Angelika_New_York 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.

CountZero313 Jake and Brian are childhood friends who both become clergymen in their respective faiths. Their friendship and faith are tested when childhood buddy Anna returns and both men fall for her.There is one great line in this film, when Jake (Ben Stiller) says to Anna, "God was showing off when he met you." Unfortunately, that is one line in an interminable procession of lines in a film that sags under the weight of a 2-hour-plus running time and Too. Much. Talking.Jenna Elfman as Anna is a joy; vivacious, engaging and free of pretension. Ben Stiller puts in a shift as Rabbi Jake, but Edward Norton is ill-fitted as Father Brian. There is the occasional smile, such as Jake being surrounded by his congregation at the cinema and declaring "That's what I love about New York." There are no belly laughs. There is, however, lots of deadtime as Norton at first chastises and then encourages Stiller in his pursuit of the Goddess-like Anna. Jake has a heart-to-heart with Mum, Brian has a heart-to-heart with Anna, Brian has a heart-to-heart with his senior priest, Jake has a heart-to-heart with his congregation, on and on and on... Nora Ephron is thanked in the credits, which may account for this tedious join-the-dots plotting of the romcom arc. David Fincher is also thanked, though his influence on Norton's directing is, unfortunately, harder to discern.In the last quarter Jenna Elfman is off screen for about 20 minutes, and I felt every one of them. By that point we know where the Jake-Anna relationship will go, we know he'll leave it to the last minute, and we know he'll sprint across town in an attempt to capture her before she leaves forever. Why do three talented actors with their pick of projects sign on for such clichéd, well-worn fare? The bottom line is, this is the kind of twee, mind-numbing twaddle you get when talented filmmakers stop taking risks.

G K A rabbi (Ben Stiller) and a Catholic priest (Edward Norton), long-time friends, both fall in love with a girl (Jenna Elfman) they knew from childhood.The film's premise sounds like the opening of a corny joke, and this is an unashamedly old-fashioned set-up; Bing Crosby would not have been out of place playing this priest. For all that, it's hugely appealing, Stiller and Norton trade quips engagingly, and it's a genuinely feel-good couple of hours. The film opened at #3 at the U.S. Box office, behind 28 Days starring Sandra Bullock and Rules Of Engagement starring Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson.

Chrysanthepop Yeah, it sounds like one of those jokes that you hear between a bunch of guys in a bar that starts like, 'You know this joke about the rabbi, the priest and the businesswoman?'. 'Keeping The Faith' is pretty much a typical romantic comedy. Blumberg's script follows the usual love triangle storyline. It's quite amusing and entertaining as the lines are witty and funny and the actors have good chemistry. I like the way the religious humour worked without being vulgar, offensive or mocking. Ben Stiller plays the rabbi with his usual comedic and 'serious' flair and Edward Norton's attempt is quite impressive. Jenna Elfman is a natural when it comes to comedy and she completely owns the part. She's also very effective with the dramatic sequences. Rena Sofer has a sensual presence. Anna Bancroft and Eli Wallach lend adequate support with their strong presence. There are a few scenes that become overly melodramatic and could have been better left out like the scene with Stiller addressing his followers and apologizing (which didn't make much sense). Overall, Forman has directed a likable rom-com. Even though the story itself isn't anything new, the dialogues and actors make it work. There's enough love and laughter. Keep the faith.