The film was directed by Larry Charles ("Borat" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm"). Maher is an equal opportunity offender to all religions, pointing out the fallacies of blind obedience. This movie is entertaining, enlightening and hilarious.

Maher has a take-no-prisoners style with the simple, big questions: Did Jesus really exist? What happens after we die? Is the Bible the literal word of God? Why is faith good without evidence? Why does God let evil in the world and allow things like the Holocaust to occur?

The virgin birth, homosexuality and evolution enter into the narrative discourse.

Maher exhibits a great sense of humor, a sharp wit and impeccable comedic timing. He is skeptical and expresses doubt about belief systems that are tied with traditions that no longer fit the complexities of modern culture. He points out that religion can be dangerous and often leads to bloodshed.

The movie is cleverly edited with pop songs and old film stock footage. He wants people to lighten up and not take things so seriously.

This spiritual journey takes jabs at Christianity, Scientology, Mormonism, Judaism and Islam. Maher visits numerous religious destinations, such as Megiddo, Israel (where Armageddon and the Second Coming are predicted to occur in the Book of Revelation), the Wailing Wall, the Dome of the Rock, the Mount of Olives, Salt Lake City, the Vatican, the USA Bible Belt and the Holy Land Experience in Orlando, Fla.

A wide range of clergy and their devout followers are interviewed. Two of the most interesting subjects are an actor playing Jesus and evangelist minister Jose Luis De Jesus Miranda, who believes he is the Second Coming and a direct descendant of Jesus.

This nonfiction film should stimulate some heated discussions and provoke contemplative thought. It may also spur protests from religious groups who will cry out blasphemy.

The movie takes a surface approach in covering a lot of issues in a rapid-fire fashion while keeping the running time under two hours. The editing process probably left lots of juicy material on the cutting room floor. You can judge for yourself whether it makes valid arguments or is just preaching to the choir of atheists and agnostics.

If you are a fan of Michael Moore movies such as "Sicko," "Fahrenheit 9/11" or "Bowling for Columbine," you won’t want to miss this one.

Maher, who was raised Roman Catholic, dedicated this film to his Jewish mother, who makes a brief appearance.

Now playing at the Leawood, Tivoli and AMC Studio 30.

Review By:
Keith Cohen, "The Movie Guy"