30 minutes after watching the film....
My wife and I just returned from a sneak preview in Pocatello where we had the oportunity to listen to and meet Mr. Heimerdinger. It was a pleasant experience.
Now for the review: from the previews on passagetozarahemla.com I did not expect much of a movie. I even offered to have my wife and mother go and I stay with the children at home. I am glad I went.
The Good: the story moved along well. The music was well done and enjoyable. The acting was better than expected. Very funny film. Should not have a PG-13 rating. There are sequences where it is a little more intense than most children 10 and under might question why that happened. I would take all of my children to this and not be afraid of what they will see. If you read the Tennis Shoes books you will understand the language barriers and cultural differences. If not suffice it to say that when you travel to the Nephite time you are able to understand what is being said and can speak accordingly. The costumes and effects were excellent; on par with high budget hollywood films. There was no preaching in this film like all the other sermons on film we get. It was purely enjoyable. There were references to the Book of Mormon but it's to be expected. It is about the Nephites and Lamanites. If you are not LDS you will enjoy this movie. Good clean entertainment. If you are LDS you will enjoy this show, good clean entertainment. Jsut than I cannot stress enough. This film does not preach to you. Excellent job on the gadianton robbers depiction. Scary at times. Could have been a little more ruthless.
The bad: The nephite skin was very smooth as if they spend a lot of time in the day spa. I would like to see more weather torn faces, scars from the lifestyle we see in the Book of Mormon and what we see in the images of the Native Americans. If we could mix Apocalypto's people and this story it would be all the more realistic. The gang members did not come across as horrific as they probably should. Not to say there should be swearing but again find some real edgy gang members. Of course to the credit of the actors how many edy gang members want to be part of a Mormon film. You do the best with what you have. To give credit where it belongs they all acted better than I can. On the viewer side take a couple of notes from Hollywood and make me feel afraid for the families and those in the way of the antagonist.
There was far more good than bad in this film. Do not judge my entry by length of paragraphs as the bad also advises how I think it could be better. Then again, I work a 9 to 5 job making money for someone else and am no expert on the media.
In conclusion; please go see this film. It is good family entertainment and no preaching. You will enjoy it. 2 hours of suspended reality that as a child you don;t have to wonder if your parents will be offended and as a parent you do not need to wonder if there is something offensive in it. I do not purchase alot of movies or music but I purchased the soundtrack for a couple of songs. I will purchase the movie and let my children watch it...
to give you an idea of my other movie tastes: Loved Pursuit of Happyness, Enjoyed God's Army and God's Army 2, Own the best 2 years and watch it once in a while, own Charly. Favorite movies are Oceans 13 and the Bourne Series. Hopefully this either convices you to go or at least entertain the thought of going.