Product: Keeping the Faith (2000)
Rating: 4.0
Keeping Some Perspective
Based on my perusal of others' reviews of this movie, it seems that some people were expecting something monumental and profound, and hence were disappointed. I don't know why they had such lofty expectations; "Keeping the Faith" is just one of many in the 'romantic comedy' genre. Given this however, it's for the most part an enjoyable movie, if not entirely believable. Heck; reality itself is unbelievable half the time, so just suspend the tendency to hyperevaluate if you'd like to appreciate this one.This is my first introduction to Edward Norton, and I think he was a stand-out, both as actor and first-time director. The DVD includes some deleted scenes, a few of which I'm very thankful WERE deleted. The movie could have benefited from some further editing as well, but at least the worst bits were scrapped. Ben Stiller and Jenna Elfman don't have that much 'chemistry', and efforts to force the fit would not have served the story well.There are several veteran actors among the supporting players, Ann Bancroft and Eli Wallach among them, giving "Keeping the Faith" a bit of a boost. Also enjoyable are the glimpses of the three leads' characters (Norton, Stiller, Elfman) as adolescent friends. If you'd just like to have a few laughs at the follies of human beings and the nature of their relationships, "Keeping the Faith" is well worth the time investment.