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Let me say up front that I’m a big fan of comedian Bill Maher. I religiously (see how I worked that in?) watched his program Politically Incorrect until he was unceremoniously dumped for making a controversial on-air remark about the 9/11 terrorists. But now I have a date with him every Friday night as he hosts Real Time on HBO mixing political satire and social commentary. Religulous is a sharp documentary that focuses Maher’s wit and humor as he travels around the world interviewing people about God and organized religion. Directed by Larry Charles (of Borat and Curb Your Enthusiasm fame), so you know you’re in for a wild ride!

Filmed in locations of religious significance around the world like Israel, the Vatican and The Truckers Chapel located in Raleigh, North Carolina, Maher attempts to question those of all religions who seem to feel that their way is the only way. No way! says self-professed agnostic Bill. Born in New York City, the son of a Jewish mother and Catholic father (which technically makes him Jewish) Maher was raised in his Irish American father’s Catholic religion. This perhaps puts him in a unique position to make glorious fun of both.

Even as a young comedian, Maher did religious routines that got big laughs (and invitations back to the Tonight Show) - like the one about being half Catholic and half Jewish and bringing a lawyer into confession:  “Bless me father for I have sinned—and I think you know Mr. Cohen . . .”

No one is off-limits in Religulous, even gay Muslim activists. He interviews seemingly intelligent people (and a few self-professed messiahs) about their belief of stories in the bible, exposing their hypocrisy but always in a hilarious manner. He’s not rude, but sometimes crude and raunchy, especially when describing what Jonah must have smelled like after three days in the belly of the whale.  Maher has a knack for melding comedy with religion which is oft times topical as well. Cue clip of President Bush describing his religious philosophy and how it relates to his foreign policy, “God wants everybody to be free.”

Maher deftly uses an amusing amalgam of footage from various TV and film sources and a kick-ass soundtrack to drive home his points. Where else can you hear a mix of Road To Nowhere (Talking Heads), Yiddish Blues (Klezmer Conservatory Band), Highway 61 Revisited (Dylan), Crazy (Gnarls Barkley) and of course, the obligatory hit from The Doobie Brothers, Jesus Is Just Alright? 

He talks to clergyman, religious zealots (of all faiths), scientists, politicians, men and women on the street and sets off in search of answers. He gets more questions then answers, and a hell of a lot of laughs. And all I can say about his provocative effort can be summed up in one word, Hallelujah!

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