Best-selling author Trina Boice speaks at LDSPMA writers' conference

Guess who is speaking at the LDSPMA writers' conference in November? ME!!! Oh yeah, and my new best friend Orson Scott Card! Check out the impressive list of other speakers. It's going to be awesome!




Come join us!

https://www.ldspma.org/2018-ldspma-annual-conference/

Storytellers: An Evening with Colorful Characters offers wit and wisdom

Movie Title:  Story Tellers: An Evening with Colorful Characters

Grade:  B

Rating:  PG, 67 minutes

In a Nutshell:  I admit it…the first time I tried to watch this movie, I fell asleep.  I was home on my comfy couch with a full belly at the end of a long day.  

The Millennials in the room with me turned to their cell phones within minutes.  That doesn’t bode well for movie sales, right?   I wanted to give it another try, especially because this won the 2017 LDS Film Festival for Best Picture!

The second time I watched this movie, I was delighted by the conversation between these three legendary men of the 19^th Century.  Their meeting in the Utah territory is only fictional, but this charming depiction around a campfire could have easily gone down the way it’s depicted in the movie.

Uplifting theme: 

• “Challenges make life interesting – overcoming them makes life meaningful.” – Porter Rockwell (Jasen Wade).
• “Start living your dreams instead of your nightmares.” – J. Golden Kimball (Cameron Asay).
• Faith in God, faith in yourself, faith in others.

Things I liked:

• I adore Jasen Wade.  He does a great job as Porter Rockwell, known as “the Destroying Angel.”  He’s wonderful in all of his movies.  He just recently starred in a movie that hit Utah theaters this month called, "Love Kennedy."
• Joshua Michael French is an excellent Mark Twain.  With as colorful a character as Samuel Langhorne Clemens was, it’s surprising he’s not featured in more movies!
• Cameron Asay actually looks like J. Golden Kimball.  They show pictures of these three real men at the end of the movie, making you appreciate the casting even more.
• Beautiful landscape in the Utah mountains where the movie was filmed.  The colors and textures are captured very well in the beginning and end of the film.
• There is respectful talk of women.  Golden exclaims, “Women are God’s finest creation.”
• Most of us know a little bit about these men as they were older, so it’s fun to see them as younger men. 
• Their conversation flows easily, as does their wisdom.

Things I didn’t like:

• It feels like a stage play.
• There isn’t any action.
• Non-Mormons will only recognize Mark Twain, as the other two men were LDS. 
• I could have used more stories!
• It's a little slow-moving.
• It seemed short for a feature film.

Funny lines:

• “Virtue is a patience…or so I’m told.” – Mark Twain
• “I never let school interfere with my education.” – Mark Twain
• “If people think you’re crazy, they’ll never push their limits with you.” – Porter Rockwell
• “My apologies.  I thought you were going to shoot me.” – Mark Twain

“It’s not over yet.” - Porter

• “I think God has a sense of humor.” – Golden

“You think so?” – Mark Twain

“I hope so.  Otherwise, I’m going to hell.” – Golden

• “I never killed anyone that didn’t deserve it.” – Porter
• “Thank you Porter.” – Mark Twain

“For what?” – Porter

“For not shooting me.” – Mark Twain

“Life’s not over yet.” - Porter

Interesting lines:

• “Not every book you read is truth.” – Mark Twain

Tips for parents: 

• There is a string of profanity uttered by each of the men at various points in the movie; however, they are not real words.  Ha ha
• Children will most likely not last the entire sitting.
• There is some discussion about polygamy.

Movie Review Mom

@trinaboice 

Love, Kennedy requires a box of tissues when viewing

Movie Title:  Love, Kennedy

Grade:  B

Rating: PG, 92 minutes

In a Nutshell:  Based on a true story, this movie requires a box of tissues when watching.  The touching film will break your heart and fill it with love at the same time.  Written and directed by T.C. Christensen, it’s perfect for LDS families whose faith will be strengthened, but also uplifting and inspiring for those not of the Mormon faith.

