This is a lightweight, by the numbers, satirical comedy thriller on evangelical religion.
While discussing ideas for a new book where two contrasting people would make opposing views on organised religion. Pastor, Dan Day (Pierce Brosnan), accidentally shoots atheist Dr Blaylock (Ed Harris) and then in a panic tries to make it look like a suicide.
However Carl Vandermeer (Greg Kinnear) a born again Christian, former The Grateful Dead fan and dope-head was there when the shooting takes place.
He is framed by Pastor Day and his cronies are out to silence him. Even Carl's own family disbelieve him.
The moment Brosnan shoots Harris, you know Kinnear will be the fall guy. You also know the members of the church will little persuading to pin the blame on Kinnear.
The film holds few surprises bar the intervention of a shady Mexican gangster. There is very little by way of redemption and understanding. The satire is not sharp enough and it is the acting of the leads which carries the film.
Before he got shot, it would had been better if we had longer scenes of Harris and Brosnan having their philosophical discussions.
While discussing ideas for a new book where two contrasting people would make opposing views on organised religion. Pastor, Dan Day (Pierce Brosnan), accidentally shoots atheist Dr Blaylock (Ed Harris) and then in a panic tries to make it look like a suicide.
However Carl Vandermeer (Greg Kinnear) a born again Christian, former The Grateful Dead fan and dope-head was there when the shooting takes place.
He is framed by Pastor Day and his cronies are out to silence him. Even Carl's own family disbelieve him.
The moment Brosnan shoots Harris, you know Kinnear will be the fall guy. You also know the members of the church will little persuading to pin the blame on Kinnear.
The film holds few surprises bar the intervention of a shady Mexican gangster. There is very little by way of redemption and understanding. The satire is not sharp enough and it is the acting of the leads which carries the film.
Before he got shot, it would had been better if we had longer scenes of Harris and Brosnan having their philosophical discussions.