Leap of Faith

Starring:Steve Martin, Debra Winger, Lolita Davidovich, Liam Neeson, Lukas Haas, Meat Loaf, Philip Seymour Hoffman, M.C. Gainey, La Chanze, Delores Hall (II), John Toles-Bey, Albertina Walker, Ricky Dillard, Vince Davis, Troy Evans, Phyllis Somerville, David L. Emmons, Mark Walters, James N. Harrell, Vernon Grote
Director: Richard Pearce
Studio: Paramount
Product Type: DVD

Description

LEAP OF FAITH stars Steve Martin as Jonas Nightengale, a fraudulent faith healer who makes a living visiting small towns and giving hope in the form of prayer. Aided by his no nonsense manager, Jane (Winger), Jonas sets up his tent in a small suburb of Kansas where he soon learns that their hidden mikes, cameras and computers can't fool the neighborhood sheriff (Neeson). But, when Jonas is touched by a local waitress (Davidovich) and her disabled son Boyd (Haas), he learns something new about truth and what real miracles are made of.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic Steve Martin Vehicle.......2007-05-31

Steve Martin, without his funny-man routine, turns in a great performance as the leader of a ministry of con men who is out-conned by none other than.........Jesus.

This is a film for people who wonder about life under the "Big Top" of traveling ministries where miracles MAY take place--for a price. There's always a fix in to find the truly needy under the big top and its great theatre watching Martin on stage as the man "GOD" speaks to. Until one day he actually, by hook or by crook, pulls off the big miracles no one in his gang can figure out! Martin as well!

I hated the ending, you may see why. I wanted him to go on to bigger and better cons, but the spirit got to him.

An excellent film also starring Meatloaf and Debra Winger (Winger's chacter disappoints for some reason, maybe just too unbelievable a woman would act as she does in the end.)

Overall, Martin and cast are fantastic in this film, with George Duke Gospel songs throughout, Meatloaf on the radio, and the Glen Frye title track.

I want a sequel, where Martin goes back to the pulpit and cons all the suckers again. I hope Jesus dosen't mind.

Somebody say "Amen!"

A good picture of the spiritual chaos of modern society.......2007-03-22

Very good film about a fake travelling faith healer and his entourage of employees/followers.

The story is simple enough, almost cliché, but there are a few elements that raise the film above the garbage of Hollywood industry (post 1960's). The end has been commented enough, and I agree it's a nice ending. But what interests me most are the roles played by Debra Winger, the fake man's assistant, and the nice-guy sheriff. Watching this movie from a believer's perspective I must say that they both represent the real lost, no matter how nice human beings they are. Jonas Nightengale at least faces reality with honesty; when he leaves the town we know he will not be the same man after all that happened. No matter how big his sin was: using God and the gospel for his own profit. His attitude is sincere. He is not a manipulator, as he said, because his modus operandi is too obvious, only suckers don't notice it. So who is the real smooth operator? Debra Winger?. She acts like she cares about people's feelings getting hurt, and so complains about it to Jonas, but she takes the money. Isn't she more hypocrite than him? This contrast of characters really interested me, the way it was portrayed, subtlely. What about the sheriff, such an (apparently) well-intentioned and nice man? Same thing. Obviously, one does not see him in a bad light during the film. It's afterwards, when one thinks it over. Jonas and the sheriff. The first, may have even accepted Jesus, for real this time, in spite of what he did; the second, such a nice and good fellow though, goes and sleeps with "the devil". Humm, these are the elements that make a film worth watching, that keep you thinking once it's over.

I have to write down the following lines from thescript, I think they are great: JONAS: "-I KNOW I'm a fake. KID: -But what difference does it make if it gets the job done? JONAS: -Kid, it makes all the difference in the world."

That last line is the key line to the movie. Without it the film would be also a whole world different.

One last word about the company of employees that travels along with Jonas. It's a pity there isn't more time devoted to individualize these folks a little, because they are the crowd, the ones who enter the 'wide door' instead of the 'narrow one'; the ones that shouted for Jesus to be crucified, for money, in spite of knowing Him to be innocent. Jonas may enter the narrow door (Christ); these folks are happy as can be with a wide door to hell. Tells you something about lack of character in people. Don't blame others for your faith or the lack of it. Faith is a gift from God. The lack of it is when you become a willing puppet in the hands of manipulators, for money.

