Cliff Notes – One-of-a-kind cult classic film returning to UK cinemas for special anniversary

25th Anniversary Release: The iconic 90s comedy Dogma, directed by Kevin Smith, will return to UK cinemas on November 7 in a remastered 4K edition.
Plot Overview: The film follows fallen angels Bartleby and Loki, portrayed by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, as they attempt to exploit a loophole to return to heaven, risking humanity in the process.
Cultural Impact: Despite initial rights issues preventing home video and streaming releases, Dogma has maintained its status as a cult classic, praised for its provocative satire and engaging humour.

An iconic 90s comedy starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Keanu Reeves is returning to cinemas this year to mark its 25th anniversary.

Released in 1999, Dogma, directed by Kevin Smith, follows fallen angels Bartleby (Affleck) and Loki (Damon) who are ejected from paradise.

They decide to make the journey from Wisconsin to New Jersey, where they find a loophole to get them back into heaven – the catch is, it will destroy humanity in the process.

A synopsis continues: ‘A reluctant abortion clinic worker, Bethany (Linda Fiorentino), is tasked with stopping them, guided by a heavenly host that includes the last scion of Christ, a muse, a pair of prophets, and the voice of God.’

The star-studded cast also included the likes of Smith, Jason Mewes, Alan Rickman, Salma Hayek, Chris Rock, and George Carlin.

Despite proving a box office success and a hit among critics, for many years, Dogma was unavailable on home video release or streaming due to rights issues.

Dogma stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck as two fallen angels trying to bargain their way back into heaven (Picture: Miramax/Kobal/Shutterstock)

Directed by Kevin Smith (second left), the film is considered a cult classic – and its returning to cinemas (Picture: Miramax/Kobal/Shutterstock)

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, however, a remastered 4k edition of Dogma will come to cinemas in the UK on November 7.

Speaking ahead of the release, director Smith said he felt ‘overwhelmed’ revisiting the film after more than two decades.

‘I made Dogma in 1999 as a lapsed Catholic searching for peace with my spiritual baggage,’ he began.

‘It was the biggest, riskiest, most ambitious movie I’d made at the time and the one I’m still asked about most. Religion is a sensitive subject, but so is humor, and Dogma aimed to bring both into the same space with heart, wit, and reverence for irreverence.’

The Clerks creator continued: ‘Revisiting it 25 years later, I am overwhelmed by the relevance of its questions and the courage of its cast.

‘This remastered edition is not just a restoration, it’s a resurrection. For all the fans who could not find it streaming, or who passed around bootlegs to keep the movie alive, this is for you.’

A 4k remaster of Dogma will be in cinemas on November 7 (Picture: Moviestore/Shutterstock)

The film has been unavailable on home video release and streaming for several years due to rights issues (Picture: Moviestore/Shutterstock)

Dogma holds a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critics’ consensus reading: ‘Provocative and audacious, Dogma is an uneven but thoughtful religious satire that’s both respectful and irreverent.’

In their review, the Austin Chronicle said Dogma was ‘one of the most intelligent, engaging, and gut-bustingly funny revelations to come along in a while.’

Entertainment Weekly dubbed it ‘Deliriously audacious, one-of-a-kind’, while the New York Times said Dogma was ‘mercilessly funny.’

Film.com heaped praise on Smith, writing: ‘As always with Kevin Smith’s films, the strongest element is the writing, and he’s reached a new level here.’

Empire added: ‘Smith’s comic allegory is overlong and confused, but his move from indie to mainstream deserves at least some credit.’

Dogma’s 25th anniversary 4k restoration comes to cinemas on November 7

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