Movies and culture

Part 1 of the Mormons showed the origins and early history of the church. Part 2 described the modern day church. Part 1 seemed to include many more critics of the church than did Part 2, which seemed to be more fair and balanced. My sense is that the creators of this documentary found Mormonism's origins and its 19th century history troubling. The conclusion of the four hour documentary quoted a source as saying that most religions have left their origins behind. The question, he posed, is whether Mormonism would be able to "move beyond its own creation" and thus survive in the future. What I believe this source and the writers failed to understand is that the whole essence and strength of Mormonism is the personal testimonies of the members that Joseph Smith was a prophet. Mormonism will never be able to leave its prophetic origins behind, because that is what makes the church what it is.

Review by Anny Looking for something that will make you think and keep you guessing till the very end? If so, you will enjoy The Prestige , starring Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, and Scarlett Johansson, among others. The film takes place in London in a time when magicians were the celebrities. Two young magicians (Jackman & and Bale) work to become the best they can, the big faces in the show, learning from the already existing great magicians. But when the most dangerous of acts becomes gruesome tragedy, it turns the two of them into enemies, who will stop at nothing to destroy each other. Magic becoming more important to them then their own families, the two men begin to damage not only each other but also their loved ones. When the new invention of electricity is combined with elements of their magic and cruelty to each other, the story becomes even more twisted and leaves the lives of everyone around them unpredictable. The film based on a book of the same title ...

Sequel to the first "Work and the Glory," the American Zion is the second in what may be nine movies that follow the fictional Steed family, converts to Mormonism in their search for right to worship God as their hearts dictate. Author Gerald Lund's series of nine books sold over 2 million copies and so has a popular following. Financed by Utah Jazz owner Larry Miller, the first movie obviously made enough money to make the second worthwhile. The problem in any fictionalization of history is that readers form images of real people that may be different than that portrayed in the fiction. Such is the case in this movie which portrays the prophet Joseph Smith, a well known character in history esteemed by Latter-day Saints. Most people who know his history have their own view of what the prophet was like. It doesn't always jive with the interpretation of the author or the movie-makers, no matter how good their research. "When you hear him speak, you can see the fir...

With three episodes left, it looks like a blood bath. Two died tonight. Both got it in the juggler vein. More to come. Let's see - will Sydney meet the same fate? I hope so. Enough is enough. Is this culture? Yes, America's culture of violence on TV and in the movies.

Disconnect. That's how I would describe this 2004 movie directed by Chazz Palminteri and written by David Hubbard. The movie would be better if it centered on one story rather than three, or was it five. The DVD jacket says, "As five strangers' lives intertwine on Christmas eve, a story of companionship, love and healing unfolds." Only two stories really intertwine, that's the one where Paul Walker's character Mike loses his fiance (Penelope Cruz) because of his jealousy and he learns a lesson about love from Alan Arkin, who lost his wife because of his jealous rage. On another front, Susan Sarandon's character Rose meets Robin Williams (the dying Charlie) and her life is changed. (Susan Sarandon spends most her time walking the streets of Manhatten.) And then there is this completely wild story of a fellow (Marcus Thomas) who breaks his hand to get admitted to emergency because his best Christmas ever happened in an ER. One could easily get lost try...

Mostly Martha is a charming romantic comedy about a single woman whose life is disrupted when her neice, Lina, comes to live with her. In addition, her place as chief chef is challenged when a new Italian cook, Mario, is hired at the chic restaurant where she works. It's only with Mario's help that she gains Lina's confidence and love. Not only does this film have an engaging story, but it shows an interesting blend of German and Italian cultural stereotypes. Martha is cool and aloof; Mario is exhuberant and engaging. Martha confronts Mario about taking her job away. He threatens to quit. Both show emotions typical of each others' cultures. But Mario's Italian charm wins Lina and through Lina he eventually gains Martha's respect, then her love. In the meantime we are treated to visuals of some very enticing meals.

