This irreverent investigation of religion's place in society comes courtesy of comic Bill Maher and Larry Charles (director of BORAT, writer/director/producer on Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm). While a documentary in form, Maher's quick wit and fearlessness while debating his interview subjects, and the often perplexing explications they give on their religious positions, ensures the film plays mostly as gonzo comedy. But Maher also displays a serious side, delivering an impassioned and eloquent closing speech on the nature of doubt and the desperate need for a renewed separation of church and state.

DIR Larry Charles; SCR Bill Maher; PROD Palmer West, Jonah Smith. US, 2008, color, 101 min. In English, Hebrew, Arabic, Farsi and Spanish with English subtitles. RATED R.

AFI Member passes accepted.