Great Feel-Good Film.......2006-11-19

I have never particularly enjoyed Steve Martin as an actor, but bought this film because based upon the description, it sounded like he was made for the role. Was he ever!

Often where that's the case the supporting cast is weak, but not here. This is one of those rare cases of nearly perfect casting.

If you enjoy traditional gospel music, or even if you generally don't, you will love the musical support provided by the Angels of Mercy (including La Chanze, Delores Hall and Albertina Walker) who are superb as Jonas's choir.

There is none of the unpleasant ridicule of evangelicals (I am not one) that often characterizes films of this type. This is one where everyone comes out smelling good. Truly uplifting.

A Perpetual Favorite.......2006-06-04

Yesterday, I found this move on DVD.. Over the last 10 years or so, I wanted it on a VHS Copy that was crowded into a couple of other movies I had copied... Grainy... So the DVD is a long overdue addition to my movie collection.

I'm always moved by this movie; it touches me deeply.. Steve Martin is what everyone says: born to play the role, Incredible physical movements... But the supporting cast: Liam Nieson, Debra Winger... the contrast of the simple small town, century old houses, 100 year old oak trees.. with the big-city hustlers, everything for a buck... The miracles definately turn on the Mircle Workers... with no effort, the flow and pace inspire.

Repeated Viewings are guaranteed.

Entertaining with great music. Very thought provoking........2006-05-22

This film bears repeating viewings, revealing a new layer of meaning each time.

Martin's performance is one of his best--funny and energetic, but this is no shallow role played just for laughs. The subject of faith is explored thoroughly here, but, as in life, there are no easy answers. Although Martin's character, Jonas Nightingale, is a con man of the first order, is God working through him? Even though he may have no faith of his own, he touches the lives of ordinary people, strengthening their faith.

Jonas shows us some of the tricks of the trade in manufacturing "miracles" for the gullible, but when the real miracles happen, some tough questions are raised.

Some have criticized the ending as being weak, but I'm glad the viewer isn't handed an easy answer.

If you return for repeated viewing (as you probably will), you may find yourself examing your own faith.

Average customer rating:

MUST HAVE
HOLEY CRAP GREAT DVD WORTH EVERY PENNY
well worth the money
a longtime fan's review
Awesome

WWE - Hardy Boyz - Leap of Faith
Starring: Hardy Boyz
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

WWE - TLC: Tables Ladders Chairs
TNA Wrestling: The Best of Jeff Hardy - Enigma
The Hardy Boyz: Exist 2 Inspire
Pro Wrestling's Ultimate Insiders, Vol. 4: Hardy Boys: From the Backyard to the Big Time
WWE Hardcore

ASIN: B00005Q4EW
Release Date: 2001-11-06

Amazon.com

Here's the perfect counterargument for those that still spout the whole "pro wrestling is fake" criticism. It's hard to watch the Hardy Boyz (real-life brothers Matt and Jeff Hardy) and not admire the athleticism that goes into the sport. Matt and Jeff trained themselves as teenagers in Cameron, North Carolina, and quickly made a name for themselves on the indie circuit as high-flying wrestlers willing to try anything. Since 1999, the Hardy Boyz have stunned their growing fan base with a series of aerial assaults, sacrificing their bodies for the sake of entertainment. Leap of Faith features a one-hour documentary capturing the Hardys at home (Matt is portrayed as the quiet one; Jeff is the wild one who builds volcanoes in his front yard), while also charting their rise in the WWF. --Dave McCoy

Customer Reviews:

MUST HAVE .......2007-04-26

This DVD is awesome, It shows the Hardy Boys in some great matches! Ever since we got this in the mail my boys do not want to stop watching. The Hardy Boyz are awesome!!!!

HOLEY CRAP GREAT DVD WORTH EVERY PENNY.......2006-07-16

IM A HUGE JEFF HARDY FAN YOU MUST BUY THIS DVD FROM Used & new from $23.19 BUT JUST DO IT IF YOUR A FAN JEFF AND MATT SURE CAN PUT ON A GREAT SHOW

well worth the money.......2005-10-12

This DVD has about an hour long documentary with the Hardys talking about their start in the business and their best matches with the Dudleys and E&C which is all very interesting...but the real reason to buy this DVD is for the bonus matches included.

