Leap of Faith (1992)

Jonas Nightengale (Steve Martin) is a fake faith healer leading his traveling circus with Jane Larson (Debra Winger), Hoover (Meat Loaf), Matt (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Tiny (M.C. Gainey) and others. They use all the tricks in the book to con people of their money. One of their trucks breaks down in hard-luck desolate town of Rustwater, Kansas. Jonas decides to 'play' the town and get the girl, waitress Marva (Lolita Davidovich). The town sheriff Will Braverman (Liam Neeson) is determined to get rid of the fraud while Jane keeps flirting with him. Boyd (Lukas Haas) is Marva's cripple brother.

I can see why some would downgrade this for its perceived bias against the religious. This is probably one of Steve Martin's deepest characters. There is depth in this movie and compelling characters. It's not really much of a comedy but it works well as a drama. If this was made with darkness, it could be a truly great movie. Director Richard Pearce doesn't have enough style.

Fmovies: One of the best soundtracks I have ever heard.

This film depicts a less-than-honorable evangelist (Steve Martin) as he begins to con desperate people in need of help. In the end, it is he that is helped, as well as the people he was intending to defraud.

This film is well acted, perfectly cast, and has a story that shows that sometimes, even the most notorious of individuals can be a messenger of change, and find change within himself when he does.

Steve Martin, Debra Winger, and Liam Neeson combine their talents with each playing their role in convincing manners.

One of my all-time favorite movies.

very well done, and very well cast. really has a terriffic ending. i had not seen debra winger in a movie since the awful character she was stuck with in "an officer and a gentlemen". she is the shining light in this film, plays her part so well, in fact ALL the actors do. steve martin is superb.

Leap of Faith fmovies. This is a fantastic movie, and proof that Steve Martin is more than just a comedian. The movie is well done, with solid character development and great direction. The production really captures the essence of the midwest setting. The gospel music - a joint effort between George Duke and Edwin Hawkins - is also great. The story itself is very thought-provoking and emotional. Contrary to what another reviewer said here, the ending is great and was the perfect climax to a thoughtful story. (How the other reviewer considered the ending to be pointless is beyond me. Oh well, pearls before swine and all that.) Excellent movie!

I am becoming a huge fan of Steve Martin's, after all we have the same birthday ;), no, I'm having fun, but I love his movies. My mom is also a huge fan and has a lot of Steve Martin movies, the next on my list of flicks to watch was Leap of Faith. She said it was an alright film, but it was always worth a watch. So I finally sat down tonite and watched it and over all, I'd say that this was a nice and honest film to watch that can touch anyone's heart.

Jonas is a con man going from town to town claiming he is a miracle preacher, Jane, his sidekick, just finds out information about the town and Jonas acts like he knows everything by miracle. Of course he and his team just take the money and run after a couple days. But when Jonas realizes the town's good nature, he starts to feel bad and falls for a waitress with a crippled brother. But things start to happen when the town's faith grows stronger and miracles really do happen.

I would recommend Leap of Faith for an afternoon of nothing to do, I think that it is an under rated cute little movie that could make you have a leap of faith for anything. Steve Martin isn't really funny in this film, but I think Leap of Faith actually showed his dramatic talents pretty well, he's awesome.

6/10

I can't believe how many people have missed the point of this movie. This is one of those movies that you can't just turn your brain off and watch. Every scene from beginning to end is intended to make you question your own faith in God. It is filled with symbolism and should be taken at a deeper level than just a movie about a con man who uses a ruse of holiness to con people out of their money. This is about God reaching down and healing a spiritually broken man. Steve Martin gives possibly his best performance ever as Jonas Nightengale; a man who's life has been less than virtuous. The supporting characters are all excellent, and the music is amazing. But what really makes this movie are the last fifteen minuets. No movie has ever had such a powerful and uplifting ending. This movie has cemented a spot on my top five list and I strongly recommend that you see it.