Comments for LDS Cinema Online http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema Cinema News, Reviews, and Analysis From An LDS Perspective Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:10:27 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on Review: Nobody Knows — The Untold Story of Black Mormons by Nobody Knows / Unicorn City This Week » LDS Cinema Online http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/2010/06/review-nobody-knows-the-untold-story-of-black-mormons/#comment-7068 Nobody Knows / Unicorn City This Week » LDS Cinema Online Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:10:27 +0000 http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/?p=184#comment-7068 [...] Knows (official site, my review) is highly recommended for anyone who is interested in learning more about a little-known but [...] [...] Knows (official site, my review) is highly recommended for anyone who is interested in learning more about a little-known but [...]

]]> Comment on Review: Rescued (C) by Review: The Last Eagle Scout » LDS Cinema Online http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/2010/09/review-rescued-c/#comment-6989 Review: The Last Eagle Scout » LDS Cinema Online Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:36:56 +0000 http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/?p=399#comment-6989 [...] posting an American flag on public property, he goes on the run with his sister (Jaci Twiss from Rescued), using “The Last Eagle Scout” as his superhero / vigilante identity — standing [...] [...] posting an American flag on public property, he goes on the run with his sister (Jaci Twiss from Rescued), using “The Last Eagle Scout” as his superhero / vigilante identity — standing [...]

]]> Comment on LDS Film Festival 2012: Day 3 by This Week in Mormon Literature, Feb. 10, 2012 | Dawning of a Brighter Day http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/2012/01/lds-film-festival-2012-day-3/#comment-6954 This Week in Mormon Literature, Feb. 10, 2012 | Dawning of a Brighter Day Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:15:23 +0000 http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/?p=1068#comment-6954 [...] Kevin Burtt on Day 3. Three reviews. The Last Eagle Scout, written and directed by Kels Goodman. “The Last Eagle Scout is all over the place in terms of plot, characters, and political satire, and it’s all VERY hit-and-miss.  I’m pretty sure this will be the most divisive film coming out of the festival:  audiences will either consider Kels Goodman an insane genius speaking truth to power in an overly PC society…or a right-wing wacko who creates “straw men” about liberal philosophies and then mocks them in support of an outdated Scouting program.  Those in the middle may oscillate between those two opinions from scene to scene.  How you react to the film will largely depend on how you feel about the importance of Scouting (and right-wing ideology) in the first place.” (Grade forthcoming in a later full review). [...] [...] Kevin Burtt on Day 3. Three reviews. The Last Eagle Scout, written and directed by Kels Goodman. “The Last Eagle Scout is all over the place in terms of plot, characters, and political satire, and it’s all VERY hit-and-miss.  I’m pretty sure this will be the most divisive film coming out of the festival:  audiences will either consider Kels Goodman an insane genius speaking truth to power in an overly PC society…or a right-wing wacko who creates “straw men” about liberal philosophies and then mocks them in support of an outdated Scouting program.  Those in the middle may oscillate between those two opinions from scene to scene.  How you react to the film will largely depend on how you feel about the importance of Scouting (and right-wing ideology) in the first place.” (Grade forthcoming in a later full review). [...]

]]> Comment on LDS Film Festival 2012: Day 2 by This Week in Mormon Literature, Feb. 10, 2012 | Dawning of a Brighter Day http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/2012/01/lds-film-festival-2012-day-2/#comment-6952 This Week in Mormon Literature, Feb. 10, 2012 | Dawning of a Brighter Day Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:47:20 +0000 http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/?p=1044#comment-6952 [...] Kevin Burtt on Day 2. Kevin reviews The Letter Writer (written and directed by Christian Vuisa) and Stand Strong (written and directed by Amy Kenney). He gives The Letter Writer a B. “Vuissa has been accused by some (…okay, me) of oversimplifying complex material to create highly idealistic movies that are just a tad detached from reality.  However, since The Letter Writer is fundamentally such a simple story to begin with, it plays more to Vuissa’s strengths.  As a result, The Letter Writer is arguably his best and most effective film . . . The Letter Writer is simple and sweet, even with a few melodramatic elements.  (Is there a bald kid next door undergoing chemotherapy whom Maggy gets to visit and inspire in the hospital?  Of course there is!  Is there a tearful conversation with her mom where Maggy shares how much she loves her?  Of course there is!)   Maggy’s unsubtle conversion from singing rock songs to church hymns and easy-listening folk music is a little eye-rolling . . . Regardless, The Letter Writer is simple, heart-warming and non-offensive — a typical Christian Vuissa film, in other words.” [...] [...] Kevin Burtt on Day 2. Kevin reviews The Letter Writer (written and directed by Christian Vuisa) and Stand Strong (written and directed by Amy Kenney). He gives The Letter Writer a B. “Vuissa has been accused by some (…okay, me) of oversimplifying complex material to create highly idealistic movies that are just a tad detached from reality.  However, since The Letter Writer is fundamentally such a simple story to begin with, it plays more to Vuissa’s strengths.  As a result, The Letter Writer is arguably his best and most effective film . . . The Letter Writer is simple and sweet, even with a few melodramatic elements.  (Is there a bald kid next door undergoing chemotherapy whom Maggy gets to visit and inspire in the hospital?  Of course there is!  Is there a tearful conversation with her mom where Maggy shares how much she loves her?  Of course there is!)   Maggy’s unsubtle conversion from singing rock songs to church hymns and easy-listening folk music is a little eye-rolling . . . Regardless, The Letter Writer is simple, heart-warming and non-offensive — a typical Christian Vuissa film, in other words.” [...]

