While this is not Casablanca, this is a great little sleeper of a film. Great cast, funny script, good production values, I'm just astonished it bombed at the box office. The story of a preacher gone bad, a dead head turned believer, and a cast of character actors that are very well cast. It's a slapstick of a film, but we live in a world where that isn't enough. The plot is right on the money, with with a series of turns and twists that entertain at every junction. I've never seen Pierce Brosnan as well cast as the Evangelical that goes astray. Greg Kinnear is superb in the role of the deadhead turned believer who has his faith tested. Ed Harris is perfect in the role of anti-Christ author, Marisa Tomei is just hilarious as the redeemer of Greg. Jennifer Connelly plays a very convincing wife who just can't believe that the pastor is in the wrong. Isabelle Furman plays a wonderful role in the daughter who is caught in the middle.Great funny lines, incredibly fun acting. If you are looking for a fun night and need a video, this is it. I have to imagine this film might be more successful over time, and as people discover it. If you are a born again Christian, this might not be your cup of tea.

Especially if they are religious. Of course if you really look close into the movie, you could also make the case that this might actually be quite good to religion. Or to those who believe in God that is. You can always read things into it, if you are willing to. I think one should be open minded to movies like this. It's not really offensive. Men (and women) are weak, that's just the way it is.Plus the cast is phenomenal! Every role is a name actor, even if it's the smallest, it seems they got someone with value. When Jim Gaffigan is the least known (a really good comedian), than you know you have hit the jackpot. You might argue that some characters are not really drawn all that well or thorough, but there is only limited time. While they could've done some things better, that is something you can always say about a movie

The most people are thinking critically VERY reluctantly. The story is just about this our peculiarity. Sometimes it is very good to watch this kind of a movie or to read this kind of a book. It keeps fit!All the actors did their jobs brilliantly, and the casting itself was on top as well. Greg Kinnear is very "recognizable", Pierce Brosnan is very "typical", Marisa Tomei and Jennifer Connelly both are very "comprehensible". Not to mention the dad (Joe Hunt) and the other small characters there... Simply a great job! The sense of humor is just the way I like it - sharp enough, but not sarcastic. One may rather like the people than find them repulsing... What I am just saying? "Them"? Us! This piece is just a lot of fun.

Basically, the movie about a pastor who tries to cover up an accident and things get out of control in the process. Overall, the acting was good throughout. A problem I had with this movie was the "comedy music" that plays when there was a "funny" situation going on. I thought they were pushing it too hard on some scenes. In my opinion, it would have still been as funny without the music. And it's a dark comedy, "comedy music" is not needed in dark comedies. Though it's a bit annoying, but not annoying enough to tamper my enjoyment of the movie.The story is well written with enough twists to keep you guessing, and the metaphors are well done, especially the Christianity themes. If you've seen the movie Four Lions, then this is a Christianity version of it. There's isn't much similarity in story, but it is thematically similar. A good pick for fans of dark comedies.