 

Uplifting theme: 

• Love one another.
• “God has bigger plans for your family.” - missionary 

Things I liked:

• I love watching Jasen Wade in all of his movies. Partly, I think it’s because I think he’s handsome, but mostly because I think he does a great job evoking real emotion. His acting is believable and flows easily.
• 5 year old Kennedy, played by Scarlett Hazen, is absolutely adorable.
• Teenage Kennedy, played by Tatum Chiniquy, is so pretty with such a gorgeous smile, perfect teeth, and the long, beautiful hair I wish I had.  She did a great job and glows with the beauty from within, which is even better than the outside.
• I was impressed when someone said something unkind about Kennedy and her father patiently explained her illness.  When the person apologized, Kennedy's mom simply said, “That’s OK.  You didn’t know.” Oh, that more people were kind and forgiving like that.
• Kennedy’s little brother’s name is Beau, played by Brennin Williams.  I have a son named Bo, so I immediately liked him.
• I loved seeing pictures and videos of the real people at the end of the movie.  Keep watching during the final rolling credits.
• Many of the scenes were actually filmed in the Hansen family’s real home, as well as other locations where Kennedy’s experiences took place.
• I was impressed that Jason and Heather Hansen's faith never seemed to waiver.  I'm sure that in real life, they often struggled with the unique challenges that their family faced, but they held tightly to each other and their faith, so they were able to bear it all so beautifully.

Things I didn’t like:

• Viewers who aren’t Mormon won’t recognize LDS Primary songs or Book of Mormon stories that are referenced in the film, but they aren’t crucial to understanding the story.
• The movie can get heavy with sad scenes, one after another.  There is an attempt to include some lighter moments, but overall it’s a really sad movie.

·    This will never be a big Hollywood blockbuster, but it’s a touching story that will make you hug those around you a little tighter.

• It feels a little bit more like a loving eulogy than a feature film, but that doesn’t mean it won’t tug at your heart.  It lacks tension and arc that are the time-tested formula for great films; however, this sweet tribute to a remarkable young woman and her family is respectful and inspiring.

Funny lines:

• “Maybe it’s a part of the plan.” – Heather Hansen (Heather Beers)

“I’d like to see a copy of that plan!” – Jason Hansen (Jasen Wade)

• “She thinks she's the best cheerleader in the world.” – Jason

“She is!” – Heather

Interesting lines:

• “Get aggressive!  That’s how we stand up to a bully!” – Jasen

“But Daddy…why not just love her?” – Kennedy

• “Today’s going to be a great day.” – Heather

“It always is.” – Kennedy

• “Can anyone tell me why Kennedy doesn’t have any challenges?” – coach

“Because she doesn’t see them that way.” – cheerleader

• “When you hug her, you can feel the goodness, the beauty she has inside.” – coach          (Wow, I'd love it if people felt that way about me when I hugged them!)

Tips for parents: 

• This movie is 98% sad, so be prepared.  Your teenage daughters will bawl their eyes out.  Your sons will make up some excuse to leave the room.
• To learn more about Batten Disease, go to www.bdsra.org
• If you want to cry some more, check out the book based on the true story  Kennedy's Hugs
• No profanity or objectionable material at all.  Thank you!
• There is, of course, a lot of discussion of death.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Saturday's Warrior makes a comeback

Movie Title:  Saturday's Warrior

Grade:  B-

Rating:   PG, 119 minutes

In a Nutshell:  I first saw this stage musical when I was a little girl.  I LOVED it and immediately began memorizing all of the songs day in and day out.  It was turned into a schmaltzy movie in 1989, so I was excited to see this new remake, directed by Michael Buster. 

I’ve been a huge fan of the talented Lex de Azevedo for many, many years.  He added 3 new songs to this version, which are great, but also removed some from the original fan favorites.   If you're unfamiliar with this story, know going in that it's super cheesy and melodramatic.  If you're a fan of this Mormon legend, feel free to sing along.

