Religulous
DVD
Directed by Larry Charles
Starring Bill Maher
Lionsgate Entertainment
Release Date: February 17, 2009

Bill Maher isn’t shy about his disdain for religion. Though raised by a Catholic father and a Jewish mother, Maher has since renounced his faith and has since turned his sharp wit into combating organized religion.

With Religulous, Maher travels the world, visiting (and frequently being kicked out of) the holiest locations on Earth. Along the way, he makes stops and religious museum and amusement park while taking time to speak to Jews, Christian, Muslims, and Mormons.

Religulous is not an attempt to scientifically disprove all of the world’s major religions. It is a comedy, it is meant to poke fun at religion, all religion, but in the end has a serious reason for doing so. Watching this film for the first time, I got the strong impression that most people of faith will not watch it. I can’t blame them, as they would be almost certainly setting themselves up to be offended.

Nevertheless, I am sure many of those who decide to watch anyway will have similar reactions. When Maher is mocking the aspects of other religions, they will almost certainly laugh at the absurdities, but when he turns on their religion of choice, they will see him as a bully who “just doesn’t get it.” I would hope anyone who has this reaction is able to take a step back and see things from the perspective of an outsider.

But this is not the time or place for a religious debate. The film encapsulates a few minor debates but most end the same way, with someone getting offended and calling things off. Maher never once claims to have all the answers. In fact, he’s very open about the fact that he doesn’t and state that he is “just asking questions.” Even so, it’s amazing how easily people of all faiths are offended just by being asked questions. It would seem, especially in America, people are more likely to question their bank then their religion. It’s a shame, because these are the questions that need to be asked and regardless of what you think of his sense of humor, you have to admire Maher courage for walking into the heart of these religions with the intent to instigate. As a result, Religulous is very entertaining and I strongly recommend anyone, especially those of faith, to brave a viewing.

The DVD comes with a few special features, but for the most part they do not add to the film. One feature is a compilation of Maher’s “standup” moments, many of which were included in the final cut of the film. The ones that weren’t were likely left out because they did not directly tie to another segment like the others. Though each standalone segment is fairly humorous, they do seem out of place when not used as transitions between other portions of the film as a whole.

Other bonus features include a few deleted scenes and commentary from Maher and director Larry Charles.

Though the special features are not anything to get excited over, the main feature is worth the purchase. Religulous is an informative, though-provoking, and very entertaining documentary.