Good God: Review for “ Religulous”

Posted on February 22, 2009 Updated on March 30, 2009

They say there are three subjects you should never speak of in public or with strangers: religion, sex, or politics. Religulous, the new documentary from the director of Borat, is about the first of the three taboos, as you can tell by its almost-at-first-glance-unpronounceable title. Bill Maher, a self-proclaimed non-believer/atheist/comedian hails the documentary with quick wittedness. They go from place to place interviewing people on religion. Their religion, the religion of others, crazy religions, irrational terms that people use in religion, and even a marihuana religion. Luckily, our host isn’t some weirdo going out of his way to offend people without knowing what he’s talking about. At least he’s read his stuff. Not only do they talk about what may be assumed as the main target of Christianity, but he also has discussions with Muslims. He can be a little rough and make jokes that you will undoubtedly frown or wince at, but by the next interview you’re laughing too hard to remember why you were offended. It is enjoyable, albeit a little mean to watch people flabbergasted by the questions put for this by the guy. And sometimes, when they spot who Mr. Maher actually is, the people will throw him out. Why? Probably because they’re too afraid to defend their religion. It’s a very interesting and funny documentary. The one problem is that anyone who sees this and actually knows what it’s about is already, for lack of a better word, “converted”. I do wish that some of my overly zealous friends watch this documentary with an open mind. Do I agree with everything Bill Maher says in this feature? No, but what I believe is irrelovant. Bill Maher isn’t really telling us to leave our religion; he’s merely bringing up questions that could in turn inspire a very passionate conversation…if people were secure enough to discuss it without acting as rashly as some have. He’s also asking us to wise up and notice the flaws of man. The film, an enjoyable hour and forty minutes, ends on a low note. This is not a bad low note, but note as high and as light hearted as the film had been. But the end result is rather satisfying. It will offend you but if you’re smart enough, you’ll engage in a conversation with someone soon as to why they are so faithful to who ever they worship.

Grade: B+