MovieChat Forums > Passage to Zarahemla (2007) Discussion > Terrible movie, hands down.

Terrible movie, hands down.

posted 16 years ago by chasej-4
3 replies | jump to latest

Obviously no one saying anything good about this movie has actually seen it, and if you did, you know nothing about what qualifies a movie as "good". This was the most awful movie I have ever seen.

As far as Mormon movies go, this one is offensive. It portrays Mormons as stupid and moronic, which most are not - just those involved in the making of this film.

Then there is the actual "film", if you can call it more than a self-made movie. The acting (especially by the "actors" (not the extras)) is awful. And the directing (and anything else touched by that self-named director/writer/actor/song writer) is more than bad, it's pathetic. (The songs made me wish I were deaf.) Did he not see any of the video for this film before making a final copy? Could he not see that the boom-mic fell into the scene in over 10 scenes? How can you miss it? It's green for heaven's sake! There was even a 2nd 2nd Assistant Producer - you'd think an editor, 2nd 2nd assistant producer, or someone would have seen it. I did. The two people in the theatre did. (Doesn't the attendance say something?)

Oh, and the "LA gang"? Give me a break! The "leader" doesn't even look Latino, and he certainly doesn't talk like one. And the gang never seemed threatening. It is clear that the writer(s) of this film grew up in Utah and never saw any part of the world they attempted to portray. I don't even think they've seen good television, because they steered far clear of anything good. The character's are dressed in clothes even the worst dressers wouldn't wear. The main character is from California, but she can't pick a good outfit? Where is the logic there?

But with a plot as bad as the director's book, what more can you expect? I mean, they don't even try to explain how the Nephites/Lamanites are speaking English. Oh, and I loved how two minors had a "warrant out for their arrest", yet not once did we see law enforcement visit the house in Leads, UT. Apparently saying "Um, I have to go" detours the police from further investigation. Was this movie supposed to take place in the real world? Was anything supposed to make sense? Or connect? None of that happened.

I would detour anyone from watching this movie. You can find far better things to do with two hours of your life.

[–] druff-7 16 years ago

Whoa, serious grudge here. Did Chris Heimerdinger cut you off on the road sometime earlier? It's interesting that you refer to the book as if you have read it. That must mean that you are previous fan (only a fan would have read that book and then gone to see the movie) and are now disgruntled (maybe you're that web designer who is over his head in a baseless lawsuit with Chris, now claiming that you own the movie).

Apparently you disagree with Sean Means from the Salt Lake Tribune, or Doug Wright from the KSL Movie Show, or Bob Lonsberry on KNRS, all of who liked the movie very much.

Your critique of the movie is sooo over the top that it damages your credibility. And BTW, the head of the gang is Latino and has a native accent. Does that mean that you are a bigot also?

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] rekcusdoo 16 years ago

Agree with some parts. Disagree with other parts.

Agree: Terrible film. Stupid plot. Bad over acting. Almost seemed like a home movie. The whole "I understand your language for no reason" thing made no sense. Very cliche in some parts.

Disagree: Directing wasn't half bad. Very steady camera work. It doesn't portray Mormons as stupid, just very old fashioned, which most are. The characters clothes offend you? I've seen way lamer outfits.

And last but not least...

The leader doesn't look Latino? Exactly what does a latino "look" like?