R E V I E W S

Keeping The Faith (2000)

Starring: Ben Stiller, Jenna Elfman, Edward Norton, Anne Bancroft, Milos Forman
Director: Edward Norton
Rating: PG-13

Studio: Touchstone

Review Posted: Unknown

Rating: 9/10

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By Sheila Danzig.

My review of this movie may not be for everyone. I am Jewish and I know that there was much that I found very very funny that others may have missed.

Keeping the Faith was one laugh after another in this wonderful romantic comedy that hit on every burner. Edward Norton, in his debut as a director, shines as Catholic Priest, Brian Finn, whose best friend is Rabbi Jake Schram.

You see, there was a Rabbi, a Priest, and … the Irish girl that they both fell in love with. It sounds like a plot that could not work, but it did. I could feel the electricity when Finn and Schram, who are like brothers, reunite with their childhood best friend, Anna Reilly (Jenna Elfman) and find that they are both in love with her.

It is inventive, original, funny and touching. Norton is wonderful as a Priest. We don’t know who to root for. We like Brian but can a priest leave the church for a woman in a comedy? Can Jake lose his chance to be Head Rabbi because he falls in love with a non-Jew? We are enjoyably confused.

Watching Rabbi Schram with tall Irish Anna Reilly reminded me of Ben Stillers’ parents, Jerry Stiller, the short Jewish guy and Ann Meira, the tall Irish girl. Anne Bancroft wonderful as a Jewish mother to the rabbi, who she would just like to see get married.

The momentum continued through the entire movie, as I laughed and cried and could have watched for another half hour. I give this movie a 9, I never looked at my watch and I would see it again for full price. But, I am a Jewish mother, who like Bancroft, would like to see my sons married. You’ll need to read a review by a gentile to see if this movie is for you as well.

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