"Keeping the Faith" is just hip enough to breathe some fresh air into a stagnating genre without sacrificing the requisite "feel good" moments in the process. The film's 2+ hour run time is a bit long for it's simple plot, but it manages to stay focused and dish up enough creativity to make it time well spent. A very enjoyable fun flick.

In NYC, Rabbi Jake Schram (Ben Stiller) and Father Brian Finn (Edward Norton) are best friends since childhood. This God Squad breathes new life into their old worlds. Childhood friend Anna Riley (Jenna Elfman) returns to town and they are immediately taken by her. They were inseparable best friends until her family moved to California after eighth grade. She's now a high powered corporate fixer without any time for romance. She and Jake start dating secretly while Brian has feelings for her despite his vows.

This is a different kind of rom-com love triangle. The religious aspects are unusual and good fodder for humor. The best are the lovable characters. There is no villain. It's no surprise that Stiller is funny but so is Norton. Elfman is a gem. She's sassy and lovely. It's obvious why both guys are in love with her. She's the whole package. Their friendship is natural and I love these characters.

The picture is a romance story between three friends, a Catholic priest Brian(Edward Norton),a rabbi Jake(Ben Stiller) and a gorgeous girl(Jenna Elfman),she is an old childhood friend and now she returns to New York city and the friendship is re-established. The two male friends fall in love with the enticing executive, creating themselves a loving triangle. Jake is in a traditional congregation that want him married with a good Jewish woman but is the fact which his mother(Anne Bancroft) disapproved to his brother for marrying with a non Jewish .Jake is a little worried about his future and he's out step,out of place and desperately looking for a fiancée with numerous suitors(Rena Sofer) The problems are when Brian cannot break his vow of celibacy and Jake cannot marry but isn't Jewish . We never met a pair as liking as Stiller and Norton.They along with Jenna Elfman are agreeable,enticing and enjoyable.The film has great load of amusement,fun,giggles,chuckles and is very entertained.Besides there are a brief exploration about Jewish way of life, making a slight exposition of the rites ,ceremonies ,habits, religion and the Tora .Although the screenplay sounds some ridiculous and absurd ,the plot is well developed and has surprises and its good moments here and there. Nice and cheerful music score by the classic Elmer Berstein(Seven magnificent,Age of innocence).Direction by Edward Norton captures the special excitement or mood protagonists and scenarios. The flick will like to romantic comedy enthusiastic. Rating: Nice and Well worth watching.