Uplifting theme: 

• “Life on earth is going to be difficult.” – Heavenly guide   (Alex Boye)
• “Truth is truth.” – Mack (Carlton Bluford)
• “Freedom is knowing who you are.” – Pam
• “Nothing is impossible.” – Tod (Mason Davis)
• There is more to this life than what you see. 

Things I liked:

• I got a kick out of the “There” and “Here” clocks in heaven.  
• The “Captain Uchtdorf” announcement at the airport made me laugh out loud.  That was awesome and hilarious.  You gotta be LDS to appreciate that one.
• They did a great job with 70’s costume design and home décor.
• A new song was added when Jimmy’s band, “Warrior”, played for Capitol Records. 
• I liked the new song “There’s Got to be More”.  What a fun addition to include the Piano Guys.  I love those guys.
• I thought Pam (Anna Daines) was lovely and I'd like to see more of her in other movies.  I felt the same way about the actress/singer who performed in the original stage play and soundtrack.
• Julie (Monica Moore Smith) has a really beautiful voice, although she over-acted like she was on a big stage.  
• The ending actually had true emotion, unlike most of the other scenes that felt over-acted.
• Keep watching as the credits roll to see Jimmy sing his version of “There’s Got to be More” with sweet Emily watching from the side.
• Mason Davis, who plays Todd, is also an artist, like his character.  All of the artwork you see Todd make was really made by Mason Davis himself.  He looked like a Ken (Barbie) doll to me.

Things I didn’t like:

• It feels like a stage play.
• It's super corny with very low production value.
• The technical dubbing issues were extremely distracting.   

• You can see what looks like microphone packs on the backs of the performers quite often.
• Non-Mormons won’t get some of the jokes or even the pre-mortal world scenes.
• Why is Emily (Abigail Baugh) in a yellow dress in heaven, while everyone else is wearing white?  She sure is adorable.
• Julie says, “I’m going to miss this beautiful place” while she and Jimmy are standing in a building with old, brick walls.  That line would have been more accurate if they were standing in a beautiful garden or something.
• There is an odd, unexpected, funny “gay” moment during the family’s concert towards the beginning of the movie.
• There are a lot of artificially white teeth.
• What happened to the song “He’s Just A Friend”, “Dear John”, and “Daddy’s Nose”?  Why did they take those songs out of the original?
• While everyone else looked "normal", Jimmy (Kenny Holland) always looked like he had a ton of make-up on. His boy-band nasal voice started to really grate on me.
• I recognize I had very high expectations, but I felt a bit disappointed.

Funny lines:

• “Stake President material for sure.” – Elder Greene (Morgan Gunter)

“Maybe one of my counselors.” – Elder Kestler (Clint Pulver)

Tips for parents: 

• I counted 3 times that people were slapped.
• No profanity.  Thanks Mormons!
• There are a lot of "downer" scenes that make the movie feel pretty heavy.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Tim Timmerman could earn a cult following

Movie Title:   Tim Timmerman, Hope of America

Grade:  B+

Rating:  PG-13, 94 minutes

In a Nutshell:  Brought to us from the clever peeps at VidAngel Studios, Picture Picture, and Purdie Distribution, this quirky film will take you back to high school in the 1990’s and make you laugh out loud.

Considering it only opened in Utah theaters (to sell-out crowds, mind you!), it has already earned a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.  Director Cameron Sawyer presents a fun family flick that is loosely based on his own life.  Test-screening audiences have described the film as Ferris Bueller's Day Off meets Napoleon Dynamite.  That actually does describe it pretty well!  I love both of those silly celluloids!  If the filmmakers of Tim Timmerman continue to win awards and fill seats in theaters, this movie could earn itself a cult following.

