Leap of Faith

Another reviewer was dead on - it is impossible to watch any of his scenes in this film without focusing totally on him. He is so full of the role but not in an overbearing way (unlike Jim Carey whose portrayal as Batman's foil The Riddler, comes to mind as a poor comparison).

It's not merely a send up of preaching, Christianity or of films like the great Elmer Gantry (to which it is often compared and found severely lacking). It is much more than that. It is also much much lighter. It also has a brilliant musical score, dominated by some of the most stirring and uplifting gospel music ever to come from any of God's creations.

Different from any role Steve Martin ever did. Brilliant!


The Well Known Correlation Between MEATLOAF & Word Of Faith!   May 26, 2004
Sheila Chilcote-Collins (Collinswood, Van Wert, OH USA)
22 out of 24 found this review helpful

Steve Martin is born to play the starring role of Jonas Nightingale, a travelling huckster, fraud of a faith healer, demon "caster outer", "slay in the spiriter" & more importantly, a money grubbing false prophet. Along with his no-nonsense sidekick manager, Jane, played aptly by Debra Winger, they bilk poor souls from a small town out of their hard earned cash with the oldest profession in the world. No, not prostitution. The selling of the Gospel Of Jesus Christ!

This film exhibits many word-faith doctrines such as "positive confession", "gospel of health", "gospel of wealth" and the whole "name it and claim it" belief. More imporantly, what it also has is some great smaller role performances given by Lolita Davidovich as waitress Marva, Lukas Haas as Boyd, Liam Neeson as Will, Philip Seymour Hoffman as Matt, and MEATLOAF as Hoover!

This movie also has a great soundtrack with samplings from Don Henley, Patti LaBelle, Wynonna Judd and of course, the great Meatloaf with "Paradise By The Dashboard Lights"!

Seriously though... This film has a great ending and shows what REAL MIRACLES are made of and EXACTLY where they are made...

A fun & entertaining family film!

Happy Watching!


Brillant backed by uplifting music score   February 26, 2003
R. Spell (Memphis, TN USA)
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

I'm surprised this movie is not held in higher esteem by the public and critics. A perfect role for Steve Martin who plays an over the top con man minister trying to score on the local waitress. When the bus breaks down he decides to open a revival and and put some time in the effort.

But this farming town is in the depths of depression caused by a drought. Martin deserved an academy award for his brillant portrayal. Great supporting performances by Debra Winger, Liam Neeson and Philip Seymour Hoffman in his first memorable role.

The other star of this movie is the excellent score particularly near the end as the author shifts from the con to "could this be real". Not often is the score so prominent in manipulating thre viewer emotionally. I'm agnostic but the story is so uplifting that you can't help but be touched. Also the sweeping scenes of middle Americans is very inspiring in projecting average Americans going about their lives.

This movie entertains and mentally challenges the viewer. I score this movie very highly and a must see particularly if you enjoy watching the career journey of the brillant Steve Martin.


A film about a con that goes disaterously right...   June 12, 1999
Dana Rich (Wilmington, North Carolina)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

When con-man turned preacher Jonas Nightingale rolls into a small town plagued by drought and unemployment he has two things on his mind... getting his truck fixed and separating the locals from what little money they have. Before the film ends he finds himself in the center of a situation that borders on the supernatural. As Jonas finds himself doing the right things for the wrong reasons this hardened huckster finds himself in the last position he expected to find himself... out of control. This movie looks at the life of a traveling evangelist/flim-flam man with an honesty that is at the very least unsettling. It shows some of the "tricks of the trade" in a way that makes you wonder about even the most sincere traveling evangelists. Plus, this film is backed up by some of the finest gospel music ever put on a movie soundtrack. The scene with the choir singing acapella as the crew put up the tents is worth the price of the movie. Steve Martin does a great job as Jonas. Supporting players Debra Winger and Liam Neeson round out a fine cast. I highly recommend this film


Outstanding Performance That is Overlooked!   December 31, 2002
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

This is truly a great and (surprisingly) overlooked movie. It has a great cast, great performances, and a nice storyline. Steve Martin, in particular, does an OUTSTANDING job in this movie. I continue to wonder why this isn't seen as one of the finest (if not THE finest) performance of his career. If you are expecting the "arrow through the head", whacky Steve Martin you might be disappointed (or more likely, pleasantly surprised) by the role. He is entirely believeable as Jonas Nightingale.

All in all, a great and very satisfying movie that I heartily recommend, and I am anxiously awaiting the DVD! This would definitely be one of the 10-15 films I'd want with me on a desert island!