Leap Of Faith (1992) DVD Reviews

Starring	Steve Martin, Debra Winger, Lolita Davidovich, Liam Neeson
Director	Richard Pearce
Genres	Comedy

Critics' reviews (3) of Leap Of Faith
View all
Steve Martin takes on the role of the cynical bogus evangelist who runs a travelling gospel show in this film, which can't quite make up its mind whether it wants to be a comedy or a straight drama. When Martin and his team arrive at a poor Kansas town to fleece the residents, they find their consciences pricked as they get to know the townspeople. An interesting cast including Liam Neeson, Debra Winger, Lolita Davidovich and Meat Loaf performs well, but ultimately the film loses its way as the plot becomes tangled with miracles and saccharine twists.
- Radio Times
- Posted 29 Jan 2006
Unsatisfactory drama that begins as an exposé of cheapjack evangelists and their tricks and ends as something even more exploitative and crass.
- Halliwell's Film Guide
- Posted 02 Mar 2006
Obviously seeking a role where he can seriously emote and turn in the goofy stuff as well, Martin has backed a loser in... read more on Time Out
- Time Out
- Posted 04 Nov 2008
Most helpful members' reviews (3) of Leap Of Faith
View all
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

A 'Leap' for Steve Martin

I had to be forced to watch this movie as I rate Steve Martin as being as unfunny as Hitler. His back catalogue to say the least is, in my opinion, a dirge of American slop. To my utter surprise, this film was extremely entertaining and even thought provoking. Martin's performance is no less than astonishingly convincing as he questions the role of 'Faith' in our lives and the rights and wrongs of 'empty' faith.

Martin's character justifies himself as a touring evangelist by highlighting the comfort brought through the 'miracles' performed in his shows. I am not religious but it really brought home the hope that faith brings to many peoples lives and i have great respect for that. A heartwarming movie.
- - Phil Ruston from Leeds, England
  - Posted 07 Dec 2004 23:59
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

I just lurve this film

I can watch this film over and over again.

Steve Martin as the shallow, material preacher performs his slick,flamboyant act for his congregation in spectacular style. The gospel singing choir lays a soundtrack that will stay with you for days. Watch and enjoy.
- - Allan from Leeds
  - Posted 24 Mar 2005 19:08
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

Great

Picture the scene. You are a travelling show, your truck engine blows so you pull into the nearest town. You have to wait for a few days for the replacement part to arrive. What do you do? You play the town.

This is a fantastic film, full of great performances from the ensemble of actors. No one performance steals the film but they all add that special something indefinable.

After watching this film again all these years since I saw it, it is one of those pictures that makes you question yourself and your life and leaves you feeling better because you did.

So take that Leap with Faith.
- - Fuzz from Surrey
  - Posted 12 Apr 2005 23:18
Most recent members' reviews (2) of Leap Of Faith
View all
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

A 'Leap' for Steve Martin

I had to be forced to watch this movie as I rate Steve Martin as being as unfunny as Hitler. His back catalogue to say the least is, in my opinion, a dirge of American slop. To my utter surprise, this film was extremely entertaining and even thought provoking. Martin's performance is no less than astonishingly convincing as he questions the role of 'Faith' in our lives and the rights and wrongs of 'empty' faith.

Martin's character justifies himself as a touring evangelist by highlighting the comfort brought through the 'miracles' performed in his shows. I am not religious but it really brought home the hope that faith brings to many peoples lives and i have great respect for that. A heartwarming movie.
- - Phil Ruston from Leeds, England
  - Posted 07 Dec 2004 23:59
Excellent

Good fun. Steve Martin is excellent. Debra Winger is her usual intoxicating self (Well I fancy her any way).

Quite a long film, which leaves you with a good feeling
- - A customer from Hemel Hempstead
  - Posted 18 Jun 2005 16:34

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

A 'Leap' for Steve Martin

I had to be forced to watch this movie as I rate Steve Martin as being as unfunny as Hitler. His back catalogue to say the least is, in my opinion, a dirge of American slop. To my utter surprise, this film was extremely entertaining and even thought provoking. Martin's performance is no less than astonishingly convincing as he questions the role of 'Faith' in our lives and the rights and wrongs of 'empty' faith.