Uplifting theme: 

• “Knowledge is power, dude.” – Garrett Stubbs
• “Time heals all wounds.” – Bill Clinton 
• Actions have consequences.
• Friendship, loyalty
• Persistence, focused determination
• Service

Things I liked:

• Eddie Perino is fantastic as the charming slacker Tim Timmerman.  Even though Tim Timmerman has a lot of flaws, he is adorable and extremely likeable.  I'd like to see Eddie Perino in more films.  You may have discovered him in Disney XD's "Lab Rats."
• Chelsea Maidhof is lovely as Sydney Anderson.  She and Eddie Perino find an innocent chemistry together that is so charming.
• I love that the movie features a deaf girl.  You get to learn how the Telecommunications Relay Service works.  The first time I had to make a phone call with that service, I was so confused!  I thought it was so endearing when Tim strikes up a friendly relationship with the TRS operator, like he did with everyone.
• The Assassins League running gag of the guy with the toy pellet gun chasing Tim around was awesome and hilarious.  I wish my high school had that when I was a teenager!
• Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t the girl who sings a patriotic song in one of the scenes Aaliyah Rose?  She recently got a three-chair turn from the judges on The Voice!
• Keep watching until after the rolling credits at the end for a funny glimpse at what happens one year later.  I love it when movies include that.
• The movie’s website includes a list of the characters, along with their favorite bands, foods, and hobbies.  Hilarious.  www.timtimmermanmovie.com
• "Save Tim Timmerman campaign" ala Ferris Bueller's Day Off.  ha ha

Things I didn’t like:

• I didn’t like how Tim smugly uses people, but I was impressed by his focused ambition.
• There is some reckless, dangerous, and even illegal behavior that parents won’t want their kids getting any crazy ideas from.
• Inappropriate flirting of a female teacher to a male student.
• I would have liked to see them do something more with the theme "Hope of America" since that was in the film's title.  There's actually an award called "Hope of America" for service and leadership organizations.
• Wait, wasn't Tim Timmerman a real guy who played baseball?
• There's a slam on Salt Lake Community College.

Things that really take you back in time to the 1990’s:

• Pagers
• Instamatic camera
• Cassette tape
• Walkman CD
• President Clinton
• Tab
• Boom box
• Girl overalls
• Flannel

Funny lines:

• “Fetch!” – Tim Timmerman
• “Did you guys see that white suit?  Crisp!” – Garrett Stubbs

Tips for parents: 

• You’ll want to talk to your kids about how they should NOT ride on top of a moving car, leave a dead animal in the hall at school, etc.
• Teens make out in a van.
• Other than the few items I listed above in things I didn’t like, this film is very family-friendly.
• Point out to your kids how Tim prevents his friends from smoking marijuana.  Nice job Tim!  (Just don't put their joint in your pocket.)
• Thank you for the lack of profanity!

@trinaboice 

Once I Was a Beehive will make you laugh and cry

Movie:    Once I Was A Beehive

Rating:    PG, 1 hour 59 minutes

Grade:   B+

In a Nutshell:    Teenage girls can be sooooo dramatic.  Because of that, they’re going to really get a kick out of this over-acted spoof of Mormon Girls Camp.  It’s a sweet movie that will make you laugh out loud and maybe even cry.  It’s super cheesy, but it still touched my heart.  It reminded me of some very special moments I had at Girls Camp many years ago when…once  I was a Beehive too.

The film pokes fun at Mormon culture, but Christians will be able to relate to the trials of faith, the power of prayer, and the importance of friendship.  As Christians, we need to support movies that support our values.

Written and directed by Maclain Nelson, the movie poster claims the film is based on thousands of true stories.  I believe it.  Girls Camp is always filled with epic moments, plenty of shenanigans, and growing testimonies.

While Maclain Nelson is Mormon, his co-writer and wife Clare Niederpruem is Catholic, another example of how we need to embrace each other's differences and celebrate our similarities.

