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Mormon cinema didn’t just arrive
yesterday, but it has finally delivered. Adapted from stage to screen by
Writer/Director Scott S. Anderson, The Best Two Years, is the story
of four missionaries sharing an apartment in Holland. At the heart of the
story is overly enthusiastic Elder Calhoun (Kirby Heyborne) from Oklahoma
and is fresh from training, and ready teach people the Gospel. However his
senior companion, Elder Rogers (K.C. Clyde), is less than eager and is
struggling with his beliefs and the lack of success he has seen in the
mission field.
Their tiny amenity-lacking apartment is
shared by Elder Johnson (David Nibley), the veteran District Leader, and
Elder Van Pelt (Cameron Hopkin), who is self-involved and ambitious. While
the interactions between these characters provide numerous opportunities for
laughter, the valiant conviction of Elder Calhoun’s faith serves as a
catalyst leading to Elder Rogers’ rediscovery of the reasons behind his
serving a mission: to share the Gospel with all those willing to hear it.
This movie was thoroughly enjoyable. The
juxtaposition between the drama of testifying heartfelt beliefs and the
outright humor that comes from four young adult males living together in a
foreign land make for a delightful experience. This film is the result of
brilliant performances and excellent dialogue throughout. The Best Two
Years is an obvious labor of love since it has taken 22 years and over
100 performances on stage to become a motion picture.
When you see this film, please let go of
any expectations you may have after seeing other ‘Mormon’ films. If you are
tired of inexpressive performances and movies that try too hard to get the
point across, you are in for a treat. The beauty of The Best Two Years
is its effortless ability to envelope you with the experience of being a
missionary and living half way around the world. This story has appeal to a
wider audience outside of Latter-day Saint culture that will also see it as
heartfelt and pure.
Now three words to those church members
who take offense as to how their religion is portrayed on the big screen; do
not fret. The filmmakers have taken great care to make this film as
appealing as possible, and they have succeeded. This film will uplift and
inspire as much as it entertains, making The Best Two Years the best
two hours you have spent in a theater in quite a while.
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