`Keeping the Faith' – Praiseworthy by Homer Yen (c) 2000
`Keeping the Faith' is a charming and entertaining romantic comedy about friendship, fellowship, and forgiveness. The warmth that emanates from this film lies within its message of ‘love-one-another-and-love-thyself.' But the real appeal stems from the sunniness radiated by cast members Ed Norton, Ben Stiller, and Jenna Elfman who play three old friends that reunite and who become funnily entangled in a love triangle.
Brian Finn (Ed Norton) and Jake Schram (Ben Stiller) have been close friends since the 8th grade, and as they grew up, they answered similar callings. Brian becomes a priest while Jake grows up to become a rabbi. Things are going well for the both of them. They are now powerful spiritual leaders in their New York West Side community. Affectionately known as the `God Squad,' these two give sermons in front of standing-room-only audiences.
One of Brian's and Jake's fondest memories was that of Anna Reilly, another 8th grader who was the coolest and hippest girl that they had ever known. She had moved away that year, but is now returning to New York for a job. Anna is all grown up now. She's a single, sexy, business professional. The three reunite and they are enraptured by her indomitable wit and erotic power.
She's a tremendously busy woman who has no time for a relationship. She's great at what she does, but she works 100 hours a week and misses the emotional satisfaction of being touched and held. Yet, she doesn't say this as some kind of empty confession. There's a soft smile and an inviting wink that accompanies her statement. Perhaps she's developed an attraction for either Brian or Jake. This development creates a problematic situation. As friends, it causes an awkward tension. Even worse, Anna's magnetism is taxing Brian's vows of celibacy while Jake realizes that dating someone outside his faith would jeopardize his standing among his congregates. This issue is made all the more salient by Jake's mom (Anne Bancroft) who seems adamant against interfaith marriages. When their desires finally play out, we can only hope that these three lifelong friends will continue to remain close because they are so likeable.
The movie also provides additional comical nuggets of the two clerics' lives. The beginning sequence charts Brian's and Jake's earlier days with their houses of worship. We laugh when Jake faints during a circumcision or when Brian accidentally sets his cassock on fire. Another funny sequence involves a shopping trip for a karaoke machine. The salesperson uses every dishonorable tactic to get them to buy the machine, unaware that he's lying to a man of God. There's also an ongoing story about the elder Jewish women in Jake's congregate, who continually try to introduce him to their daughters. One introduction results in the date from Hell. Upon arriving back at her apartment in a taxi, she openly invites Jake inside and tells the taxi driver to leave. He seems very afraid but when she becomes overly insistent, Jake virtually has to push his aggressive date onto the sidewalk as he frantically commands the taxi driver to leave as quickly as possible.
The real surprise of the film is Jenna Elfman, the star of TV's `Dharma and Greg.' I've never seen her television show, but I'll be sure to make an effort now. To watch her is to love her. The success of the drama rests squarely on her shoulders, but she effortlessly rises to the occasion. Her portrayal was pleasing, balancing coltish femininity with a hint of loneliness. Meanwhile, Norton and Stiller are equally affable. The film moves along at a good pace and there are plenty of lighthearted moments to keep the audience smiling. `Keeping the Faith' is a sweet film that showcases cheery performances, a likeable cast, and a sustained comical energy.
Grade: B
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