Uplifting Theme:

·         “There are better days than the ones you’re standing in.”  - Opening song

·         “When you’re with the ones you love, you’re never missing out.” – Robert Speer (Adam Johnson)

·         No crisis of faith can’t be cured with a week up in God’s country. - Robert Speer

·         “Two-gether forever.”   (Sure to be a new Mormon meme.)

·         “Faith is the key to solve any problem.” – Nedra Rockwell

     -  Girl power.  Sisterhood.  Unity.  Acceptance.

Things I liked:

·         The film addresses blended families and the difficulty of adapting to a new life.  I grew up in a blended family and have seen my sister repeat the same challenges in her marriage.  I appreciated the sensitive, truthful approach the film took on this delicate family issue.

·         Is that a picture of Liberace in the red suit on Holly’s family room wall?  Hilarious.

·         Making the girls lock up their cell phones in a box at camp.  Genius.  Sadly, necessary.

·         Nedra Rockwell, the “Heck’s Angel”  is adorable.  A big "Hoorah" to Barta Heiner, a beloved stage and screen actress in Utah, for grounding the film with down-to-earth goodness and reality.

·         Fanny packs!  Yes!  While not a socially-approved accessory, they sure make a lot of sense.

·         "Imagine a Sunday School lesson taught by Indiana Jones."  Trial of Faith.  Awesome.

·         I loved that they made fun of the rock giants from the Noah movie with Russel Crowe.  I really hated that movie.  You can read my movie review of Noah here.

·         The musical narration was good.  "The Spirit of God" remix was cool.

·         Catniss Everdeen.  Ha ha      Can't wait to see the final movie in that franchise coming out in November!   Bless our dear bishops for all they do for us.

·         If you come face to face with a grizzly bear, play dead and cover your neck.  Good to know.

·         What a sweet voice Paris Warner has.  I expect to hear that song in my ward on Sunday.  I     thought she did a really great job with her character and brought some honesty to the role.
 -     Mila Smith (Phoebe) does a very good job playing a quirky character, although her crying scenes      were weak.  Paris Warner made me really believe her tears.
           Cute camp pictures during the closing credits. 

·         I hope to see Allie Jennings (Charlotte) in more films.  She's darling.
 -    One of the film's co-producers, Lisa Valentine Clark, also stars as the over-the-top Young  Women's President Carrie Carrington.  If you haven't seen her funny YouTube videos, you can check them out here.   They are "pretty darn funny."
-     I often wince at Christian movies because the production quality can be so amateur looking, but they did a really good job with this film.  

   

Things I didn’t like:

·         It’s always awkward to hear actual prayers in movies.

·         I don’t like seeing Mormons bicker or act snotty to each other.  They should behave better       because they know better.  I know, we had to see the growth in the girls.  Still...

·         Where is the rest of the Young Women’s presidency and leaders?

·         The night scenes are difficult to see in the dark, especially the bear scene.
-     The movie is a bit uneven, jumping from farce to real and back and forth.

·         So, technically, if Lane is 16, she would be a Mia Maid….not a Beehive…just sayin...

-


Funny lines:  

·          “I appreciate the hyperbole.” – Phoebe Valentine

·         “Phoebe, can you come and get some dessert, cuz we’re going to go pretty soon.” – Holly

       “I doubt I could enjoy dessert , knowing the ceiling could cave in on us at any moment.” -    
        Phoebe

        It’s crème brulee.” – Holly

        “I’ll risk it.” – Phoebe

·         “Who goes on a cruise for that long anyway?” – Lane

       “We got a killer Groupon for it.” – step-dad Tristan  (Brett Merritt)

·         “Kerry Carrington.  You can’t tell me that’s her real name.  It sounded like the leader of the Carebears or the alter-ego of a Christian superhero.” – Lane

·         “Don’t be embarrassed if you let out a few air biscuits.  It’s natural.” – Sister Rockwell

·         “I’m going to turn the time over for Sister Carrington for some fluffy stuff.” – Sister Rockwell

