The Work and the Glory II: American Zion

First, let me clear up a couple of things. No, I am not going to be 97% objective in my review. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have never read the novels the movie is based on. So, you aren't going to be hearing me harping on how it didn't live up to the book, etc. Neither are you going to hearing how the LDS filmmakers are using the movie to proselyte their religion.

First, the positives: The main actors do an excellent and convincing job. The actor who plays Brigham Young (Andrew Bowen) could rival Orlando Bloom in skills and screen-image appeal. Jonathan Scarfe, who plays Joseph Smith, does an excellent job. The special effects are done well. The cinematography is superbly done. It has a rough feel that matches its era. The relationships between parents and children (especially the babies) is especially endearing. Oh, yes, Eric Johnson pulls off his character (Joshua Steed) very well, too.

Second, the negatives: Some of the supporting actors, that only have one or two lines aren't very convincing or experienced and it weakens some of the drama.

Well, gotta run.

The movie made me cry, probably cause I'm a dad.

This second installment of the series based on the "Work and the Glory" books far exceeds the first effort. The music, cinematography, story line, acting and general "feel" of the movie are all great. I have not read the underlying novels, so I have no idea how or if the story details in the movie mirror the books, but I can say this: this movie is moving, inspiring, and dramatically (though slightly fictionally, since the main family is fictional) portrays a slice of true American history.

I do not believe the movie is preachy, at least not about Mormonism. I think most Americans (and others), who take for granted such notions as a free press and upright civil authorities who can be trusted to uphold the law, will easily recognize how different such things were back then.

Mormon history buffs will be a bit disappointed that some of the details were glossed over or left out. My only complaint is that, in an attempt to make this movie appeal to non-Mormon audiences, some of the more dramatic mythic stories from Joseph Smith's time, though alluded to in the movie, are not satisfyingly portrayed.

Not for young children, this movie gets a 9 from me; just a bit more coherence in the story line and some other such movie "polish" would have garnered a 10.

Bravo to all involved! And thanks for a family-friendly, beautiful, moral story that all who see can connect to.

Save your money it was a good show but it will be an epic it doesn't get to Joseph Smith Murder, the show leaves off about the speed family and moving Missouri, it doesn't get to the Navoo temple at all, I fell this is wrong to have to wait for the next episode which at the end of the movie it doesn't mention a next episode if there is one at all, I fell ripped off I was excepting at least to the LDS leaving to Utah !!! and where it left off was years before that.

I am sure you folks will have to see for yourselves what I am talking about, but as for the movie it self it was great ! I was disappointed that it did not go further than it did.

This movie was something to enjoy. Of all the LDS films, this is one of the greatest. The performance by the man who played Joseph Smith was so believable and true to life; I have never seen an actor do so well playing Joseph Smith. The music is absolutely beautiful. The best score of an LDS film I've ever come across, and that is saying something because of my extensive background in music. The PG-13 rating wasn't needed. It was somewhat violent, but not enough to get that rating. The church's films 'Legacy', 'The Lamb of God', and 'Finding Faith in Christ' have just as much graphic violence. The violence was indeed needed to portray what happened to Joseph and the rest of the Saints. Overall, this film was brilliant. The only flaw is some of the acting. there weren't very strong performances by Nathan and Lydia, but I suppose they weren't given the chance as much.

My family and I recently saw "The Work and the Glory: American Zion" in California and am so very glad to say it is better than anything I've seen in a long while. I don't see why so many people have to pigeon hole this film as a Mormon film. It happens to be a very well done film about the 1830's and it happens to be about Joseph Smith and the Steed family. The camera work and the acting is more than excellent. I thought Jonathan Scarfe as Joseph Smith was good and Sam Hennings as Ben Steed was as good as it gets. So please people get over the religious talk and lets look at this film as a entertaining movie that is very well done for the whole family to see. We can't wait for the third film to come out. Thanks