The Best Two Years

Let me be the first to say that I am not a Mormon, but I found this film entertaining and informative. While The Best Two Years followed the classic Hollywood structure, it did it in such a way that built solid characters, helped progress the plot, and brought Mormonism into the spotlight without being cheap or abrupt. By this I mean this was a very solid movie. I wasn't expecting this when I first began my Mormon adventure through Holland, but by the final credits rolled I was impressed. I was educated more about the structure of the Mormon Mission in this film than any book could have taught me. I witnessed a true building of beliefs and the effects that religion has on those that are willing to accept it. I witnessed people being people and living their dreams. It was amazing, and this film only pushed me into seeing more about the Mormon faith in film.

I would like to comment first that I never realized the 'business' of being a Mormon and doing one of these missions. From what I gathered from this film, they document everything and constantly need to report into a higher authority (outside of God) on how well they are progressing. I realize that there is some level of accountability that needs to be in place for those paying for these men to live in Holland, but I never realized it was similar to a business that you and I shop in daily. There are goals, rewards, and a never-ending struggle to completely satisfy everyone that you come in contact with. This was surprising for me to witness, but also helpful with setting the stage as to the strengths of our characters.

Outside of this 'business' aspect, this was an amazing tale of forgiveness and dedication. I stated before that this was a solid film and a good portion of this is due in part to the reality of the characters. Each of these different men went (or are going through) situations that are not uncommon in our lives. We have all experienced the loss of a loved one to another person, we all have felt dismayed and confused about the path of life, and we have all had to deal with that new person that eventually becomes that friend you never want to let go. Add to this mix an overwhelming feeling of being in a completely different (yet beautiful) country and you have a majority of the emotions, themes, and elements used in this film. While the overall story deals around a Mormon religion, it isn't strange to begin feeling a sense of excitement for your own religion, whatever it may be. This isn't an in your face film that makes you think about becoming Mormon, but instead an opportunity (using Mormon as its foundation) for you, the viewer, to explore your options with God and your religion. If you see it as a Mormon film, and only a Mormon film, you will never see the truth behind this film. This is a film about people and the lives that we lead.

Not only did we have amazing characters and some very powerful themes, but also added to this enormous soup bowl of goodness is some of the most beautiful scenery that I have ever seen. I had never considered visiting Holland before until after I watched this film. Director Scott S. Anderson does a superb job of taking us deep into Holland and showing us the beauty that surrounds it. It only accentuates the beauty of the story that we witness in this film. He also has perfect comic timing for a director. His guidance for these characters was directly on target. I never once felt that I was watching a made-for-TV movie, but instead a film that is drenched in personal emotion. You could tell that Anderson believed in not only the film, but also his religion and experiences. This is a semi-true story based around the life that Anderson led while away on one of these missions.

So, he ensures that there is not any absurd stories or actions that distract us from the main focus.

Overall, I must say I was genuinely impressed. I was not expecting anything from this film when I first begin it, but by the end I kind of wanted to watch it again. To fully enjoy this film you must realize that it is a Mormon film and if you do not perceive it as Mormon propaganda then it will impress you two. It is engulfed in the world of humans and the emotions that we face on a daily basis. It also gives us the perfect opportunity to see how one person (Kyle Harrison) can change the course of several.

Grade: **** out of *****

I didn't expect much from this movie when I first bought this movie. I had seen "The Home Teachers" and although it was funny (for a Mormon like me), it was totally corny and stupid. But when I watch "The Best Two Years", "The Home Teachers" was erased from my memory. I enjoyed the movie that much.

It was way better than any other Mormon movie I had seen before. The spirit was still strong in it, the characters were interesting, and overall, it was hilarious. I especially enjoyed Elder Calhoun and his nerdy antics. And even better was Elder Rodgers sarcastic remarks and dry, yet witty humor. I don't think any other Mormon movie comes close to this film.

I've read the other reviews and I agree that when viewing this movie from the perspective of being native to the Netherlands it appears cliché. Don't feel bad though because the four Missionaries were composites of many Mormon clichés and stereotypes.

But this movie isn't about a country or region. It could have been in any number of the many countries Mormon Missionaries serve.

This movie is about personal growth and the experience that 60,000+ current missionaries and the hundreds of thousands who have came before.

