Dave Ucannottaknow It's really no surprise that this movie is underrated, because there's a lot of people in the culture which it exposed who don't like seeing their true nature exposed for what it is. Christian fundamentalists need to pretend they worship the "god of love" specifically because they are among the most hateful groups on this earth! That little girl in the wedding dress for her "purity ball" looked a lot like it's done, but if you think that's creepy, these people proudly post their very creepy father-daughter photos! Children truly are taught ridiculous and insultingly unintelligent lies in their Accelerated Christian Education school systems, and questions in response to these are typically discouraged with admonishments to be obedient for answers. Likewise, questions in general are tactically diverted whenever a good answer cannot be provided - it's a game so shamefully easy to win because the religious promoter can purport to offer "proof" of the beliefs which he will sell you while disavowing any obligation to really prove anything whenever it suits him, making it impossible for him to lose, able to declare "victory" every time no matter how unearned that always is. If you are beginning to see the necessity of a nefariously dishonest personality to stay in such a career as the televangelist/faith healer, then you should not be surprised at the suggestion that one may lie, and even kill in order to hold on to their power. The popes of the Middle Ages got their positions through bribery and murder, and sometimes even today the power of Christ must work through the barrel of a gun, or a tazer shot into a tank of gasoline.

vincentlynch-moonoi I didn't really know anything about this film when I sat down to watch it. And it started off well, with an over-the-top evangelist (Pierce Brosnan) debating an atheist (Ed Harris). I settled back in my chair and listened to their short debate and thought the film showed promise. Then it alternatingly got a little foolish or a little serious, and frankly, it was when segments were more serious that the film shined. But then another comedy/satire scene would come on, and it would all fall apart. When I read about the film and realized what a flop it had been I questioned whether I wanted to finish watching it. I did, but...So, in the first part of the movie the evangelist accidentally shoots the atheist in the head with a Civil War pistol...first, but not the last bit of silliness. It mostly went downhill from there.The sad thing is that this film had a decent cast. I remember Pierce Brosnan from way back in 1981 in the miniseries "Manions of America", and I thought that there is an actor to watch. I've since been more disappointed than impressed, although every once in a while he has managed an impressive performance...this is not one of them, although the role of a powerful leader of a mega-church certainly held promise. Greg Kinnear has often impressed me, although considering his beginnings on "Talk Soup", that surprised me. Again, this was not one of his performances -- as an ex-Deadhead and member of the mega-church -- that impressed me. I'm not familiar with Jennifer Connelly, and also not impressed in terms of this performance. I often enjoy performances of Marisa Tomei, and I feel she is an underrated actress. This casting of her was abominable...as a pot-smoking campus security guard. Ed Harris is not usually one of my favorites, although I concede he's a fine actor. And here I really enjoyed him; too bad he had so little screen time as the atheist. Jim Gaffigan as a worker in the mega-church...please Satan, deliver me from any more of his screen work. Ciarán Hinds...now, here is a character actor I only recently discovered, and he's always impressed me...as he does here as the father-in-law of Kinnear. Yul Vazquez as a Mexican crime lord...well, okay.Bottom line -- this film might have had a chance as a straight drama. But as a comedy/satire it was a disaster.

lsmlaw92 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

mariedstewart The movie wasn't as good as the subject matter. Sure it has great actors, Greg, Marissa, Jennifer & Ed but the person who got me stuck was the daughter. I watched it on a morning I wasn't feeling well, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Afterwards it left me wondering all day who was the actress playing the daughter? I'd recommend it to a non-deeply religious friend. It's definitely worth a lot of thought, especially for those that have questions. It is a satire comedy that follows the theory that a terrible thing can happen to a nice person. How a guy can be so ignorantly attached to a family that has a very small grip on reality. I know people like Jennifer & her dad's character's; those that don't want to believe and who replace fantasy with reality. I don't blame them, life can be really hard.