I liked the first installment in this series, better than this movie, the second installment. The first was the story of the (fictional) Steed family set against the backdrop of the founding of the LDS church.
This movie can't seem to make up its mind about whether it's a story about the Steed family with a backdrop of LDS history, or if it's the early history of the LDS church using a fictional family to flesh out a story.
Although there were plenty of conflicts in the movie, they seemed disjointed. I didn't see an overall flow or development. I haven't read the books, but it seemed like the screenplay just didn't flow right. I kept wanting the filmmakers to focus more on the Steeds as the main characters to tie it all together into a good story.
The acting was pretty good. Sets and costumes had good production values. Directing and cinematography were overall good. But there were a few scenes that were awkward, like a play where actors are brought on stage, say their lines and leave.
Though it contains much LDS (Mormon) history, this movie is not sponsored by the LDS church. There are a few cheesy pro-family lines that you might expect from The Waltons or Little House on the Prairie, but the movie does not preach religion and does not proselyte. One of the main themes of the movie is the importance of family in the midst of conflict and upheaval, so the cheesy lines are in context, and can be excused.
I also agree with a previous commenter that this is probably the best and most human portrayal of Joseph Smith that I have seen.
If you're expecting great movie making, you might be disappointed. I'd rate this movie a B- or C+.
I recommend: 1. If you're LDS and want to support Mormon cinema, go see the movie in the theater.
2. If you're not LDS, and are curious about Mormon history, go see the movie.
3. LDS or not, if you're looking for a really GREAT movie, then save your box-office money, because, IMO, this movie isn't worth first-run ticket prices ($8+) as far as movies go. But I will buy this movie for my Mormon movie collection when the DVD comes out on Ebay.
4. If you have a family of 3 or more, just wait for the DVD. No sense in spending $25 to see this movie, when for the same price you can get the DVD or VHS.
Bottom line: Yeah, it's worth watching on video with friends and family, whether you're LDS or not, but not what I consider first-run box office.
This movie can't seem to make up its mind about whether it's a story about the Steed family with a backdrop of LDS history, or if it's the early history of the LDS church using a fictional family to flesh out a story.
Although there were plenty of conflicts in the movie, they seemed disjointed. I didn't see an overall flow or development. I haven't read the books, but it seemed like the screenplay just didn't flow right. I kept wanting the filmmakers to focus more on the Steeds as the main characters to tie it all together into a good story.
The acting was pretty good. Sets and costumes had good production values. Directing and cinematography were overall good. But there were a few scenes that were awkward, like a play where actors are brought on stage, say their lines and leave.
Though it contains much LDS (Mormon) history, this movie is not sponsored by the LDS church. There are a few cheesy pro-family lines that you might expect from The Waltons or Little House on the Prairie, but the movie does not preach religion and does not proselyte. One of the main themes of the movie is the importance of family in the midst of conflict and upheaval, so the cheesy lines are in context, and can be excused.
I also agree with a previous commenter that this is probably the best and most human portrayal of Joseph Smith that I have seen.
If you're expecting great movie making, you might be disappointed. I'd rate this movie a B- or C+.
I recommend: 1. If you're LDS and want to support Mormon cinema, go see the movie in the theater.
2. If you're not LDS, and are curious about Mormon history, go see the movie.
3. LDS or not, if you're looking for a really GREAT movie, then save your box-office money, because, IMO, this movie isn't worth first-run ticket prices ($8+) as far as movies go. But I will buy this movie for my Mormon movie collection when the DVD comes out on Ebay.
4. If you have a family of 3 or more, just wait for the DVD. No sense in spending $25 to see this movie, when for the same price you can get the DVD or VHS.
Bottom line: Yeah, it's worth watching on video with friends and family, whether you're LDS or not, but not what I consider first-run box office.