Dogma

Smith takes an ambitious step sideways to introduce theological debate into his now familiar world of profanely garrulous New Jersey no-hopers, and, after a promising if confusing first few minutes, falls flat on his face. Essentially, it's a 'race against time' comedy, with disillusioned Fiorentino reluctantly persuaded by 'Voice of God' Rickman to travel to New Jersey in the company of two unlikely prophets (Jason Mewes' Jay and Smith's Silent Bob from the earlier films) in order to stop vengeful fallen angels Affleck and Damon destroying existence as we know it. Too talky, too fond of in-jokes, too caught up (especially during the dismally weak climax) in its crass comic-strip ethos, and not, finally, as funny, subversive or thought-provoking as it would like to be. Nor, despite the hype, is it outrageous - it's no surprise to learn Smith is a practising Catholic.