In 2010, the brainchild of Greg Vorob and Dan Conrad was born–and Marty and Doug’s New Religion came to life. It was created in two forms: as a mini series and as one, cohesive short film. As some of you may already know, I’ve reviewed the series, and thanks to some help, I’ve now procured a copy of the film in its entirety–thanks a bunch Laura Ellen Smith. Normally a cinematic project wouldn’t warrant a second review, however, there are subtle, but important differences between the story in its two versions. Before reading the following, it’s important to read my review of the mini-series first. You can find that by clicking HERE.
Now that you’ve read my other review (because I trust you)–you’ll be able to understand the differences. Cohesion is an important part of any project, and while Marty and Doug’s New Religion (the series) is cohesive and easy enough to follow, it’s realized after viewing the full-length film that the short breaks between the many parts of the narrative do break up the story and cause lulls in what Vorob, Conrad, and their cohorts create. The single film allows Marty and Doug’s New Religion to flow far more smoothly, and it allows viewers a better chance to appreciate the content.
That cohesion, the ability of the film to flow so smoothly and effectively does two things. On a positive note, it makes the story a tad easier to follow–and I think that, in general, viewers better appreciate all that Conrad and Vorob have to say. However, on the flip side the cohesion and the ability to better focus and understand the content may lead to more people being frustrated with the offensive Christian jokes. As said in my previous review, it’s obvious that many of the jokes will offend devout Christians, and that anyone incapable of finding religious jokes to be funny will instantly be turned off to Marty and Doug’s New Religion. Not having breaks between the different segments of the story will allow you to hear more religious-based jokes in a seemingly shorter time–leaving little time for viewers to move past the previous jokes. You’ll likely fall on one side or the other, and that will ultimately determine whether or not you’re able to appreciate the film.
Aesthetically, Marty and Doug’s New Religion looks like something a child might create (please take this in the best way possible). With forts made of wooden chairs and blankets, and Jesus’ (Ian Campbell Dunn) beard looking like something you might find at Party City, it’s clear that this is a low-budget film. However, what this also expresses to viewers is just how clever and willing to adapt this group of individuals is. Not only are they these things, what they manipulate Marty and Doug’s New Religion into is truly brilliant. Viewers understand the constraints with which Vorob, Conrad, and Director Dan Kowalski had to deal with, and they clearly took everything in stride, refusing to be hindered by what was available to them. The low-budget aesthetic also provides somewhat of an innocence to the film–and that creates a beautiful balance throughout the course of Marty and Doug’s New Religion. This comedy quickly shifts to something different than many may have expected. A satire, sure–but this group finds ways to make the juvenility of their content both accessible and easily appreciated. Everything about this film (if you’re willing to look past the aggressive nature of the humor) is incredibly fun.
To be honest, just about all the positives are present in both forms of Marty and Doug’s New Religion, but the more cohesive nature of the film version allows these things to be realized much more easily. I wasn’t sure if the different forms of the story would really have any bearing on the overall narrative, but this version truly is more enjoyable. Kudos to this team for being able to not only bring this hilarious story to life, but finding new and more effective ways to present it to the world. Genius seems like a massively strong world, but Vorob and Conrad have such wonderful chemistry that their humor seems damn near genius.
Directed by Dan Kowalski.
Written by Dan Conrad, Marc Seidenstein, & Greg Vorob.
Starring Greg Vorob, Dan Conrad, Ian Campbell Dunn, Lisa Peart, Felix Gardon, Molly Montgomery, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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