]]> Comment on LDS Film Festival 2012: Overview & Day 1 by Dawning of a Brighter Day http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/2012/01/lds-film-festival-2012-overview-day-1/#comment-6948 Dawning of a Brighter Day Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:10:54 +0000 http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/?p=1033#comment-6948 [...] Day 1 Kevin notes very few of the films this year contain LDS-specific content. He reviews Redemption, written and directed by Tom Russell, and gives it a B. “Redemption is a solid and moving film with a resonant theme, amply supported by some strong performances . . . The story and performances are strong, but to me the directorial and editing style detracted from the film rather than added.  Tom Russell the writer appears to be a few steps ahead of Tom Russell the director, even though it is clear he has the tools and the vision in both areas to become a premier filmmaker in time . . . Flaws aside, Redemption is a solid, thought-provoking film that has a positive message about charity and compassion for everyone.  I look forward to what Tom Russell produces in the future.” [...] [...] Day 1 Kevin notes very few of the films this year contain LDS-specific content. He reviews Redemption, written and directed by Tom Russell, and gives it a B. “Redemption is a solid and moving film with a resonant theme, amply supported by some strong performances . . . The story and performances are strong, but to me the directorial and editing style detracted from the film rather than added.  Tom Russell the writer appears to be a few steps ahead of Tom Russell the director, even though it is clear he has the tools and the vision in both areas to become a premier filmmaker in time . . . Flaws aside, Redemption is a solid, thought-provoking film that has a positive message about charity and compassion for everyone.  I look forward to what Tom Russell produces in the future.” [...]

]]> Comment on Review: Once Upon A Summer (B-) by LDS Film Festival 2012: Day 4 » LDS Cinema Online http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/2011/04/review-once-upon-a-summer-b/#comment-6787 LDS Film Festival 2012: Day 4 » LDS Cinema Online Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:56:16 +0000 http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/?p=716#comment-6787 [...] probably felt like they needed something original to add to the mix.)  Director Rob Diamond (Once Upon a Summer) seems better suited to the family drama elements than the “thriller” elements — [...] [...] probably felt like they needed something original to add to the mix.)  Director Rob Diamond (Once Upon a Summer) seems better suited to the family drama elements than the “thriller” elements — [...]

]]> Comment on LDS Film Festival 2012: Day 3 by Jessie Thomas http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/2012/01/lds-film-festival-2012-day-3/#comment-6751 Jessie Thomas Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:50:16 +0000 http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/?p=1068#comment-6751 I wish I could be there so bad. I really liked Two Brothers, I saw it on BYU TV a while back. <a href="http://reelmormonhousewife.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Reel Mormon Housewife</a> I wish I could be there so bad. I really liked Two Brothers, I saw it on BYU TV a while back.

Reel Mormon Housewife

]]> Comment on LDS Film Festival 2012: Day 3 by Kevin Burtt http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/2012/01/lds-film-festival-2012-day-3/#comment-6745 Kevin Burtt Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:31:59 +0000 http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/?p=1068#comment-6745 I didn't see any of the short films -- my schedule was packed enough with the nine feature films (and writing and work) to fit anything else in. Although I hear that the short films are often the most creative and inspiring of the festival. Maybe next year for me. I didn’t see any of the short films — my schedule was packed enough with the nine feature films (and writing and work) to fit anything else in. Although I hear that the short films are often the most creative and inspiring of the festival. Maybe next year for me.

]]> Comment on LDS Film Festival 2012: Day 3 by cuervo http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/2012/01/lds-film-festival-2012-day-3/#comment-6742 cuervo Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:21:40 +0000 http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/?p=1068#comment-6742 Will you be reviewing the short films? I am just interested in some feedback on those films. I enjoy your site. Keep up the nice work. Will you be reviewing the short films? I am just interested in some feedback on those films. I enjoy your site. Keep up the nice work.

]]> Comment on Review: 17 Miracles (B+) by Loren Hurd http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/2011/06/review-17-miracles-b/#comment-6739 Loren Hurd Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:28:13 +0000 http://motleyvision.org/ldscinema/?p=761#comment-6739 I really get into studying and reading about my pioneer ancestors. I want to write a book about it for my sons. But, I also believe in "keeping it real". No blowing smoke, no glorifying no cover up. Tell it like it is and keep it historical accurate. 1. Movie starts out with the Mormon batallion coming over the Sierra's and coming across the Donner Party remains. The movie shows that they still were in the military at that time. Actually they mustered out before crossing the Sierra's. 2. I dont like how they demonized wolves. A wolf will seldom attack a human being. That way of thinking is what got the wolf totally wiped out of many places on the planet. 3. While I feel sad for what happened. The movie should not be called 17 Miracles but "Brother Brighams Great Blunder"!!! I really get into studying and reading about my pioneer ancestors. I want to write a book about it for my sons. But, I also believe in “keeping it real”. No blowing smoke, no glorifying no cover up. Tell it like it is and keep it historical accurate.
1. Movie starts out with the Mormon batallion coming over the Sierra’s and coming across the Donner Party remains. The movie shows that they still were in the military at that time. Actually they mustered out before crossing the Sierra’s.
2. I dont like how they demonized wolves. A wolf will seldom attack a human being. That way of thinking is what got the wolf totally wiped out of many places on the planet.
3. While I feel sad for what happened. The movie should not be called 17 Miracles but “Brother Brighams Great Blunder”!!!

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