I saw this movie the day it opened in St. George, Utah 9:35pm on a Friday night and it was almost sold out.

I thought the movie was hilarious and the room was full of laughter almost the whole way through.

In addition to teaching the Gospel, missions serve as a time of personal growth. You can see this clearly in three of the Missionaries. Growing in spirituality and maturity is often a bumpy ride, but there's a lot of fun along the way too.

I think that's the point of the movie. Christianity should bring people joy and happiness.

From a production values point of view, this is by far the best of the "Mormon Cinema". The acting, writing, camera work and even the soundtrack are all first rate. The scenery in Holland is very beautiful as well.

The story, superbly acted by an ensemble cast, is familiar. Essentially, a newbie missionary shows up and attempts to fit in with more established, more cynical veterans. The results: After the expected bumps and false starts, they all wind up growing, and benefiting from his presence, spirit and enthusiasm... much to their own surprise. This could have been a movie about a new salesman joining the firm.... a new athlete joining the team... a new peace corps volunteer experiencing a foreign country... etc. It works because the experience is universal enough that we all can relate. But this movie still manages to give this plot vehicle a fresh face.

The humor was all genuine and very sympathetic, but nonetheless satisfying and effective. There was very little of the slapstick, low humor that is usually relied on in this kind of effort. Also, the movie conveys a sense of the actors' faith and mission, without ever being heavy-handed or preachy. They let you see what they do and why they do it, without bashing you over the head with it.

An additional bonus: They managed to make a movie, set in Holland, without a single reference or use of that country's proclivity for loose or kinky sexual mores. Holland was simply where the missionaries were stationed... nothing more. That must be some kind of a modern-day first.

I would encourage anyone, Mormon or not, to see this movie, if the goal is a pleasant, feel good, warm-hearted and funny two hours. That's what the movie promises, and that's what it delivers.

This is one of a number of Mormon-themed films produced by HaleStorm Entertainment, but don't be put off by that as The Best Two Years is not preachy but highly entertaining as well as educating to any non-Mormon such as myself.

This is a tale of four young Mormon missionaries serving their two years in Holland. They are four intelligent young men who suffer all the doubts and problems of anyone their age. The story is told by Elder John Rogers and represents the actual events in the life of the writer. At the beginning of the film, Elder Rogers is a little more that two month from the end of his two years but instead of looking back upon a successful mission, he is in the depths of depression. His girl back home in Utah has found another, and that has knocked Elder Rogers completely off his feet. Instead of nurturing and guiding the new missionaries put under his tutelage (called "companions"), he has managed to discourage and drive them all away. It seems that his first companion and good friend was the one who left at the end of his missionary, went back home, and stole Elder Rogers' girl.

Elder Hezekiah Calhoun and Elder Steven Van Pelt are the companions who share the apartment with Elder Rogers. Calhoun is the mature, level-headed one of the group, and Van Pelt is the wealthy, egotistical, ladies man. Of course, that's ladies man in the Mormon sense of the term in that he has three beautiful girls back home with whom he communicates - committing himself to none. Calhoun and Van Pelt are very much concerned about Rogers' depression and fear that he considers his mission a failure even though he had great success at the beginning.

Elder Rogers is being assigned his last companion in the hopes that he will be able to snap out of his doldrums and rise to the occasion. Thus arrives Elder Emit Johnson, a wide-eyed boy from Texas who is in hopes of accomplishing amazing things during his missionary. Need-less-to-say - as feel good movies go - Johnson's spirit and determination has a great effect upon Rogers.

Most of the scenes of this film take place in the young men's less that luxurious apartment, but there are many scenes of the beauty of Holland when they are out and about on their bicycles dressed in their dark business suits. All of this is accompanied by some better than average music with lyrics that further the story.

The four young actors who play the elders are excellent in their parts and give the viewer a good sense of idealistic young men devoted to a cause. They, along with another young man who plays a convert, make this film an uplifting joy to watch.

Personally, I think organized religions are blights upon the world and that any good accomplished can never make up for all the harm that is done in their names. Obviously, I'm in the minority, so whenever I find an example of the goodness of an organized religion, I welcome the knowledge. The Best Two Years is a genuine story based upon factual events in the author's life and is worthwhile viewing.