The cast of "Keeping the Faith" deserves a better movie. And frankly, so do we.
It's not that this overstuffed cream puff of a comedy is awful. But rarely does the material rise to meet the level of competence exhibited by its very talented cast, which tries in vain to make the film better.
Also, there are certain types of films that can justify being more than two hours long, but romantic comedies certainly shouldn't be epic-length. And — at 129 minutes — this one certainly feels like epic-length.
Because of that, as well as some surprisingly cheap humor, the movie marks a rather inauspicious directing debut for character-actor Edward Norton, who was probably thinking it would make an "easy" first project.
Norton also stars as Father Brian Finn, a thirtysomething Roman Catholic priest, whose best friend, Jake Schram (Ben Stiller), has also grown up to become an evangelical leader — a rabbi.
The two men have become quite popular among the members of their respective congregations. In fact, Jewish mothers are practically throwing their daughters at the happily single Jake.
Enter Anna Reilly (Jenna Elfman), a childhood friend who has become a successful corporate executive. Like a whirlwind, Anna blows back into both their lives and complicates their friendship.
For one thing, she's a source of temptation to the celibate Brian, who's unaware that she and Jake have fallen for each other. But their relationship faces a couple of major obstacles — not the least of which is Jake's congregation, which he fears might look down on him for dating a gentile.
There's enough fodder here for a film without stooping to jabs at religion, but the script (by "MAD TV" writer Stuart Blumberg) does just that, and then throws in some sexual humor for even worse effect.
Blumberg's faulty plotting also boxes Norton and his cast into a corner, leading them to an unsatisfying conclusion that's just too easy.
As a director, Norton should also shoulder some of the blame. Not only does the film drag, but it suffers from an uncertain tone (it can't seem to decide if it wants to be a screwball comedy, a slapstick comedy or a thoughtful piece on religion, and it winds up failing at each).
However, the performances are good, especially from the three leads. Stiller and Elfman have surprising chemistry together, while Norton shows he has a talent for comedy when the material is on.
It's also nice to see older actors like Anne Bancroft and Eli Wallach getting something to do — even if their scenes do pad out the already flabby film.
"Keeping the Faith" is rated PG-13 for vulgar sexual humor and references, simulated sex, slapstick violence, use of religiously based profanity and ethnic slurs and a brief glimpse of a nude drawing. Running time: 129 minutes.
You can reach Jeff Vice by e-mail at jeff@desnews.com