Keeping the Faith Review

Jake (Ben Stiller) and Brian (Edward Norton) have been friends since they were kids. Now they`re the god squad - each of them trying to bring their religions into the 21st century, Brian as a priest and Jake as a rabbi... and they`re remarkably successful in attracting flocks - or audiences - with their unorthodox methods of preaching. For Brian being single isn`t an issue, but Jake is becoming a victim of the kosher nostra - Jewish mothers who want their daughters to marry the rabbi. Then into their lives returns the third member of their childhood group - she`s Anna (Jenna Elfman) and both men fall for her - she`s forbidden fruit for Brian and definitely not kosher for Jake... There`s quite a lot to enjoy in Keeping the Faith, even the cliches seem to appeal, but at well over two hours it outwears its welcome way before the end. It has nice things to say about breaking down barriers between religions and the relationship between the two men is charming. But Jenna Elfman is so unconvincing as a corporate trouble-shooter and the chemistry between her and Ben Stiller is non-existent. What grounds the film is Edward Norton`s performance. This is the first produced screenplay of Stuart Blumberg, a college friend of Norton`s. It`s a strange choice for Norton as his debut, it`s a bit too sentimental, a bit too old-fashioned in some ways... but despite all its faults it`s strangely likeable...