Leap of Faith

I'm suprised that none of the movie buffs recognized the references in "Leap of Faith" to a couple of older movies. The scene to start the movie, where Jonas does a "cold read" on the policeman to elude a speeding ticket is lifted from the Tyrone Power movie "Nightmare Alley". Also, there are numerous elements in the movie that seem to continue the conversation from "Elmer Gantry" about the nature of faith, its purpose in our lives, and its irrelevance to the ones who bring it to us. The charisma of the speaker is more important than his actual belief, but the only one he can't charm is himself, setting up the dilemma that may only be solved by walking away. As entertainment, the movie succeeds to a degree, but there is a layer beneath that makes this a good movie for discussion groups, especially as a double feature with one of the other two movies mentioned above.

This was actually a nice, little comedy that probably didn't do as well as it could have.The subject matter may have sat poorly with many, particularly in the areas of the country where such religious minstrels prey (pray?). This takes a pretty humorous look at all aspects of the more vocal (translation: loud) purveyors of religion whether they be faith healers, con artists, or just religious "leaders" who feel it is their job to tell people how to live their lives, which includes sending in a lot of money.

Steve Martin, temporarily taking a break from his syrupy family-friendly rut, portrays a phony faith healer named Jonas Nightengale (!) who finds himself and his theatrical troupe stranded in a rural town. Martin takes some chances here as an actor, but this puzzling drama-lite can't make up its mind how cynical or comedic its ingredients should be. Debra Winger is underused as Jonas' cohort, though her relationship with handsome hick Liam Neeson proves more interesting than the main narrative. Screenwriter Janus Cercone and director Richard Pearce continually resort to the obvious, like making most of small town America look like gullible fools. This troubled production has a few sweetly-staged, low-keyed scenes but it seems to lose confidence in itself early on, becoming soft and flabby. *1/2 from ****

source: Leap of Faith

This was almost a good movie. It started out as a very honest portrayal of the hucksterism and con jobs that all religion relies on, only to fall victim to schmalz and a fairy tale ending that destroyed all of the footwork leading up to it. This could have been an important movie on par with "Elmer Gantry" if the writers and director had just resisted the urge to sabotage their own work. Steve Martin played the huckster role with genius and Debra Winger appears in far too few movies, but in reality, hucksters of this caliber never reform, if that's the right word, until scandal brings them down, and people DO get disgusted with fleecing the innocent withOUT having to believe in mythical beings. Too bad.This movie could have had some meaning if they had just stuck to real world.

I love almost everything Steve Martin has done. There are a few exceptions, but most everything he has done has captured some part of my heart. "Leap of Faith" is another shining example of that quality. As a con artist/traveling evangelist who is in it for the money, Martin exposes what that business is all about. The mindset of the characters, the motivations behind the "business" of religion. He sets it out on the table and calls it what it is. A con. As an evangelist with all the right moves, and all the right words, he can make almost anyone believe. Almost. But he is a salesman, selling a product. That product is faith. And if you buy in, he'll promise you the moon and the stars, and all you'll get in return is an over-abundance of bus fumes as he tooles out of town on his way to his next gig. The ironic ending was perfect, and a bit more satisfying for those of us how know what the business of religion is all about, and I couldn't help but consider that perhaps it was his character's final sales pitch; unspoken and left to bait the crowds for his next installment. Very enjoyable movie. It rates a 7.8/10 from... the Fiend :.

One of the best soundtracks I have ever heard. This film depicts a less-than-honorable evangelist (Steve Martin) as he begins to con desperate people in need of help. In the end, it is he that is helped, as well as the people he was intending to defraud. This film is well acted, perfectly cast, and has a story that shows that sometimes, even the most notorious of individuals can be a messenger of change, and find change within himself when he does. Steve Martin, Debra Winger, and Liam Neeson combine their talents with each playing their role in convincing manners. One of my all-time favorite movies.

I think the reviewer who said this movie was "dark" and "sick" was watching a different movie, or just simply missed the point of the ending. Steve Martin plays an Elmer Gantry-type traveling evangelist who is a jaded huckster and gleefully cons and takes advantage of others, whether they be well or handicapped. Perhaps this is what the reviewer means by "sick". But, the whole point of this set-up is to demonstrate the transformation Martin's character as a human being goes through at the end of the movie. Martin definitely is a non-believer in the religion he preaches. Until... ...and this is the point of the movie... The point is the profound effect events surrounding the crippled teenager have on Martin's character, and Martin's subsequent transformation INTO a believer, which is shown by his walking away from the false, hypocritical, wolf-in-sheep's-clothing existence he had been leading. That's the significance of his giving the ring to Winger. He's walking away to find something real now. As he rides away and it begins to rain and Martin cries: "Thank you, Jesus!" his transformation is complete, his shouts of praise are now sincere praises of the Lord, no longer are they the hollow words of a con man. He is no longer that con man. He IS a changed man. And THIS is the true point of this story.

This movie is really good on several levels. First of all, Steve Martin does an excellent job as a "flashy preacher man" by night, but conniving money hoarder by day. Debra Winger does a good job, and we're introduced to a young Liam Neeson and Philip Seymour Hoffman. However, what this movie also does is show how "sideshow tent revivals" pray on people by using their beliefs to mask their true intents. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who feels that religion and religious people are not what they seem to be!

This is a fantastic movie, and proof that Steve Martin is more than just a comedian. The movie is well done, with solid character development and great direction. The production really captures the essence of the midwest setting. The gospel music - a joint effort between George Duke and Edwin Hawkins - is also great. The story itself is very thought-provoking and emotional. Contrary to what another reviewer said here, the ending is great and was the perfect climax to a thoughtful story. (How the other reviewer considered the ending to be pointless is beyond me. Oh well, pearls before swine and all that.) Excellent movie!