Customer Reviews

And God Spoke [VHS]

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a hilarious mock documentary on the filming of a Bible movie that goes all wrong. That is the plot, but that is only the spine that holds all the gags together. The characters are the main attraction here.

Clive Walton (the "director") and Marvin Handleman (the "producer") are from the start obviously not fit to handle this kind of undertaking--their previous films were all bad genre flicks. But Marvin thinks that this will be a great idea because of the target audience ("the biggest selling book in the world times seven dollars a ticket...you do the math"). The caterer designs refreshments that follow the biblical theme (rolls and Pepperidge Farm Goldfish for the "loaves and fishes" motif, and a cooler labeled "Wine" that he says is "really just water"); "Adam" is a method actor who walks around the set nude; and "Eve" has a full-body tattoo. Not to mention the cinematographer who thinks he is shooting a Bergman film, "God" played by a tripped-out ex-hippie, Eve Plumb from The Brady Bunch as "Mrs. Noah," and Soupy Sales as "Moses" (who receives Coca-Cola in addition to Commandments from the mountaintop).

It's a consistently funny look at moviemaking behind the scenes when everything that can go wrong does. It has become a fixture in our household, along with Waiting for Guffman (which is as insightful on its own subject). Fans of the one should enjoy the other.

I had heard about this film for a long time. Then, after I finally got the video from this fine website, I settled down to watch it. I laughed out loud!

It's the story of a team of independent filmmakers who decide to make a Biblical epic as their next movie. Having Soupy Sales as Moses, Eve Plumb, ("The Brady Bunch"), as Mrs. Noah, and Lou Ferrigno ("The Incredible Hulk") as Cain, everything that can go wrong, does go wrong.

A laugh-riot, "And God Spoke" is also a good insight on the world of independent filmmaking. I highly recommend it, and wish I could give it more than just five stars.

Great little sleeper of a movie that seems to be gaining cult status. When Matthew Perry ("Friends") was once asked about "Waiting for Guffman" (another mockumentary released about the same time) he said there a much funnier one out there called... you guessed it..."...And God Spoke." Well-written, with a lot of inside jokes about the kind of very low-level Hollywood film-making you don't hear much about on ET... the straight to video kind...that will still amuse people not "in the business."

When two extremely low budget film-makers are suddenly blessed with a $40 million dollar budget to make a Biblical Epic for a major studio, they find themselves WAY over their heads at the first call of "ACTION!" It's all downhill from there (for them, not for the audience) Extremely well-written, hilarious movie, adequately directed. Got kind of lost in the bigger press surrounding "Guffman," but like I said, seems to be gaining a large cult following.

I won't bother to summarize the plot, but I will say a few things.

It's not a perfect film...a few things (the studio exec, the cop) don't ring true. However, those things aside, I love this film.

It's a hilarious mockumentary detailing the making of a Bible movie by two Jewish filmmakers. This minor detail is never mentioned in the movie, but it informs a lot of what happens, such as no one knowing how many disciples Jesus had.

Basically, it goes like this: if you like satire and witty dialogue, you'll like this film. I'd reccomend it to fans of movies as diverse as the Player and Dogma. If you like big slapstick comedies, avoid this like plague.

Personally I like both. But a friend who loves the Farrelly brothers above all things found it boring. So be warned, grasshopper, before taking a plunge into 'the greatest non-denominational bible story ever filmed. Special discounts for religious groups."

This sadly underrated film, while not quite the standard of perfection that is "This is Spinal Tap", boldly goes into the mockumentary arena with a jab at the film industry. A film-making team--comprised of a director and producer whose resumes consist primarily of ultra-forgettable, less-than-B movies--basically are stricken with oversized egos and attempt to make the ultimate Bible epic. Of course, during the process everything goes wrong (think of the "stonehenge" debacle in Spinal Tap). For those not familiar with this film, I think an example or two may be in order just as a teaser:

--"Does anybody know how many disciples there were?"

--As the budget starts getting tight on the production, they start cutting out major portions of the story, and nearly decide to cut Jesus out of the picture entirely!!!

--The actor who plays Abel (none other than scrawny Andy Dick) thinks that his character actually wins the fight with Cain (played by Lou "The Hulk" Ferrigno), and is excited to finally be playing a "tough guy" after consistently playing nerdy characters in his film career. Then, of course, he learns the truth....

The main problem, as evidenced by the examples, is that nobody involved in the film production actually has any real knowledge of what it is they are filming. I think that should give you some idea of the utter chaos which that creates.
This is an absolutely HILARIOUS film, and deserves much more recognition from the entertainment world. Until then, this cult classic is definitely worth a watch, and its appearance on dvd is a "godsend" (sorry, hadda do it...). ;-)

I am proud of myself being one of the few audience who have actually seen this little gem at a movie theater in Westwood, California in the early 90s. This movie knocked me out. Totally original, actually this is the first film that I saw claimed to be a "mocumentary." I just loved it. One of the 10 best films on my list. I loved every actor in the film. If you have experience on movie sets, you will understand what this film is talking about. There are movies on Hollywood" or "filmmaking," such as "The Player""The Big Picture." This one is better than those. Shame it's not available on DVD.

Anyone who has dreamt of trying to direct or produce his or her own film will appreciate this little gem. It's not hard to see a little bit of the vanity of your own dreams in the two lead characters. What is amazing is the fact that these guys are setting out to make a 'Biblical Epic' and neither of them has apparently ever picked up a Bible! This makes for some very funny and embarrassing moments in the film. I found myself laughing out loud at the filmmakers, while still having a great deal of empathy for them. The movie has a (kind of) great surprise ending also. Definitely worth the ten dollar admission price.

And God Spoke is one hilarious mockumentary thats similar to This Is Spinal Tap!!! Most of the cast are basically unknowns but they do a great job here!!! There are also some great "name" cameos by Soupy Sales,Eve Plumb,Andy Dick and Lou Ferrigno!!! This great comedy is full of laughs!!! A true cult classic!!! It's presented in full frame and extras free,but it's great to have it finally on DVD!!! Two thumbs up!!! Five stars!!! A+

For any fan of cult films,and genre parodies,this is a definate must see.This is one of the best of all mocumentaries.They really aren't making fun of The Bible as they are making fun of how Hollywood,and how some of it's ilk portray and huckster our history and mythology.It also proves that you don't have to have big name stars and multimillion dollar budgets to make a great film.

What do you get when you throw This Is Spinal Tap and Monty Python in a blender? Probably The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash. Oops, wrong review!

...And God Spoke is an exceptional mockumentary following a Hollywood "B Movie" team that has finally got their big break and have received major studio backing to make a film about The Bible.

Without giving away too much of the plot, let's just say that nothing goes as planned, from casting to filming to the meetings with The Bigs. The project is rapidly going down the toilet, the studio's pulled out, financial troubles are fierce, and bankruptcy is narrowly averted... but, in the face of all these challenges, can the show maintain its calling to be true to The Script?

A masterfully done low budget movie about low budget moviemaking with cameos from Charlie Rose, Soupy Sales, Eve Plumb (Jan Brady), and Lou Ferrigno as Cain.

When I bought my VHS copy from a failing rental shop, this movie was out of print. This one has gone straight onto my wish list and, if it doesn't appear in my holiday stocking, I'm ordering it before the new year!