Dogma (movie)

Dogma is a 1999 movie comedy, written and directed by Kevin Smith, who stars in the film along with: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Linda Fiorentino, Alan Rickman, Salma Hayek, Chris Rock, Jason Lee, Jason Mewes, George Carlin, and Alanis Morissette.

The comedic portrayal of the Catholic church thoughout the film caused organized protests and much controversy in many countries, which resulted in long delays in releasing it and also a death threat against Smith (who was himself raised Catholic). Smith also participated in a protest of the film near his local theatre in Eatontown, New Jersey.

Aside from some scenes filmed on the New Jersey coast, most of the movie was filmed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

This movie was rated R by the MPAA "for strong language including sex-related dialogue, violence, crude humor and some drug content."

Plot synopsis

Spoiler warning: Plot or ending details follow.

Two fallen angels, Loki and Bartleby (Damon and Affleck), egged on by Azrael (Lee), a demon with a hidden agenda, attempt to return to heaven by taking advantage of a blanket amnesty declared by a Cardinal (Carlin) in New Jersey in celebration of the anniversary of his church. Since this would prove God (taking the form of Morisette.. among others) incorrect when after declaring that they would never return to Heaven, this will result in not just the end of the world, but the annihilation of all creation. Metatron (Rickman), the Voice of God, gives The Virgin Mary's last surviving descendant, the Last Scion (Fiorentino) the job of stopping them. She is aided by Rufus, the 13th apostle (Rock), who was left out of the Bible because he was black; Serendipity (Hayek), a muse; and the prophets Jay and Silent Bob.

See also: New Jersey films.