·         “So, would you rather marry a man that you know is a serial killer who kills every day, but he’s still, like a good guy and you love him OR would you rather marry a man that all he ever says is  ‘Manamana’”? – Mindy  (Kaley McCormack)

·         “Well, lookie here.  A little nest of estrogen.” – Sister Rockwell

·         “Bree, why don’t you come and get some food. I think you might be a little hangry.”  - Sister
       Carrington
-       “Why don’t you take a look out the window.  I want you to take an eye photo.  You know how to do that, right?  You just use your eyes.  Blink, then right up there, right in front of your face, you can’t miss it.” – Robert Speer

·         “Pound it.  Let’s not do that again.” – Sister Rockwell

 “Why do they call them Beehives?  Why don’t they just call them bees?” – Lane

       “I’ve been saying that for years.” – Phoebe    (Me too, Phoebe.  Me too.)

   

Tips for Parents:

·          This is a sweet movie that your daughters will love.  You might even get your sons to crack a smile. 

·         The PG rating is for a brief moment of peril with a bear.

Once I Was A Beehive was produced by the same folks who brought us:

The Cokeville Miracle is profoundly powerful

Movie:    The Cokeville Miracle

PG-13, 1 hour 34 minutes

Grade:    B+

In a Nutshell:   Remember Films and T.C. Christenson present an inspiring movie based on a true story about a miracle that happened in an elementary school in a small Wyoming community in 1986.  It’s a story of lost faith and found faith, the power of prayer, life after death, and that God really does watch over us.

Keep watching as the final credits roll, and you will experience something truly amazing.  The audience stays glued to their seats, watching pictures and video interviews of the children as grown-ups with their own families.  The theater is oddly silent, except for a few sniffles.  Rarely have I seen an audience react with such reverence and awe.  While not perfectly executed, this film is powerful and profound.

Uplifting Theme:

·         Just like the cross-stitched picture in the kitchen of the Hartley family says, “Life is fragile…handle with prayer.”

·         “We should recognize God’s hand when we see it.” – Claudia Hartley (played by Sarah Kent)

·         2 Kings 6:16   “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”

·         When tragedy strikes, what do you see?

Things I liked:

·         True story.  That’s always a big plus for me.  Because it really happened, its impact is immense.

·         There is a surprising amount of humor during such tragedy.

·         The song the children sing at church at the end of the movie is a favorite Mormon Primary song called “A Child’s Prayer.”    There is a sweet video of it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb29gVgaHcY    You can also hear it sung by BYU’s award-winning Vocal Point at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE-p2nZmdso

·         Although the small community in Wyoming was predominantly Mormon, faithful people from all religions will be inspired by this film.

Things I didn’t like:

·         I would have cast the wife of wacko David Young differently.   She looked too squeaky clean, like she was the director’s Sunday School teacher who just got her teeth whitened.   Maybe this is too stereotyped, but I thought she should have looked more weak and victimized.

·         The script has some awkward lines that halt the flow of natural-sounding conversation.

·         Not that I wanted any children harmed in the making of the film, but the flames in the fire looked totally fake.

·         It feels like everyone is acting.  Some of the kids actually looked bored. The best actor in the film is Jasen Wade, who also starred in the beloved Mormon pioneer movie 17 Miracles .  Nathan Stevens does a good job as the unhinged David Young.

Funny lines:

·         “This will be our mark.” – David Young

 “It smells like somebody else just made his mark.” – Penny Young

·         “I just proved how I can die and come back to life.” – David

“That’s just fantastic.  He’s been working on that for hours.” – Doris Young

·         “What is the capital of Wyoming?” – Claudia

“Easy.  It’s W.” – Claudia’s son

·         “I was just looking at your guns…pretty cool guns…I was just wondering why you didn’t get an AK-47?” – Kam Wixom  (Anson Bagley)

“An AK-47?  That would be illegal.” – David Young

·         “Your breath smells like peaches.” – Hartley boy

“Well, I haven’t been eating any.”  - David Young

“Peaches is my dog.” – Hartley boy

·         “Hey lady, is this your first time kidnapping helpless little kids?” – Kam Wixom

