I love Bill Maher.  I have been watching him since he had his show “Politically Incorrect” and I tivo “Real Time” and his HBO specials and try to catch whatever he is on.  However, this move that he has released “Religulous” is just RIDICULOUS.  I guess the ultimate joke was on the person who would spend $12 (the price of a movie ticket in NYC) to see this amateur piece of work.

The way Bill advertised and talked about this movie, I expected more.  This so called movie was something I could see any night on his show.  I expected more research and better editing.  He had a scene with his mother and sister, but his sister never said anything so why was she there.  He spent a lot of time talking about Christians, and Muslims, some time on the Jewish religion, but also nothing about the hundreds of other ridiculous religions that exist. 

I thought he would elaborate on some of the beliefs in religions, their similarities and outrageousness, but there was none of that.  There was only Bill Maher talking and giving his analysis.  There was some interviewing but they were insignificant.  He didn’t really expose why people turn to religion as a solution to their problems.  There was no mention of cults, or mention of the hypocrisy between saying one is religious and actually living a spiritual life.  He did expose the money behind the church, but he did so in a very cynical way and did not talk about mega churches, and the marketing that goes into selling religion.  He didn’t address certain laws that are spawned from religious beliefs and how much it influences our daily secular lives.

I was thoroughly disappointed with this movie and almost want to ask for my $20 (the total cost for one adult and one child) back.  I don’t usually go to the movies but when films like “sicko” or “religulous” comes out I try to support them because I believe in information and asking questions, but I don’t expect to be taken advantage of.  I believe that’s what this film did, it took advantage of people like me who want to support independent film making.  I have many questions about religion and this film did nothing to enhance or answer those questions.  I left leaving nothing I didn’t know before I went in. 

I also question Bill Maher’s obsession with Israel and Muslims, I think his coverage of the Muslims in this piece was skewed; he painted the Muslims as a terrible, terrorist religion.  Could it be because of his Jewish heritage?  During this part of the movie Bill Maher lost credibility with me, because he appeared biased. 

I cannot recommend this movie, you can wait for it to come on cable.