October 4, 2008
Have You Seen Religulous?
We saw it this afternoon at the Magnolia, here in Dallas. The theater was full, and it was being shown on two screens. It’s a splendid film, and what a lift it gave us to be among those who are willing to look at absurdity and see it for what it is. I imagine many will say: “I thought it was great–except for the parts about Christianity.” This speaks to a central point of the film, which is that believers of all sorts are ready to laugh at and ridicule the beliefs of others, even as they show themselves to be blind to the incredible aspects of their own. I hope this film encourages more people to reject the thought that “all doubt (and questioning) is of the devil.” But failing that–I hope it brings a renewed sense of purpose to those who already see the dangers represented by beliefs that undermine the power of reason while reveling in the prospect of a looming apocalypse.
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8 Responses to “Have You Seen Religulous?”
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I saw it last night, in Cleveland, in a similarly packed theater. There was laughter throughout the film and applause afterward. I think the best scenes were the interviews with the priest in front of the Vatican and the chief of astronomy at the Vatican.
Dennis–Yes! We loved those scenes too. It was refreshing to see that there are priests who manage to see some good in what they hope to do–without having to abandon reason along the way.
I watched it with friends at the Rialto in Raleigh, NC. Being in the south, and being a limited release, it was the only screening in the city. Everyone in the audience got a huge kick out of the first scene being at a Raleigh ‘Truckers Chapel’. As above, crowded house and lots of laughs.
Is the name a play on “incredulous”? That’s what I’ve been assuming.
Just saw it and loved it. There were many things it addressed that I did not know–like the fact the there were so many other stories of Jesus-like figures which were identical to the story of christ and were created way before the story of Jesus. Also, the quotes about religion from Jefferson, Franklin & Adams–classic!! (Isn’t it ironic that those men would probably never be elected today…their IQs were too high!)
Also, Mike, I saw a story about the movie that noted the title is actually a play on the word Ridiculous.
One other note…saw it in Atlanta and the audience cheered quite loudly when it was done. People laughed throughout as well.
Saw it last night in San Diego. There was not one open seat. People were standing. This is a must see movie! At points people were laughing so hard that it was difficult to hear the movie. Thunderous applause afterward.
Loved it. Think it should be mandatory viewing for everyone on planet Earth. Loved how hardline Maher was with the ending; it hit you like a punch to the gut.
In a good way.