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MormonTimes.com: For LDS filmmakers, ordinary becomes extraordinary

Nazir Brado | 7:38 a.m. March 19, 2008

What Story?

time for a "day job" | 7:34 a.m. March 19, 2008

Mormon films are horrible. Please do not make anymore already!

Not all horrible | 8:48 a.m. March 19, 2008

It seems that LDS movies fall into two categories.

Really good - Work and the Glory trilogy, Saints and Soldiers, The Best Two Years

Really stupid - Any LDS film not listed above

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 2:05 p.m. March 19, 2008

I just watched several of the video clips on the linked site and they're completely pointless. I'd rather search Youtube all day. They have nothing to do with being LDS and nothing to do with anything else either.

Carl | 2:01 p.m. March 19, 2008

I am glad that Dutcher left the group and is no longer making third rate movies associated with the church. Now he is making third rate movies as an enlightened non-mormon--but they still stink to high heaven. Talk about snoozers--he is your man.

PapaCorn | 4:32 p.m. March 19, 2008

"Spending time with ordinary church members has helped Unguren gain a greater sense of an individual's worth."

Ordinary church members? Has Mr Unguren been spending too much time with extraordinary members of the church?

Silly.

A Waste | 6:48 p.m. March 19, 2008

Whoever did these are hacks. It's sad to think that this guy teaches at BYU. It's no wonder most of the films coming out are lame.

My opinion | 7:03 p.m. March 19, 2008

In my opinion, I would rather watch a "poorly made" LDS film than the best made Hollywood movie. Why? Because I know I will not have to hear the "F" word a hundred times, I will not hear the Lord's name taken in vain over and over, I will not be embarrassed to have my children and grandchildren watch it. I like Dutcher's movies, and I'm sorry he has made the choice to leave the Church. I like Heimerdinger's movie. I did NOT like Church Ball, or Sons of Provo or the Home Teachers. They were beyond stupid and boring. But most of the movies are at least watchable, and some are very fun. Work and the Glory and Saints and Soldiers are excellent movies, from both an LDS and a "Hollywood" point of view. In my humble opinion.

Peggy Sue | 8:30 p.m. March 19, 2008

A note to "Not All Horrible" you forgot "Return With Honor." Did you see that film? I'd put it right up there with those you mentioned. It's a shame the reviewer from DN gave it such a bad rating nobody went to see it in theaters. It's out on DVD now, and I highly recommend it. Especially for those of you who indignantly stomp out of the room when you see the scene where the RM is drinking in a bar. You need it most of all.

The documentary "Happy Valley" is coming to theaters soon. It's about "ordinary LDS people" who become addicted to prescription drugs, and explains why we have the highest suicide rate in the country, and are in complete denial of drug abuse. It shows seminary kids explaining why it's okay, because it's medicine.

Hope all you ostriches go to see it. Maybe a lightbulb will switch on in your empty heads.

My Opinion too | 8:56 p.m. March 19, 2008

States of Grace was nothing short of amazing.
Brigham City was extremely well thought out.
Saints and Soldiers was great.
Singles Ward was funny.
Baptists at our Barbecue had it's redeeming moments, and is endearing and funny, especially on repeated watches, despite the sometimes cheesiness and occasional bad acting.
Church ball was a disappointment, as were some of the others. But there HAS been some very entertaining stuff.

Kjirstin Youngberg | 8:58 p.m. March 19, 2008

Ordinary church members often do extraordinary things. One of them is an RM (Canada/Calgary) named Ryan, a local (Springville) man who posted his documentary video up on YouTube. Of course I can't post here, but if you happen to go there and type Picture Day (Ep.4) or add these letters after the question mark: v=tgct_u9y-Mg you can see what this young National Guard hero has found to do to make the world a better place. Maybe we can help him by sending him some batteries or photo paper to keep up his project.

I think the music he used was also written and performed by a local young man. It is called The Garden of Adam.

Perhaps the professors could take some notes from Ryan.

GCF | 12:36 p.m. March 20, 2008

With all the talent across the Church, it sad that so few movies of intelligent composition have been vailable for the general public entertainment and enlightenment.
No question some are excellent and well done...too many however have tried to be cutesy and funny only to fall in the basket as farcical and not humorous at all.
Rise up those of you with serious talent and make LDS-related movies that will have lasting impact and value...some already well done prove it can be done!

kw | 9:03 p.m. April 10, 2008

The Fit for the Kingdom series have beautiful and poetic moments of truth! I applaud the both Unguren and the BYU professor. Any true cinema scholar can appreciate the work being done here.

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