SERIOUSLY. This is what the crap Hollywood still puts out?

An action-packed slog

Blistering performances.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

"It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they've been fooled." - Mark Twain Directed by Richard Pearce, "Leap of Faith" stars Steve Martin as Jonas Nightengale, a con-man who masquerades as a Christian faith healer. When his tour-bus breaks down in small-town Kansas, Jonas sets about scamming the drought afflicted locals."I'll walk if it's God's will," a crippled kid tells Jonas. Jonas mocks the boy's faith – the kid's just another sucker - until what may or may not be a miracle jolts Jonas out of his cynicism. Designed to support the beliefs of believers, atheists and agnostics, this miraculous climax is less an affirmation of Gods than a call for compassion, hope and community over predation and despair.Though miscast, "Leap of Faith" remains one of Steve Martin's better films. Interesting and atmospheric, it's at its best when revealing the methods used by revivalists and faith healers to con congregations. Elsewhere Pearce offers wonderful location photography, his film adorned with open skies, rustic diners and star-lit circus tents. Co-starring Debra Winger and Liam Neeson.7.9/10 – For this material handled better, see "Elmer Gantry" (1960). See too "Red Lights" (2010).

God works in mysterious ways even trough a con manThis is one of the most faith inspiring films i saw hope you all take a moment to appreciate this and enjoy this one man show, and how god can have a little sense of humor using a con artist slash preacher to bring joy and hope to this townincredible the confrontation between the fake preacher and god himself proves him even with all the mockery and lies he is still used by god to spread his message and gives him a true miracle to prove him rightthis remarkable ensemble of actors is also a must see to love this history and its emotional endingGod is always there could be the message

I couldn't believe when the overall ratings for this movie falls under 6/10*.I would not comment in details as it has been deliberated by viewers but just paraphrasing.Steve Martin, who plays Jonas Nightengale, has the most effervescent, highly-entertaining role as a fake faith-healer who professed the ability of miraculous healing through the Lord Jesus Christ.When 'Stevemobile'(I am referring to his coach) broke down in a small town, he & his troops of charlatans-underlings attempted to make a fortune out the town-folks'(mostly hillbillies) pockets - by finagling them to donate for the sake of spiritual faith that he promised them, using Jesus' as a pawn in this highly charismatic faith healing 'game'.This movie shows in style and entertainment, how the snake-oil-salesman,Jonas, works in sophisticated knavery with his gangs, deploying his sidekicks to collect information and data by befriending the not-too-smart townfolks and then passing the details to Jonas beforehand at the multiple sessions of miraculous healings conducted in a huge tent, and when the 'miraculous-healer' revealed some of the 'secrets' infos of certain persons, they thought he was sent by God, selflessly unaware that those shills/sidekicks sent to befriend these poor folks was agents of Jonas.When the criminal dossiers of Jonas, from smoking weeds, defrauding bank-cheques, and others was revealed by the no-nonsense, Sheriff Will Braverman, played by Liam Neeson debunking his miraculous acts as nothing but smokes-and-mirrors, which resulted some of his believers who was about to exit his 'show', - Jonas came up with another state-of-the-art trick - this time admitting what the Sheriff said about his past criminal records were true. He then proclaimed that through his sins, came repentance, and as a repented man, he received a special gift from God - now, drawing and winning the attendees faith AGAIN! After conning the hard-earned pecuniary from the rain-deprived townfolks, the most touching moments arrived when Jonas was challenged to a nigh mission-impossible task, this time to heal a kid who was relying on a pair of crutches since having a vehicle accident years back.Jonas reluctantly undertake this mission, knowing that to cure the kid was as impossible as pulling a car up Mount Everest. Having lost the hope of recovery, this kid never lost 1 thing - FAITH. He careened his path to the portable statue of Jesus, eking-out every effort and kissed the Lord's feet.Unbelievably, this kid dropped his crutches and began to walk. Jonas, was dumbfounded for a while but quick to claim another victory where he shouted 'It's a miracle, meeting with a standing, thunderous ovation from the crowds.This time, for Jonas, spiritual conscience implicated and indicted him- hard, knowing only God/Jesus could perform such miracle.While his entourage(they thought the act was set-up, a masquerade) knows that using this kid miraculous recovery would be a surefire launchpad making millions, an incontrovertible guilt haunts Jonas as he packed his bags, hitchhiked a passing truck and left this town.In the passenger seat, another miracle happened when rains fell to this rain-deprived town and Jonas jovially shouted "Thank You, Jesus" I cannot remember all the parody, humorous sarcasms, the clever word-plays of this movie but I can say this movie deserves at least 8/10 and I am giving it 10/10.

At times, a bit uneven of a movie that drags in places, but watching it, you're rewarded frequent gems of movie magic. The opening scene of Steve Martin talking his way out of a speeding ticket while his core crew places bets on the potential of his success accurately sets the stage for the charlatan of Martin's character, Jonas Nightengale. He's a shyster and proud of it. He's selling a bill of goods to willing saps and is clearly comfortable with the situation.Seeing the character of Jonas Nightengale operate is a true joy, from his attempt to bed the local beauty queen to how he mixes truth and banter to foil the attempts of an overly wise sheriff played by Liam Neeson.Martin's character very accurately employs techniques used by exposed Peter Popoff and it's worth doing a YouTube search of Peter Popoff to see the similarities.The Angels of Mercy choir is outstanding to watch and to hear. Be sure to stick around during the credits to see and hear more of them.There are undeveloped parts of the story, for example, Jonas's relationship with Jane (played very well by Debra Winger). It would have been worthwhile to know a bit more about how the two of them got started and why there isn't a romantic tension between the two of them. It's easy to assume they've been together, but there's no proof either way. She knows the act and him too well to be just a business partner and she's not presented as having a past seedy enough to get her into the conman business.It's all fun and games, of course, until a real miracle happens and what's a good conman to do when faced with the real deal? Have fun with this movie, forgive the parts that drag, and you'll be rewarded with a movie worth watching.