The Return

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.

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.

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

I may be easily entertained, but I LOVE this movie! I am so tired of the stupid Mormon comedies; this is a breath of fresh air. Non-LDS folks probably would not appreciate the overall theme of this movie, but the story line in unique and engaging. In my opinion, the acting is what makes this such a great film. All of the actors are top-rate and seemed very real to me. The girlfriend/fiancé is a bit annoying and difficult to watch at times (not to mention how immodestly she dressed), but everyone else is true to life and enjoyable to watch. I bought this movie and have seen it twice now. Very impressed! Kudos to Tracy Garner who not only plays the jerky bar owner, but also wrote and produced this film. I hope to see more of his work in the future.

Of all the 'church films' I've seen, I give this my highest rating. The story and plot were great and the acting was very, very good, especially the main character, Row, and Corbin, the friend. I really liked the way it built, the editing, directing and, well, all of it which I don't want to give away so I'm not saying too much. If you liked States of Grace, you will like this one, too. MUCH better than Left Behind.

You will learn a lot about yourself and a lot about true love in this movie.

I have a friend who died during a tonsillectomy-however you spell it-and was brought back to life, and said amazing things about what 'God' said; which was a miracle in itself since he knew nothing about God, so all those people who don't like that part-sorry. It happens. He was told that his life wasn't finished. (He remembered every detail, even though he was given a drug to make him forget everything from the surgery.) The movie doesn't go into unnecessary ornamentation; it goes from point to point, and you have to pay attention. I went twice, I liked it so much, and it's the first time I've ever liked a film better the second time around.

I want everyone I know to see it, and I want to buy the DVD when it comes out.