Movie Review: The Man Who Sued God
Directed By: Mark Joffe
Written By: Don Watson and John Clarke
Starring: Billy Connolly, Judy Davis, Colin Friels, Wendy Hughes and Bille Brown.
The very concept of the movie and the bold title alone would seem to be enough to trigger off a political and religious minefield. As it is, the concept is very carefully handled to be inconclusive and theoretical. Connolly is careful to point out that he is not suing God himself, but rather the very idea of an Act of God as an insurance get-out clause. Connolly, after being told by the insurance company that lightning striking his boat was an act of God, takes the logical course and attempts to sue God.
This, at its core, is a very simple romantic-comedy/family-movie with very simple laughs. There is no deep or intelligent humour to this. All the laughs either come from swearing laced outbursts from Connolly, or from people falling over. This is simple, yet effective, and Connolly is on high-form throughout. Your mother will really love this film, especially if they are fans of Connolly, as mine is. Connolly is not only an outstanding comedian, but also a formidable actor, as he proved in Mrs. Brown and continues here.
The inevitable romance in this romantic comedy is seemingly dropped in from out of nowhere, with the deus ex machina clanking loudly towards the end. There is no real build up or detailed characterisation for why the two characters should finally become an item, we are merely meant to accept it as it is. This is ultimately unsatisfying.
The character development for Connolly himself is well handled, and the way he changes from an extremely annoyed lawyer turned fisherman into a calm, cool and collected gentleman is handled well. His relationship with Arthur (the dog) provides much of the humour and sentimentality for the character, as does his relationship with his ex-wife (Wendy Hughes), Anna Redmond (Judy Davis) and his brother, David (Colin Friels). The writing and performance on all sides is excellent, and commendations to all involved.
Ultimately, this is something of a love-story by the numbers, but the very idea of a man suing God gives the old story and plot something new. The ludicrousness of the case and the larger than life characters make this film worth viewing. Also the political and theological hot-bed it opens up with leave you with something to think about and discuss long after the movie has ended.
STORY: 8/10 DIRECTION: 5/10 PERFORMANCE: 8/10 OVERALL: 7/10
RECOMMENDED TO: Mothers, aunties and people who like Connolly.
DON'T WATCH WITH: Catholic priests, insurance workers or God.
Directed By: Mark Joffe
Written By: Don Watson and John Clarke
Starring: Billy Connolly, Judy Davis, Colin Friels, Wendy Hughes and Bille Brown.
The very concept of the movie and the bold title alone would seem to be enough to trigger off a political and religious minefield. As it is, the concept is very carefully handled to be inconclusive and theoretical. Connolly is careful to point out that he is not suing God himself, but rather the very idea of an Act of God as an insurance get-out clause. Connolly, after being told by the insurance company that lightning striking his boat was an act of God, takes the logical course and attempts to sue God.
This, at its core, is a very simple romantic-comedy/family-movie with very simple laughs. There is no deep or intelligent humour to this. All the laughs either come from swearing laced outbursts from Connolly, or from people falling over. This is simple, yet effective, and Connolly is on high-form throughout. Your mother will really love this film, especially if they are fans of Connolly, as mine is. Connolly is not only an outstanding comedian, but also a formidable actor, as he proved in Mrs. Brown and continues here.
The inevitable romance in this romantic comedy is seemingly dropped in from out of nowhere, with the deus ex machina clanking loudly towards the end. There is no real build up or detailed characterisation for why the two characters should finally become an item, we are merely meant to accept it as it is. This is ultimately unsatisfying.
The character development for Connolly himself is well handled, and the way he changes from an extremely annoyed lawyer turned fisherman into a calm, cool and collected gentleman is handled well. His relationship with Arthur (the dog) provides much of the humour and sentimentality for the character, as does his relationship with his ex-wife (Wendy Hughes), Anna Redmond (Judy Davis) and his brother, David (Colin Friels). The writing and performance on all sides is excellent, and commendations to all involved.
Ultimately, this is something of a love-story by the numbers, but the very idea of a man suing God gives the old story and plot something new. The ludicrousness of the case and the larger than life characters make this film worth viewing. Also the political and theological hot-bed it opens up with leave you with something to think about and discuss long after the movie has ended.
STORY: 8/10 DIRECTION: 5/10 PERFORMANCE: 8/10 OVERALL: 7/10
RECOMMENDED TO: Mothers, aunties and people who like Connolly.
DON'T WATCH WITH: Catholic priests, insurance workers or God.