This is a lightweight, romantic comedy about a man who sues God’s representatives on earth when his fishing boat is destroyed by lightning and his insurance company refuses to pay, deeming it an 'Act of God'.
Billy Connolly plays the man with the boisterousness and zest we have come to expect. One could be mistaken for assuming that the role was written with him in mind and that there is little in his performance to distinguish the character from the persona we are fed in his stand-up comedy routines.
In his quest for justice, and a new boat, the man forms an alliance with a media personality played by Judy Davis with her usual dose of effervescence mixed with neurotics. The chemistry between the two performers constitutes all that is good about the film.
What doesn’t work is the comedy, which often falls flat. While the film provides many interesting and intelligent insights into religion and the nature of worshipping a deity, one would think it could’ve been achieved with a great deal more humour and less cliche.
Based on a terrific idea, the narrative is well paced and does sustain interest. Bolstered by excellent supporting performances it’s well worth watching although it could have benefited with a few more laughs.
Filmink 3/5