Martin's character justifies himself as a touring evangelist by highlighting the comfort brought through the 'miracles' performed in his shows. I am not religious but it really brought home the hope that faith brings to many peoples lives and i have great respect for that. A heartwarming movie.
- - Phil Ruston from Leeds, England
  - Posted 07 Dec 2004 23:59
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

I just lurve this film

I can watch this film over and over again.

Steve Martin as the shallow, material preacher performs his slick,flamboyant act for his congregation in spectacular style. The gospel singing choir lays a soundtrack that will stay with you for days. Watch and enjoy.
- - Allan from Leeds
  - Posted 24 Mar 2005 19:08
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

Great

Picture the scene. You are a travelling show, your truck engine blows so you pull into the nearest town. You have to wait for a few days for the replacement part to arrive. What do you do? You play the town.

This is a fantastic film, full of great performances from the ensemble of actors. No one performance steals the film but they all add that special something indefinable.

After watching this film again all these years since I saw it, it is one of those pictures that makes you question yourself and your life and leaves you feeling better because you did.

So take that Leap with Faith.
- - Fuzz from Surrey
  - Posted 12 Apr 2005 23:18
Excellent

Good fun. Steve Martin is excellent. Debra Winger is her usual intoxicating self (Well I fancy her any way).

Quite a long film, which leaves you with a good feeling
- - A customer from Hemel Hempstead
  - Posted 18 Jun 2005 16:34
An American subject and a watchable film

Evangelical christians having a strong influence over the government of America, and their influence is partly due to the reach of modern televangelists. The latter are the direct descendents of travelling preachers who used to (and in some cases still do) hold large 'campmeetings' in tents. So its interesting to see the topic addressed; its a way of thinking about the impact of televengalists indirectly. The treatment is competent way, although not entirely satisfying. This is due it being essentially a formulaic Hollywood comedy-drama, albeit a superior one. A key issue is addressed - that of the gullability of the masses. Its a shame that the nature of faith was not also seriously explored. Instead we get needless romantic subplots, not all of which are resolved. But for all that, the film is not at all bad. Martin is perfectly cast as the star-preacher. His pulpit scenes shrewdly draw from modern televangelists, with a little artistic exageration (not much is needed). Winger and Neilson are always good to watch - even in bog standard supporting roles such as the ones that they have here. The editing and direction are both efficient and pleasing. The film is worth a look.
- - DD from London
  - Posted 12 Apr 2008 14:32
EXCELLENT

CASTING WAS SUPERB AND STEVE MARTIN DID A GOOD JOB. THE ENDING PRICKS THE CONSCIENCE. DO YOU OR DO YOU NOT BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF GOD TO PERFORM MIRACLES. CERTAINLY I DO
- - MAKO1 from London
  - Posted 20 Aug 2008 16:15

< Prev
1
Next >

Critics' reviews (3)
Steve Martin takes on the role of the cynical bogus evangelist who runs a travelling gospel show in this film, which can't quite make up its mind whether it wants to be a comedy or a straight drama. When Martin and his team arrive at a poor Kansas town to fleece the residents, they find their consciences pricked as they get to know the townspeople. An interesting cast including Liam Neeson, Debra Winger, Lolita Davidovich and Meat Loaf performs well, but ultimately the film loses its way as the plot becomes tangled with miracles and saccharine twists.
- Radio Times
- Posted 29 Jan 2006
Unsatisfactory drama that begins as an exposé of cheapjack evangelists and their tricks and ends as something even more exploitative and crass.
- Halliwell's Film Guide
- Posted 02 Mar 2006
Obviously seeking a role where he can seriously emote and turn in the goofy stuff as well, Martin has backed a loser in... read more on Time Out
- Time Out
- Posted 04 Nov 2008