·         “Do you have to get the kids all riled up at bedtime?” – Claudia

      “No, I don’t have to….but I want to.” - Ron

Interesting lines:

·         “It’s just too much of a coincidence to be a coincidence.”  - Ron Hartley

·         “Who else would care about us more than our own family?” –  Claudia when explaining that each of the children’s protecting angels were their very own ancestors.     To learn more about your own ancestors, check out www.FamilySearch.org 

·         “Hatred towards them is a dead-end journey.  It’s like drinking poison and hoping it’ll kill them.” -  Bishop John Teichert

Tips for Parents:

·         There was an audible gasp by all of the moms in the room when the mother left her child in the car and said “I’ll be right back.”   Never, EVER, leave your child in a car alone!

·         Young children may be frightened by the kidnap scenario with guns and a bomb.
-    One thing that is missing is foul language.  Thank you!

To learn more about some of the real people who experienced this remarkable event, begin here:  http://lds.net/blog/faith/belief/tragedy-triumph-talking-cokeville-bombing-survivor/

Other faith-building true stories:

Meet the Mormons now on DVD

While the movie came out in the Fall at limited theaters, it is now on DVD TODAY for everyone to see. 


Movie:  Meet the Mormons

PG, 1 hour 18 minutes

Grade: A-

In a Nutshell:

Have you seen the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon ? While entertaining, it's not exactly accurate.  It's a perfect example of how the book is better than the show.

This is an uplifting film about REAL Mormons, people who have found faith to carry them through each day.  They said "We found something that helps us meet the daily challenges of life.  It's the gospel of Jesus Christ."

Meet the Mormons examines the very diverse lives of six devout members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Filmed on location and across the globe, Meet the Mormons takes viewers on a journey into the day-to-day realities of individuals living in the United States, Costa Rica, Nepal, and beyond. From their individual passions to their daily struggles, each story paints a picture as rich and unique as the next while challenging the stereotypes that surround the Mormon faith.

Uplifting Theme:
 * The Berlin Candy Bomber shared that "Service is the bottom line for happiness and fulfillment."  He motivated me to look at the world's problems differently and find a way to make a positive difference.
 * Bishnu Adhikari in Nepal explains "There is no fear.  There is, rather, love."  I was so impressed with his 
    humility and service that I immediately "friended" him on Facebook.
 * The profile that brought tears to my eyes was the mother at the end of the movie who experienced true heartache and was saying good-bye to her missionary son.  I was so touched when she exclaimed "My love is real."  
* The Mormon church presented "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" two decades ago which teaches families how to be happy even still today.  Click on the video below to watch American Idol star (and Mormon) David Archuleta sing the theme song from the movie.



Things I Liked:
* The movie doesn't preach, but simply shows elements that enrich Mormon life.
*  If you're not Mormon, you'll learn that Mormons are normal, nice people who probably live in your neighborhood.  If you are Mormon, you'll want to be a better one.
*  There are a few funny moments that let you know Mormons and the church have a sense of humor.
*  It's about goodness, hope, service, faith, change.  People of any religion should be able to take away those
    uplifting messages.
*  There are millions of Mormons out there and millions of inspiring stories that could be told.  I left the movie inspired to live a better story of my own.

Things I Didn't Like:
* The film doesn't include the history of the church or some of its doctrine that a lot of people are curious about.  In fact,  the movie is less about the Mormon church, but more about the everyday people in it and how the gospel of Jesus Christ makes their lives better and more meaningful.
*  If you're not Mormon, it might feel a bit like an infomercial.  





Tips for Parents:  This is a safe movie for all ages.  Watching it together might result in an interesting family discussion about religion, but it will definitely inspire you to do more and be more.

If you want to learn more about the church, the end of the film invites you to talk to one of your Mormon neighbors or contact one of the 88,000 full-time missionaries.  One of them is my son!