Saved! (2004)
This film is kind of off the wall as well as a satire about religion and the bible. It is about church goers who try to force religion down your throat. It makes fun of both sides the believers and non-believers. I think no matter which side you personally believe in you will find it to be funny and ridiculous at the same time. It was pretty entertaining and the cast were great in their roles. It was directed by Brian Dannelly who also co-wrote the film with Michael Urban.
They used the tagline “Heaven Help Us”
It would be considered a comedy with some dramatic moments in it as well. Jena Malone plays Mary as an obvious biblical reference, and the story centers around her for the most part at a Christian high school. Mandy Moore plays Hilary Faye who also attends the school and becomes her rival. Keep your eyes open as Macaulay Culkin is in this with a nice performance as Roland who is Hilary’s brother. He happens to be handicapped and fancies Eva Amurri the only Jewish girl at the school who plays Cassandra, she initially has nothing to do with him. Patrick Fugit plays “Patrick” and becomes the center of affection between the girls. Heather Matarazzo is Tia who is trying to fit in yet is opinionated as well. Chad Faust plays Dean who seemingly is the romantic interest of Mary. Elizabeth Thai plays Veronica and is an acquaintance of the girls.
Martin Donovan is Pastor Skip, who leads the studies at the school centre. Mary-Louise Parker also appears in this as Lillian. Kett Turton is Mitch, Julia Arkos is the PE Coach, Donna White is Trudy Mason, James Caldwell is the Hairdresser, and Nicki Clyne appears as the Guitar Player. The late Patrick Swayze appears in this as well as an over the top religious inspirational speaker.
Things change for Mary as she sees a vision of Jesus in a pool, from there the story gets pretty wild and whacky. I believe most people will find this to be at least mildly amusing and worth a look see.
