The Best Two Years

The real difference in LDS Films seems to be two things:

1. Acting. Many LDS films have had poor acting. This film had superb acting. My wife and I were shocked at how good the acting was. We kept waiting for sophomoric acting, and only saw minor glimpses of it a couple times. What a treat!

2. Budget for marketing. It seems at least 1/3 to 1/2 the money raised for these low-cost films has to go towards marketing. Not sure this one did that, but hopefully word-of-mouth will spread and build up a decent return for the investors/makers.

I think this film surpasses God's Army because the acting was much more consistent. Many will not agree with me. I still place "Charly" as the #1 LDS film because it had romance (a theme all of these need more of; and not the cynicsim the often have) and a knock-out performance by the title lead, Beery (is that her name?). The actor playing Sam was not as strong, but he held his own most of the time.

Kudos to an unexpectedly good film with "The Two Best Year" just when many people were about to give up on LDS film after the abysmal BoM movie and Pride & Prejudice, which has simply horrible acting.

Now here's a "SPECIAL EDITION" DVD that really is "SPECIAL"! Not only is "THE BEST TWO YEARS" one of the finest movies made by LDS filmmakers to date, but the DVD has some nice "Extras" that make it a true "Special Edition".

The film is based on director Scott S. Anderson's personal experiences as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while serving in Holland. Some years after his mission he wrote it into play form. A version of that play (as performed at the Promised Valley Playhouse in downtown Salt Lake City) is included as part of this DVD. You can watch it all my itself or in conjunction with the movie itself.

The DVD also includes a Filmmakers Commentary and an Actors Commentary track as well as a Making of Documentary, Outtakes & Deleted Scenes, Production Gallery and Trailers. Now that's quite a package.

The film itself is very well done, with nice location photography shot in Holland. The performances are first-rate and the directing and script sharp. Watching the film and then seeing the play version makes for an insightful look at how something personal makes it to film.

Note: If you have trouble locating a seller of this DVD, then you might want to try Deseret Book Company or Seagull Book & Tape. This one is worth tracking down. A special "Thank You" to HaleStorm Distribution for doing such a nice job on this DVD release.

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 *****

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.

Not sure what to review this because my review would clearly be objective. I am supposed to be going on an LDS mission for the church in two months. I was in the mood to see this movie, so as to get a wee glimpse of whats coming ;) I like this movie a lot. As a member of the LDS church i find it rather funny, its definitely the best LDS movie. Would i recommend this to a non-member? Probably not. I think there are too many "Inside Jokes". Its an entertaining heart warming watch. I disagree on some theological levels, i very much so dislike how they make investigators seem like a"Project" or just another number, or how baptism seems to be this finish line and the goal is to get people to this finish line. I dont love that, but overseeing it i like this movie.