The Best Two Years

I saw this last night with my wife while we were down visiting her family in Cedar City and I was moved by the acting and by the touching messages. It was more of a serious, realistic storyline with still a lot of great humor. Unlike Singles Ward and RM (where if you aren't LDS, you might not get the one liners and jokes) this is something for a non-LDS audience to enjoy and be touched deep inside as well. I think that BEST TWO YEARS rivals GOD'S ARMY as far as warm human emotions. All four Elders were great as well as the "convert" I think that the producers have shown in this film, while they're still getting off of the ground, and maybe a bit rough around the edges, that they are trying to have versatility, versatility that they need to continue to succeed. The Comedies (HM Teachers, RM, and SIngles Ward) and the more serious and touching (Best Two Years and God's Army). I hope that they continue to make more LDS films-practice makes perfect.

Not sure what to review this because my review would clearly be objective. I am supposed to be going on an LDS mission for the church in two months. I was in the mood to see this movie, so as to get a wee glimpse of whats coming ;) I like this movie a lot. As a member of the LDS church i find it rather funny, its definitely the best LDS movie. Would i recommend this to a non-member? Probably not. I think there are too many "Inside Jokes". Its an entertaining heart warming watch. I disagree on some theological levels, i very much so dislike how they make investigators seem like a"Project" or just another number, or how baptism seems to be this finish line and the goal is to get people to this finish line. I dont love that, but overseeing it i like this movie.

From a production values point of view, this is by far the best of the "Mormon Cinema". The acting, writing, camera work and even the soundtrack are all first rate. The scenery in Holland is very beautiful as well.

The story, superbly acted by an ensemble cast, is familiar. Essentially, a newbie missionary shows up and attempts to fit in with more established, more cynical veterans. The results: After the expected bumps and false starts, they all wind up growing, and benefiting from his presence, spirit and enthusiasm... much to their own surprise. This could have been a movie about a new salesman joining the firm.... a new athlete joining the team... a new peace corps volunteer experiencing a foreign country... etc. It works because the experience is universal enough that we all can relate. But this movie still manages to give this plot vehicle a fresh face.

The humor was all genuine and very sympathetic, but nonetheless satisfying and effective. There was very little of the slapstick, low humor that is usually relied on in this kind of effort. Also, the movie conveys a sense of the actors' faith and mission, without ever being heavy-handed or preachy. They let you see what they do and why they do it, without bashing you over the head with it.

An additional bonus: They managed to make a movie, set in Holland, without a single reference or use of that country's proclivity for loose or kinky sexual mores. Holland was simply where the missionaries were stationed... nothing more. That must be some kind of a modern-day first.

I would encourage anyone, Mormon or not, to see this movie, if the goal is a pleasant, feel good, warm-hearted and funny two hours. That's what the movie promises, and that's what it delivers.

I was eager to see this film, and when my roommate and I finally did we were not disappointed. Unlike some other Mormon films - the RM and Single's Ward, specifically - this was a movie with a message. It was absolutely hilarious, don't get me wrong, but it was the kind of humour that transcended Mormon culture: you don't have to be LDS to get it. There were parts of it during which I was literally in tears, it was so funny. There were also, however, parts where I was in tears for because I was moved. Watching the spiritual reawakening of Elder Rogers was wonderful, and by no means over-done or ridiculous. And while Kirby Heyborne has been cast in almost every Mormon film made, I was pleasantly surprised by his performance. His character was radically different from his previous characters, and he played it very well. Altogether I loved this movie, and will undoubtedly see it again. It was wonderful.

The real difference in LDS Films seems to be two things:

1. Acting. Many LDS films have had poor acting. This film had superb acting. My wife and I were shocked at how good the acting was. We kept waiting for sophomoric acting, and only saw minor glimpses of it a couple times. What a treat!

2. Budget for marketing. It seems at least 1/3 to 1/2 the money raised for these low-cost films has to go towards marketing. Not sure this one did that, but hopefully word-of-mouth will spread and build up a decent return for the investors/makers.

I think this film surpasses God's Army because the acting was much more consistent. Many will not agree with me. I still place "Charly" as the #1 LDS film because it had romance (a theme all of these need more of; and not the cynicsim the often have) and a knock-out performance by the title lead, Beery (is that her name?). The actor playing Sam was not as strong, but he held his own most of the time.

Kudos to an unexpectedly good film with "The Two Best Year" just when many people were about to give up on LDS film after the abysmal BoM movie and Pride & Prejudice, which has simply horrible acting.