisa Edelstein as a physically aggressive young woman and Jack's date from hell.

I laughed at this movie - maybe once or twice. It was the first terribly disappointing film I've seen in ages. The humor was weak, the romantic storyline was awkward, and the pace dragged like death. Other than that, it was OK.

Grade: D

Norton, Stiller, and Elfman are an absolute delight! Edward Norton does a bang-up job of a debut film, keeping things light, entertaining, and very, very funny-- and it's great to see him lighten up after such fare as "Fight Club." A uniformly great cast, a witty, literate script, three scintillating lead performances, and a talented young director add easily up to the best romantic comedy since Woody Allen's "Everyone Says I Love You". Take your friends, take a date, take your grandma-- this is one everybody will enjoy, and you'll definitely come out smiling.

First of all, Edward Norton… Even though I wouldn't call myself a "fan" of his, I'm a bit old for that, I must say that the respect I feel for his acting ability is impossible to try to describe in words. He is simply amazing. He's like Marlon Brando in "A Streetcar Named Desire" in *almost* every film that he's in. Does this mean that I automatically love every film that he is in? Certainly not. First of all, an actor is never alone and if his co-stars s*ck there's not much even Norton can do about it. And the script and direction is of course just as important as one person's acting skills. However, it does mean that I look forward to any film that he's in, because even if the film is trash it would be worth it.

So, "Keeping the Faith"… It's basically a rather old-fashioned rom-com set in New York City. In fact, the director (Norton, of course) seems to be as much in love with NYC as the rabbi and the priest are in love with Anna. If I didn't want to go to NYC before I saw this film, I certainly want to do it now! KTF is very sweet and it's rather funny at times, my main objection is the fact that it goes on for much too long. It could easily have been twenty minutes shorter and the film would have benefited from that. But in the centre of the story is a brilliant cast, do I have to mention Norton again? :-) Ben Stiller has the biggest part and he is very good in the film. I've never liked Jenna Elfman much, but I have to say that she is also really good in the film; funny, charming et cetera. Of course, the film could have been funnier, it could have been shorter and the theme of faith could have been explored more (but then the film would have been longer and I don't want that)… but I have to say that it's an entertaining film if you don't expect too much. (6/10)

This movie starts out terrible. It feels like a rip-off of Will and Grace. Once you get past the opening credits however, it starts to show it's charm. Honestly I really enjoyed this movie. The characters grew on me to the point that I really loved them, especially Jenna Elfman, who's adorable. With a perfect blend of cuteness and romantic cheese, this movie manages to keep you smiling, entertained, and engaged the whole way through.

Is this one of the greatest movies ever made? Obviously not. Is it even one of the greatest romantic comedies ever made? I don't know, probably not. But it's a nice, warm movie that doesn't make you want to rip your eyes out like some Hallmark commercial movies on TV, and it's well directed (directorial debut of Edward Norton), written, and acted. Definitely worth the watch if you like 90's/early 2000's cheesy romantic comedies.

So, what's Solid American Entertainment ? Is there something original ? No. Is there sufficient comic relief ? Yes. Are the main characters young, beautiful and successful ? Of course. Is there depths to the story ? What Story ? Will the movie keep your attention ? As long as nobody's cellular rings. Is the acting worth it ? As good as any stand-up comedy.

I went to see this film expecting a funny comedy. Boy was I wrong. The movie was so boring I left half way through. The jokes where not even close to being funny and it took forever for the plot to move. This movie may do well only in the bible belt. I didn't get it!

'Keeping the Faith' is one of the funniest, smartest, warmest comedies of the last several years, and is a terrific directorial debut for costar Edward Norton. It works on many levels; as a loving look at relationships, on the common ground Judaism and Catholicism shares in compassion towards people, in embracing love, no matter what obstacles might arise...and it does all this while respecting different faiths, which makes this a very unique and special film!

Norton and Ben Stiller play lifelong friends, who, as children, meet a fabulous, funny girl who they bond with. Eventually she moves away, and the two boys grow up, becoming a priest and a rabbi...then the girl returns, as a successful businesswoman, and the friendship is renewed...until romance enters the picture!

Each character is unique and likeable; Norton is a sweet, funny klutz, endearing in his awkwardness; Stiller is compassionate and quick-witted, dealing with his Temple's matchmaking efforts with wry humor; Jenna Elfman (who has NEVER been lovelier onscreen) is both wise and vulnerable, and totally believable as a person both guys would fall in love with.

Major issues are addressed in the film (a Priest's vow of celibacy, interfaith marriages, religious discrimination), and are dealt with and resolved in such a positive, loving manner that you wonder why these issues ever BECOME problems! All this reflects well on Norton, who shows remarkable sensitivity as both a cowriter and director!

The supporting cast is marvelous; Anne Bancroft is fabulous as Stiller's mother, Eli Wallach and Ron Rifkin, as a rabbi and synagogue leader, respectively, are equally good; director Milos Forman is terrific as Father Havel, Norton's mentor. Two other supporting players should be singled out, as well; Lisa Edelstein has a GREAT slapstick scene with Stiller, as the Jewish 'Date from Hell', and Brian George is hilarious as a "Sikh/Christian with Jewish in-laws" bartender that Norton confides in.

There are a LOT of great one-liners, inspired scenes, and a resolution that is both believable and satisfying. This is a 'feel-good' movie that you can enjoy, again and again! I HIGHLY recommend it!

This was a sweet, funny movie...a good solid date film. But I have a problem with it: I rented the DVD and watched the deleted scenes after watching the movie. While the movie itself was very good, they left out one scene that absolutely BEGGED to be in this movie and would have become a classic scene. It was called "Anna's Pager" and was absolutely HILARIOUS! The director says he left it out because it was too much like something you'd find in "Something about Mary". First, I disagree...it was very funny but not quite as over-the-top as most of what was in "Something about Mary". Secondly, it was edited superbly and just absolutely would have pushed this movie to a higher level. That scene is every bit as funny and memorable as the "I'll have what she's having" scene in "When Harry met Sally"...it's such a shame that they left it out...

This is film for woman only. I'm a man and was boring almost all the movie time. There is few moments of laugh and nothing else. It's typical romantic comedy. If you like - you may see. Otherwise don't waste your time.