Leap of Faith (1992)
-
67% of critics liked it
(18 reviews) -
39% of users liked it
(10,609 ratings)
Steve Martin has one of his best roles in Leap Of Faith as Jonas Nightengale, a high-tech faith healer and revival preacher who takes pride in the money he squeezes out of people, convincing himself that he can't deliver hope, but "I give my people a good show." As the film begins,… More Steve Martin has one of his best roles in Leap Of Faith as Jonas Nightengale, a high-tech faith healer and revival preacher who takes pride in the money he squeezes out of people, convincing himself that he can't deliver hope, but "I give my people a good show." As the film begins, Nightengale's truck caravan breaks down and his troupe finds itself stranded in the backwater town of Rustwater, Kansas. Nightengale figures that as long as he's there, he might as well set up the rubes and put on a performance. With the aid of his assistant Jane (Debra Winger) (who talks to Nightengale through an earpiece, informing him of the physical problems of certain members of his audience), Nightengale puts on a glorious show and rakes in the money. But the local sheriff Will (Liam Neeson) wants to shut down the show because times are bad in Rustwater and he doesn't think folks should waste their money on a charlatan. Nightengale sends Jane to seduce Will, but the sheriff succeeds in getting Jane to fall in love with him. Nightengale also meets someone, Marva (Lolita Davidovich), a local waitress with a crippled brother. The boy thinks Nightengale can heal him. Nightengale tries to make the child understand that he can't help him, but it turns out that Nightengale knows very little about his own faith powers. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Directed By
- Richard Pearce
- Written By
- Janus Cercone
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy
PG-13,
- In Theaters
- Dec 18, 1992 Wide
- Studio
- Paramount Home Video
Critic Reviews
-
Clint Morris, Moviehole
Martin gives a multi-layered performance
-
John Wirt, Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA)
Comic Steve Martin gives an underappreciated dramatic performance as a phony preacher man. Among his best work.
-
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
(Steve) Martin fans should enjoy renewing their association with the flamboyant and charismatic Jonas Nightingale.
-
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Miracles cannot be summoned by command, they happen spontaneously by grace, and often to those who least expect them.
-
Paul Salfen, Supercala.com
I actually walked out of this one...bad!
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
UltraViolet Retailers
Other Retailers
Subscription Services
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Cast
-
Steve Martin
as Jonas Nightengale
-
Debra Winger
as Jane
-
Lolita Davidovich
as Marva
-
Liam Neeson
as Will
-
Lukas Haas
as Boyd
-
Meat Loaf
as Hoover
-
Philip Seymour Hoffman
as Matt
-
M.C. Gainey
as Tiny
-
Maria Arita
as Female TV Anchor
-
Shirley Ash
as Angel of Mercy
-
John Toles-Bey
as Titus
-
Angela Blair
as Angel of Mercy
-
Margaret Bowman
as Woman with Cherries Hat
-
Melodee Bowman
as Calvin's Wife
-
La Chanze
as Georgette
-
Cornelius Clark
as Angel of Mercy
-
Norm Colvin
as 1st Man
-
Vince Davis
as Roger
-
Blue Deckert
as Jake
-
Ricky Dillard
as Ricky
-
Georgia Ellis
as Angel of Mercy
-
David L. Emmons
as Jerry Joe
-
Troy Evans
as Dade
-
Ed Geldart
as Brown Jacket
-
Tommy Rae Green
as Angel of Mercy
-
Vernon Grote
as Rafe
- Michael C. Gwynne
-
Dave Hager
as Trucker
-
Delores Hall
as Ornella
-
Casey Hammer
as Nineteen
-
James N. Harrell
as Ransey
-
Salvador Hernández
as Young Man
-
Deborah Hope
as Glitter Jeans Mother
-
Felicia House
as Angel of Mercy
-
Mary Jackson
as Emma Schlapp
-
Tarsha Jackson
as Angel of Mercy
-
La Dale Kemp
as Angel of Mercy
-
Gheri LeGree-McDonald
as Angel of Mercy
-
Lizz Lee
as Angel of Mercy
-
Marietta Marich
as Mrs. Hawkins
-
Lawrence Matthews
as Angel of Mercy
-
Jason McGuire
as Tough Kid
-
Suzi McLaughlin
as Weatherworn Woman
-
Jane Milburn
as Sadie
-
Shun Pace-Rhodes
as Angel of Mercy
-
Jennifer Snyder
as Glitter Jeans Girl
-
Phyllis Somerville
as Dolores
-
Cherrie Thompson
as Angel of Mercy
-
Leon P. Turner
as Angel of Mercy
-
Albertina Walker
as Lucille
-
Mark Walters
as Calvin
-
Grover Washington Jr.
as Old Black Man
-
Lulanger Washington III
as Angel of Mercy
-
Gabrielle West
as Angel of Mercy
-
Leroy Williams
as Angel of Mercy
-
Eugene Young IV
as Angel of Mercy
- Gretchen Rennell
-
Stephanie Stephens
as Angel of Mercy
