The story begins when maverick fisherman Steve Myers' (Billy Connolly) insurance company won't pay for his sunken boat because it was an "Act of God" causing him to sue God in court, calling the heads of the wealthy churches to testify. With the help of journalist Anna Rredmond (Judy Davis) this case turns into a media sensation as he skewers hypocrisy and injustice.
Special Agent Matti
A potentially great movie turned into a potentially horrendous movie turned into a really good movie.
When I heard the premise of The man who sued God I became excited because God deserves a good lawsuit: flood, famine, plague, pestilence, The Crusades, The Inquisition, the witch-hunts and evangelical television are not the signs of a caring, sharing deity. Then I got worried when I heard the word "comedy" because it seemed that the film would degenerate into a farce. Then I saw it and knew that everything was ok.
The man who sued God is a good Little Aussie romantic comedy with a dark subtext of greed and viciousness. It's like Thank God he met Lizzie at The bank. Billy does some classic Connolly riffs but is mostly just a very angry man, and there's no surprise at that, insurance companies are almost as beloved and trustworthy as banks. Judy provides the serious side for Billy to bounce around.
While not the great movie that I envisioned, The man who sued God is still worth seeing for a laugh and a good healthy mutter.
M (Low level coarse language)
102 minutes (1:42 hours)
Film: 25 October 2001
DVD rental: 17 April 2002
VHS rental: 17 April 2002
DVD retail: 21 August 2002
VHS retail: 21 August 2002