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Leap of Faith (1992)

Rate: 9
Viewed: 4/06, 7/20

LeapFaith
4/06: Leap of Faith is an appropriate title for the Elmer Gantry-like film because it's all about placing faith on a pile of bullshit.

The plot is well-thought-out with a lot of manipulation going on. Naturally, the whole faith-healing thing is another dishonest way of making a dollar. So, I'm not easily fooled, but I love Steve Martin's performance which is fantastic. What a convincing con man Jonas Nightengale is.

I also love the movie poster. The tagline is an accurate representation of what the movie is about: "Real miracles, sensibly priced." However, the romance between the characters of Liam Neeson and Debra Winger is weird and awkward. Therefore, I wonder why it's included when the film has already had enough meat.

All in all, Steve Martin gives the best drama performance of his career in Leap of Faith.

7/20: Electrifying and honest, Steve Martin gives an Elmer Gantry-like performance in Leap of Faith that's mostly based on Peter Popoff.

Of course, Christian fans won't take kindly to the film. Oh, well...who cares about what they think? All religions have always been criminal enterprises. When their followers stay stupid, they lose money like water.

In Leap of Faith, it's been a one con after another. The thing with the boy is the greatest con of them all, or was it? In my opinion, the audience's power is what finally got him to take a leap of faith to make the transition. Either way, the town got what it wanted: entertainment, plenty of gospel music, pouring rain, and an adrenaline shot to get the feeble economy going.

The acting is very good with a cast that's capable of pulling off a great show with variety. Steve Martin is the showstopper, drawing attention whenever he appears, and he's convincing as a faith healer, con man or not. The script is outstanding as well.

All in all, Elmer Gantry and Leap of Faith are the two films to see when it comes to making money in the name of religion.