In preparation for tonight's Academy Awards, last night I saw The Constant Gardener, a film directed by Brazilian Fernando Meirelles and based on John le Carre's book. The film has been nominated for four Oscars: Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role ; Achievement in Film Editing ; Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score) ; and Adapted Screenplay . The movie was povocative and saddening - one of those movies where the audience sits in their seats for five minutes afterwards in silence. Watching it on my laptop's DVD player, I'm sure it had lesser effect. However, I have thought about the movie all night, waking each time from a restless sleep to think about it again. After his wife's murder, Ralph Fiennes , who acts as British Diplomat Justin Quayle, finishes his wife's work to expose the corruption of a pharmaceutical company and the diplomats, who support it. As Tessa Quayle, Rachel Weisz portrays the wife, a passionate acti...

The movie, "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," has many of the same elements as "Grosse Point Blank," a 1997 film where John Cusack plays the assassin. "Grosse Point Blank" has an R rating for violence and language. "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" rated a PG-13. Still the same violence but not the strong language. For elements of humor, "Grosse Point Blank" wins out. Both movies were shoot-em uppers like few others. The characters fire over walls, around corners, with no aim but great success. People die all over, but with minimum blood loss. These movies both seem to come out of the glory days of westerns. It seems like the same Indians are getting killed over and over again. We live in a culture where violence is considered part of life. We eat, breath and wear it. We are fascinated and entertained by it. But it is nothing like reality. The reality is that people are killed and maimed by violence. Gang members and innocent bystanders die in our streets. You...

I like chick flicks. They bring my daughter and me together on Saturday nights for a laugh and popcorn. But this flick was disappointing and predictable to the point of being a cliche. Commoner is engaged to prince. But rival comes into scene and points out prince can't marry because of rule against marrying commoners. Rival woos prince while embarrassing commoner. Rival gets prince almost to the alter, when commoner finds loophole. Prince marries commoner who gets revenge on rival. Dah! Acting was as bad as the story line. No wonder Julia Stiles didn't want to do this movie. Supposedly set in Denmark, it says more about the snobbery of royalty than it does about Danish culture. Maybe the only cultural comment is that the Danes love their king. I would think the whole movie would be an affront to the Danes. Scenery was nice and inviting. However, Americans who decide they want to visit Denmark because of this movie should be warned that it was actually filmed in.... Where was i...

At the recent LDS Film Festival, the Deseret News (January 27, 2006) reported, Richard Dutcher was irked. Apparently Mormon audiences are choosing "the goofy stuff" - like "Singles Ward," "R.M." and "The Home Teachers" - over his more serious work. His movies "Brigham City" and "States of Grace" have not had the audiences the lighter works have had. Dutcher said "it is time for faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to vote for cinematic excellence with their pocketbooks." Surely, room exists in the marketplace for both types of movies. I have yet to see "States of Grace," but enjoyed "Brigham City," which brought together the secular and religious in an intriguing mystery story. I also enjoyed "Singles Ward" and the other "ha ha" movies because they made fun of Mormon culture. They were not great movies, but I was able to laugh at them and myself. ...

Brigham City -- Gripping Murder Mystery, Amazingly Spiritual Sterling Allan criticizes Richard Dutcher, the director of Brigham City, for having the sheriff get the men of the community to search homes without a search warrant. "Such actions," Allan says, "present a dangerous precedent for violating fundamental rights to privacy. Even dire circumstances such as presented in this movie, do not provide a waiver of those rights. Such excuses are what fueled Nazi Germany." Then, Allan claims that incorporating such a tactic into the movie is "a scary sample depiction of how ready the Mormon community is to give up their fundamental rights in the name of expediency." "This, unfortunately, is a fair depiction of a general shallowness when it comes to an understanding of freedom's parameters among the mainstream LDS community. It is one of the attributes that makes them likely candidates to stand in line when the mark of the beast is enforce...

brighamcity "I guess the big surprise for me was in how well the murder mystery was crafted and so smoothly intertwined with the film's religious trappings." -Dennis Schwartz Swartz comments: "The film is unique in the way it so easily interweaves the church Sunday meetings and group prayer sessions in with the murder investigation, and though its aim is to get across its faith-based message the film nevertheless remains entertaining." This intermingling of mystery and Mormon culture makes this movie appealing to me. Brigham City was created for a Mormon audience, but it also can stand alone as a mystery story. My students who are non-LDS were also entertained and found the interweaving of religious symbolism, enhanced rather than detracted from the movie. If there is a faith-based message, it is that among all congregations may be wolves dressed in sheeps clothing. There is certainly no effort in the movie to proselytize, even to the converted. Th...