Common Sense Media Review
Romantic triangle with interfaith angle; language, drinking.
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Keeping the Faith
What's the Story?
In KEEPING THE FAITH, Jake (Ben Stiller) and Brian (Edward Norton, who also directed) have been best friends since grade school. Now in their early 30s, they remain close and have a lot in common: Jake is a rabbi, and Brian is a priest. They support one another in their efforts to combine "an old-world God with a new-age spin" and fill their houses of worship, calling themselves "the God Squad." But when their fellow partner-in-crime, Anna (Jenna Elfman) -- who had moved away in eighth grade -- calls to say that she's coming back to town, the romantic triangle that forms will either make or break this trio of friends.
Is It Any Good?
This romantic comedy is witty, funny, and sweet, but it does show its age where the female lead is concerned. At its best, Keeping the Faith sheds light on Catholic and Jewish customs, poking fun while staying respectful: The faith of its two lead characters are never in doubt while viewers get to laugh with Jake and Brian as they struggle to live up to their ideals. Amid a classic romantic triangle, the movie has some good things to say about the importance of maintaining tradition ("it's comforting to people") while trying to connect to people in changing times.
The cast is great. If Norton and Stiller really were a priest and a rabbi, there's no doubt they'd invoke the excitement shown by mass and synagogue attendees in the film. Anne Bancroft is terrific as Jake's mother. But dated aspects of the movie bring down the enjoyment level, especially the sexist story arc for Anna who needs to overcome her "flaw" of being too ambitious (and too single). Families who do watch together should take this as an opportunity to discuss their own views of religion and interfaith relationships.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Keeping the Faith depicts religion and intermarriage. Does Jake's reluctance to date someone outside his faith with any seriousness feel misleading to the woman, given their sexual relationship? Or were the characters honest with each other from the start?
How did you feel about Brian's reaction to finding out about his two best friends being in a relationship? Did it warrant a drunken bender? Was there a better way to handle his anger at Anna, or was he justified in yelling at her?
Comedic religious scenes like Brian's robes catching fire and needing to be put out with holy water, or Jake fainting during a bris, occur throughout Keeping the Faith. Do these depictions feel disrespectful to you? Or are they welcome in the way that they humanize men of faith?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 14, 2000
- On DVD or streaming : October 17, 2000
- Cast : Ben Stiller , Edward Norton , Jenna Elfman
- Director : Edward Norton
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 128 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sexuality and language
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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