The Return

I was lucky enough to see this film at the Houston Worldfest Film Festival. The theme is powerful and universal and unfolds in a subtle, moving, thought-provoking way. I found myself thinking about Return With Honor and reflecting on it long after I left the theater. I particularly liked the way it allowed the audience to absorb the message through its believable, flawed characters and dialog that speaks TO the viewer not AT them. The audience, engaged from the beginning, sat mesmerized in silence by the end. After the screening, I spoke with the writer/ producer, Tracy Garner. His personal journey to write and produce this film was inspirational. I was impressed by the combination of his enthusiastic determination and genuine kindness. It is hard to believe he plays Scotty, the jerk, in the film. Great acting! Great writing! Great film! Not just one of the best independent films I have seen... one of the VERY best films I have EVER seen. Life changing.

Sure it is not the best missionary movie, but it is the most real when missionaries come back from their mission and this happens. Sure it is understandable that they would push the envelope a little more. It is well made and is great to watch over and over again. I especially love the song in it!

There have been people who have said that this movie is no good, but I tend to differ from the norm. It brought a new side into the RM and it is was really entertaining. There are many things that I love about the movie and one of the best parts is the end. Not that it ends, that is where I found to be the most shocked!! Read full review at http://mormonflix.com/return-with-honor/

With a slow choppy beginning, "Return with Honor" tries to resurrect its poorly directed story path by slipping in a few amusing moments. Javen Tanner meager mellow dramatic acting job is luckily drowned out by the film's phenomenal supporting cast. Tayva Patch delivers a marvelous performance as the Return Missionary's bewildered Mother trying to find her way after a life of wrong turns. Raymond Zeiters, plays Javen's voice of reason best friend who steals the show with an honest performance. Tracy Garner (also the film's writer/producer) adds to the great supporting cast as the obnoxious Bar Owner. All in all, "RWH finally finds its path with an okay twist of faith ending. I'm not big on Mormon exploitation films, but if you like film about the LDS faith you'll probable gobble this one down and ask for seconds.

Among films of its genre, this is a great film. While it's based on a Latter-day Saint theme, the religious touch is light and the basis thrust of the story is personal relationships and redemption. The script is very tight, the characters are well drawn, the dialog is sparse and direct, the cinematography is incredibly well-framed for a low-budget indie production. The supporting cast is extremely good and well-rounded.While many of the cast members don't have long resumes, you would guess they are veteran actors. I've seen a few of the more well-known Latter-day Saint productions, and some of them can be pretty cheesy in both acting and production values. This film has none of those qualities. Very much worth watching.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It had a good story and the ending left you stunned and in awe. It was very well written and executed. I did notice something funny, though. When the person was putting the x's on the board counting down his days; the one who put them up was left handed except for the last one and that person was right handed. I had to chuckle. (It may have been the other way around.)

One didn't have to worry about bad language or skimpy clothing, which many, or even most films, exhibit today.

All in all, I rate this with a 10. Keep up the good work Tracy and Michael. Carolyn Phillips