Lovesusti The Worst Film Ever

BoardChiri Bad Acting and worse Bad Screenplay

Ariella Broughton It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

Rosie Searle It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

movies-510 I think the mark of a good film is it's ability to create strong emotion one way or the other. Clearly this film does that. I think from several perspectives. First off, it's clear to see who the pro-LDS people and the anti-LDS people are, then there are the uptight LDS people and the not so uptight LDS people. This film sends a strong message about communities and people doing what's right by others. It's packaged brilliantly within a clever story line and bright comedy. This is an LDS film for everybody. And I think those who are upset by it are probably the ones who need to hear the message about judgmental Mormons the most!

cassini2004 As one who was born and grew up in Salt Lake City (and a *former* mormon), I know my way around the mormon shtick. I received this movie as a Christmas gift and, against my better judgement, was pressured into actually watching it by my friends who were certain it would prove another fine entry in our "bad movie night" lineup. Sadly, they were all disappointed, and I was not surprised. Onward...The plot (such as it is) concerns a Jersey mobster who is being stepped over for promotion in the "organization". He then botches up a kidnapping, is caught, and enters the witness protection program after ratting out his boss to the law. He and his family (wife and son) are then shipped to Utah amongst the mormons."And then rampant hilarity ensues..." is probably what most people watching this film are expecting next. Rather, I sat in a perpetual state of boredom as one poorly formed gag followed another. Writer/ Director John Moyer presents his viewers with every tired and clichéd stereotype associated with mormons and non-mormons alike. He successfully manages to insult mormons, non- mormons, New Jerseyites, Italians, catholics, and especially Utahans in general. It's clear that was not his intent, as this is a "family film" but it is certainly how his movie comes across. Non- mormons are universally portrayed as little better than mannerless, valueless barbarians, fresh out of the cave. Perhaps worse, mormons are represented as a quaint folk, content in their (exaggerated) ignorance of the world at large. Personally I chalk it up to his dubious writing talent, and blatant lack of originality.However for all its faults, "Mobsters and Mormons" is not a propaganda film. Let that sink in for a minute. Moyer certainly makes it known what makes a mormon, and even goes so far as working LDS belief structures into the dialogue. (SMALL SPOILER FOLLOWS) But to his credit he steers clear of actually converting our mobster Jersey family to "the Church" and in the end, our Jersey family learns to appreciate LDS values while remaining happily catholic. So while he has created a movie with little plot, vapid characters, tired clichés, forced humor, and insulting stereotypes he does not go overboard on trying to bring his audience into the fold, and does show that tolerance and understanding are possible even between an ex-shyster and a mormon bishop. Kudos on that point; unfortunately this movie is distributed (essentially) by the LDS Church, and they make sure to package propaganda for other "mormon friendly" movies with this DVD. I feel better simply giving Moyer the benefit of the doubt on this one, since he probably had little say in the distribution details. I digress....I cannot recommend "Mobsters and Mormons" to anyone, even as family film filler. Besides setting the world's perception of Utah back several years, it just simply is not entertaining and that (ultimately) is what movies are about: entertainment. It offers absolutely nothing to the 10-and-under crowd, and teenagers would rather eat glass than watch a film this dull. Parents will be bored to tears with the inane story and poor humor. Not all is lost though; a relation of mine (78 years old) described it as, "a nice movie". Take that as you will.

Patrick Mobsters and Mormons. HaleStorm Entertainment.Clearly for what this filmed for the makers hit a home run. The cast, especially lead mafioso Mark DeCarlo were spot on hysterical. An over all funny story - while not exactly original, is still fresh within the context of LDS cinema. And nobody ever said Hollywood was original either. But also with very funny individual scenes and some very sharp dialog make this film an entertaining experience. Some here have complained that the film is not edgy enough, but those people clearly have tastes that are outside the standards anyone LDS or with a family aspire to for their viewing habits. Kudos to the makers for making a very funny, smart, and entertaining film that didn't have to rely on gratuitous violence, profanity, or crude humor!!!!

Sid Unrau This movie is great fun! The actors are great, the points for both Mormons and non-Mormons are great (and not preachy, except maybe to some uppity Mormons, who are given a great picture of themselves), and the story is just hilarious.I was glad to see some new actors in this one. Yeah, some of the same-old recycled typical Mo-actors were there, but there were some great new faces to enjoy, and not at all bad actors.My only complaint: the filming was WAYYYyyy uneven. In the beginning and sprinkled throughout some of the scenes seem to have been shot on a hand-held standard (i.e. not movie-quality) video camera, and it shows.Yeah, it's cheesy - but it's good clean fun. I gave it a 7 because it's definitely a good movie, family-safe, though not a great classic.