I remember seeing this in the theater. It wasn't anything to get excited about. It was a way to escape for part of an evening. Anyhow, I was somewhat curious to see Edward Norton's directorial debut. It isn't much anything different from most romantic movies. It's quite forgettable really. The plot is pretty paper thin that does not sustain its running time. I never felt it needed to be 2 hours and 9 minutes. It could have easily had a good twenty minutes shaved off. It's about Father Brian Finn (Edward Norton) and Rabbi Jacob Schram (Ben Stiller) whom have been friends since childhood, however there is a girl whom they've been friends with since also. The priest and the rabbi have been living their lives in New York and their childhood friend Anna Reilly (Jenna Elfman) contacts them out of the blue and plans on doing a lot of catching up with them after all the years. She has become a successful career woman who basically works in advertising and has come all the way from somewhere in California. Most of the movie pretty much centers on the blooming relationship she has with Jacob, while at the same time Brian develops feelings for her as well...It is a long movie that becomes tiresome, especially within the final twenty, twenty-five minutes or so. I'm not sure what compelled them to make such a drawn out romantic comedy. There's nothing extraordinary here. The actors are passable. They pretty much play themselves. Ben Stiller is basically the same character from There's Something About Mary, whom after this, played again the same character in Meet the Parents. The most intriguing aspect of this film is wondering why Edward Norton took on such a project. It's rather lightweight in comparison to some of his other starring roles. Maybe it was a way to perhaps establish himself in a charming lead role, if that's what he wanted to do. That and to have the opportunity to get behind the camera. I always liked Edward Norton. I think he is a good actor, although he doesn't show up much in movies anymore. I like the way he really gets into playing these quirky, intense characters. Too bad there isn't really anything special about what goes on in this movie. I happen to like a lot of talky films, however this one just failed to gauge much interest. The only scene that I can think of that makes it worthwhile is a dream sequence (yes, a dream sequence) of Edward Norton and Jenna Elfman both jogging and after they take a tumble on the grass, he holds her down and gazes intensely into her eyes. I think he looked so sexy in that scene... But if I were in her place, I'd definitely choose Edward Norton over Ben Stiller. That's just my preference. Anyway, my overall grade is a C.

When I looked at this film, I thought it was really gonna be a very funny movie with well known actors Ben stiller and Jenna Elfman. I don't know Edward Norton well but I heard of him.Anyways this story involves these two guys who are priests falls in love with their childhood friend Anna Riley. I swear to god, I found her voice very annoying and too saucy, Jenna Elfman didn't disappoint me with the Looney Tunes Back in action movie in my childhood but she did with this film. I mean shes a great actress but what is the point in putting on a fake manly voice throughout the film. It really made the film pretty dull and boring for me to even look through the film.The whole movie is just awful!

For once I have nothing to add, or take issue with - either with the best reviews here, or with the movie itself. This film is a gem, and Edward Norton, perhaps the most talented actor of our generation, turns out to be a genius of a filmmaker as well. But everyone involved with this film deserves praise, starting with the other leads, Stiller and Elfman, backed up as they are by solid performances by the other actors.I rarely rate any movie as high as 8, but the only reason I don't give this one a 10 is that it makes no pretense of being anything more than it is: a true romantic comedy, with neither aspect slighted, and with a satisfying feel good resolution that manages to dodge most of the trite clichés of the genre.The only thing I take issue with is the gross under-rating of this movie by those who can't see beneath the surface humor to the love, the artistry, and the good feeling with which it was put together.

Remembering back, to 2000, I had only seen the trailer for this in the theater, once and hadn't thought much about after, it seemed good. Then a girl I was dating said I want to go and see the one about the Rabbi and the Priest, I thought it was a 'Knock Knock' joke until she reminded me that the name of the movie was "Keeping The Faith" "Oh yeah, that one." I thought. For being on the acting and directing side, I know that 'Edward Norton' has some good directing skills. Directing, especially a comedy or romantic comedy can be complicated, due to the fact that not everything will be funny to everyone, so you want to reach the masses. The chemistry between Anna and the Jake (The Rabbi) was pretty hot, they sure brought that out convincingly. Father Brian didn't realize until he was already attached to Anna that something was a-miss after he had shared with her how he felt. Sad for him. I enjoyed the enthusiasm that Father Brian the Priest and Rabbi Jake Shram put into their church services. Although I'm not catholic or Jewish, and I'm not gonna switch religions because it looked like fun, I wouldn't gamble my eternity on the 'premise' of a funny and comical church service of a different religion. Not for that, but all in all this Rabbi and the Priest along with Anna love story sure delivers laughs, love, sorrow and reminiscing on the old days of school's past. This is a recommendable date-type feature for those who enjoy love stories, Rabbi's and Priests and well crafted stories set in N.Y. (****)Wha? Tanks, IMDb.