helemon
21st October 2005, 05:50 PM
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/entertainment/12953194.htm
“The Work and the Glory: American Zion” is an awkward mix of fascinating history and tepid fiction.
The facts, about the founding of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its effect on Independence and elsewhere, make for potentially powerful drama. But the make-believe family at the center of the story isn’t that interesting.
Given all the tensions that arose in Ohio and Missouri, when innocent people were murdered for their faith, it’s too bad that only a fraction of that turmoil makes it to the screen.
...
Clearly, these films are made primarily for the faithful. But outsiders should find interesting what these religious pilgrims went through on their way west.
Unfortunately, screenwriter Matt Whitaker and director Sterling Van Wagenen tell us what’s going on rather than show us. Much of the drama in “American Zion” feels stiff. Characters often discuss difficult or dangerous situations, but we rarely get to see them. This may be the result of budgetary constraints or questions of taste. (Do we really need to see a man tarred and feathered in graphic detail?)
Dang, if only Mormons were allowed to watch R rated movies maybe the movie would have received a higher review. :duh
I wonder if the reviewer realized that much of the "history" he was watching was also fiction?
“The Work and the Glory: American Zion” is an awkward mix of fascinating history and tepid fiction.
The facts, about the founding of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its effect on Independence and elsewhere, make for potentially powerful drama. But the make-believe family at the center of the story isn’t that interesting.
Given all the tensions that arose in Ohio and Missouri, when innocent people were murdered for their faith, it’s too bad that only a fraction of that turmoil makes it to the screen.
...
Clearly, these films are made primarily for the faithful. But outsiders should find interesting what these religious pilgrims went through on their way west.
Unfortunately, screenwriter Matt Whitaker and director Sterling Van Wagenen tell us what’s going on rather than show us. Much of the drama in “American Zion” feels stiff. Characters often discuss difficult or dangerous situations, but we rarely get to see them. This may be the result of budgetary constraints or questions of taste. (Do we really need to see a man tarred and feathered in graphic detail?)
Dang, if only Mormons were allowed to watch R rated movies maybe the movie would have received a higher review. :duh
I wonder if the reviewer realized that much of the "history" he was watching was also fiction?