Hardy Boyz vs. APA 7/5/99

No Mercy-10/17/99
Terri Invitational Tournament (or TIT)
Ladder Match
The Hardyz vs. Edge and Christian

SummerSlam-8/27/00
T.L.C.
The Hardyz vs. The Dudleyz vs. Edge and Christian

Unforgiven-9/24/00
Steel Cage Match
The Hardyz vs. Edge and Christian

WrestleMania X-7
T.L.C. 2
The Hardyz vs. The Dudleyz vs. Edge and Christian

The Hardyz and Lita vs. Triple H, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Stephanie McMahon 4/9/01

I highly recommend this DVD for any Pro-Wrestling fan and this is a must for any Hardy fan.

And if you have to buy it from a third party seller like I did order it from videoattic. They are very good and had my copy in my mail box sooner then amazon.com ever did.

a longtime fan's review.......2005-09-14

I DID ENJOY THE HARDY'S MOVIE AND WISH JEFF WAS STILL IN WWE, IF U LIKE HIGH FLYING MOVES THAT LEAVE U IN AWWW THEN I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS VIDEO.

Awesome.......2005-07-10

This DVD is amazing and chronicles the history of The Charismatic Enigma, Thunder Phli, Jeff Hardy, and The Sensei of Mattitude, The Angelic Diablo, Matt Hardy.

Steve Martin Comedy Collection (Planes Trains and Automobiles / Out of Towners / Leap of Faith)

Average customer rating:

Steve Martin Comedy Collection (Planes Trains and Automobiles / Out of Towners / Leap of Faith)
Starring: Steve Martin , John Candy , Laila Robins , Michael McKean , and Kevin Bacon
Director: John Hughes , Richard Pearce , and Sam Weisman
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Saturday Night Live - The Best of Steve Martin
The Jerk (26th Anniversary Edition)
The Lonely Guy
All of Me
SNL - Best of John Belushi

ASIN: B000CCBCFI
Release Date: 2006-02-07

Average customer rating:

A Leap of Faith
Starring: London , and Taylor
Manufacturer: Allumination
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Action & Adventure | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Comedy | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Kids & Family | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

More Than Puppy Love
Walking Across Egypt
Thicker Than Water
Sylvester
Wind Dancer

ASIN: B000KP62KM
Release Date: 2006-11-16

Charlie Rose with Wolf Blitzer; Fareed Zakaria; Queen Noor (April 11, 2003)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Wolf Blitzer; Fareed Zakaria; Queen Noor (April 11, 2003)

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

First, Wolf Blitzer of CNN reviews the preparations in Iraq for an assault on Saddam Hussein's hometown, Tikrit. Then, journalist Fareed Zakaria, the international editor of Newsweek discusses his new book, The Future of Freedom. Last, an interview with Queen Noor of Jordan about her book, Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life.

Average customer rating:

Fantastic Steve Martin Vehicle
A good picture of the spiritual chaos of modern society
Great Feel-Good Film
A Perpetual Favorite
Entertaining with great music. Very thought provoking.

Leap of Faith [Region 2]
Starring: Steve Martin , Debra Winger , Lolita Davidovich , Liam Neeson , and Lukas Haas
Director: Richard Pearce
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Apostle
Roxanne
My Blue Heaven
A Simple Twist of Fate
L.A. Story (15th Anniversary Edition)

ASIN: B0002GZACU

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic Steve Martin Vehicle.......2007-05-31

A good picture of the spiritual chaos of modern society.......2007-03-22

Great Feel-Good Film.......2006-11-19

A Perpetual Favorite.......2006-06-04

Entertaining with great music. Very thought provoking........2006-05-22

Charlie Rose with Wolf Blitzer; Fareed Zakaria; Queen Noor (April 11, 2004)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Wolf Blitzer; Fareed Zakaria; Queen Noor (April 11, 2004)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

Description

First, Wolf Blitzer of CNN reviews the preparations in Iraq for an assault on Saddam Hussein's hometown, Tikrit. Then, journalist Fareed Zakaria, the international editor of Newsweek disuses his new book, The Future of Freedom. Last, an interview with Queen Noor of Jordan about her book, Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life.

DVD:

DVD

Lucky Numbers [2001] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

DVD: At War with the Army

Havana