This is a lightweight, by the numbers, satirical comedy thriller on evangelical religion.While discussing an ideas for a new book where two contrasting people would make opposing views on organised religion,Pastor, Dan Day (Pierce Brosnan), accidentally shoots atheist Dr Blaylock (Ed Harris) and then in a panic tries to make it look like a suicide.However Carl Vandermeer (Greg Kinnear) a born again Christian and form Grateful Dead fan and dope-head was there when the shooting takes place and is framed by Pastor Day and his cronies are out to silence him. Even Carl's family disbelieve him.The moment Brosnan shoots Harris, you know Kinnear will be the fall guy. You also know the members of the church will little persuading to pin the blame on Kinnear. The film holds few surprises bar the intervention of a shady Mexican gangster. There is very little by way of redemption and understanding. The satire is not sharp enough and its the acting of the leads which carries the film.Before he got shot, it would had been better if we had longer scenes of Harris and Brosnan having their philosophical discussions.

I read some of the reviews posted, and I'm surprised by the low opinion some people had about the quality of the acting, the story, and the overall direction. I think the movie was pretty good, mostly because it rings true to me. I think I liked the movie, in part, because I found it to be comically (or tragically) true. Fundamentalists going to any length to protect their beliefs. Isn't that what we see every day in the new? Though admittedly, the news does not have the comic edge of this movie. Greg Kinnear is an excellent actor, and did a great job making it as comical as possible to be at the receiving end of the ire of a group of crazies who will go to any length to protect their radical views. Marisa Tomeii is excellent as the still-hippie friend, who helps Kinnear keep his sanity. Pierce Brosnan is great to hate and the rest of the case was very believable

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