Meet the Mormons (2014): Mormon Movie Review

 

(Grade A)

   I didn’t intend on seeing the Church’s new film, Meet the Mormons right away. I wanted to see it, but didn’t see the need to view it in the theatre. Who wants to pay nearly $20 for you and your date to see a 70 minute I’m a Mormon commercial? Then I saw the invitation from Jeffrey R Holland.

Read the Full Review…

Mormons and Hollywood: 5 Fun Facts

Source: LDS Living
The history of Mormons and Hollywood is more exciting and far-reaching than most people realize. Check out these five ways Church members have left their mark in television and on the silver screen.
 
1. Battlestar Galactica, a television series that aired in 1978 and 1979, was created by Church member Glen A. Larson and includes several references to Mormon doctrine.
For example, in the show, the colonies originated from the planet Kobol (thought to be an anagram of Kolob) and were governed by a "council" or "quorum" of twelve. And in the episode War of the Gods, Part 2, angels (or advanced beings) explain, "As you are now, we once were; as we are now, we may become." Sound familiar? Compare it to Lorenzo Snow's famous couplet, "As man is now, God once was; as God is now, man may become." Even marriages were referred to as sealings that lasted "not only for now, but for all eternity."
Larson also worked on other popular television shows such as The Six Million Dollar Man, The Fall Guy, Magnum P.I., and Knight Rider.

Photo from imdb.com

Man on Steel (2013): Mormon Movie Review

Quality: 
   Man of Steel is a reboot of the Franchise made famous in cinema by the late Christopher Reeve.  The Warner Bros. synopsis makes the story sound a little odd when taken at face value.  “A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.” 
   I was very conflicted on my opinion of this movie.  Don’t get me wrong, I loved it.  There were also some glaring flaws.  So in true D&C 121:43 fashion, let me give you a short list of my gripes before we give credit to the things praiseworthy.  There is some beautiful cinematography in this film, but there is one fatal flaw, shaky cam.  I was feeling a bit noxious at times a Superman flies around making the “cameraman” rumble.  As a result the view is blurred and the fine details obstructed. (See title photo) We also never really get to see the mind mannered adult Clark.  He seems to look more like a stand in for The Wolverine.  Lastly of my major issues, cookie cutter casting, more on that later.

The Goon Holler Guide Book (2012): Mormon Book Review

Quality:

   When it comes it kids entertainment, I think it is essential for families that the entertainment appeals to parents as well.  I think it is the same with romantic movies.  Usually the husband is giving up something they want, (to be entertained) for something their spouse wants, (to be entertained.)  Thus the genius of the Romantic Comedy.  Romance for the Ladies and Comedy for the Guys.  I haven't figured out what to call entertainment that caters to kids and adults equally yet, but when I do I'm going to trademark it and every time you say it Mormon Media Reviews will get paid 15 cents!  For now, I will just call it Goon Holler.

Safe Haven (2013): Mormon Movie Reivew

Quality:
 We got an invite to see a test screening of a movie called Safe Haven.  I decided to go see it on my own and saw one of my friends in line.  So I line hopped in next to her and she asks me, "So, are you a big Nicholas Sparks fan?"  I had no idea who he was and she laughed as she told me he writes he writes books that get made into chick flicks.  I was about ready to just turn around and go home, but I love Free Movies, so I stayed.

   I have only seen one Nicholas Sparks movie and it was The Notebook. (If you are a fan, Amazon has 4 of his best movies on DVD for a little under 10 bucks!) I hated the flashback story line, but I loved watching the James Garner read it.  If they would have taken any other romantic film and re-cut it to be the story he was reading, it would have been awesome.

The Holiday (2006): Mormon Movie Review

Quality: 

 Working on a Blog Post about Family Friendly Holiday Movies on Netflix.  In the background my adorable wife is watching The Holiday.  Regrettably it wont make the list because it not streaming on Netflix and not too Family Friendly.  But it is a great movie. And right now it is only $4.75 at Amazon.com!

   I just wanted to give a few notes though because it is on my mind. In London, Iris Simpkins, Kate Winslet, writes a wedding column in a newspaper and nurtures an unrequited love for her colleague Jasper Bloom, Rufus Sewell (who always seems to play some sort of slimy character). Near Christmas, she is informed that Jasper is engaged to marry another colleague, and her life turns upside down.

   Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, the movie-trailers maker Amanda Woods, Cameron Diaz, has just split with her unfaithful boyfriend Ethan, Edward Burns, and wants to forget him. Through a house exchange website, Amanda impulsively swaps her mansion for Iris' cottage in Surrey for the holidays. While in Surrey, Amanda meets Iris' brother and book editor Graham, Jude Law.  Meanwhile, Iris meets her new next door neighbor the ninety year old screenplay writer Arthur, Eli Wallach, who helps her retrieve her self-esteem.  She also meets film composer Miles, Jack Black, who is in a dysfunctional relationship of his own.

   We watch it once a year just because it is a cute Holiday movie about romance, both young and old.  There are some tender moments when Arthur speaks with devotion about his long past wife, and the new romantic relationships that develop between the characters.  Because the women in the movie are a bit neurotic; what is meant to come off as quirky seems just corny (which Iris refers to herself as during the film).

   The men really shine out though.  Jack Black has found the happy medium between the over the top physical comedy of Nacho Libre, and the laughably serious role he play is King Kong.  He is charming and endearing, but still gets a laugh in each scene.  It is also great when he explains his love for movie score (which I share).  It is easy to buy into his passion because he is actually a musician, but I wouldn't recommend his Tenacious D music unless you get a radio edit.  This movie's soundtrack was written by Hans Zimmer and is a great extra set piece to the film.  Jude Law is as fetching as usual.  I am sure my wife would have married me 6 months sooner if I had an English accent.  While his character comes off as a bit of a playboy, we soon learn he has a softer side that he plays very well.  

 Content:
 The Holiday is a great date movie for adult couples, but be warned that some of the characters pursue inappropriate relations.  Although nothing is shown, they talk about wanting to do it openly, then it cuts to them lying in bed afterward.    They do go for the obligatory F-bomb, which really bugged me because it really wasn't a bit moment.  Almost as if it slipped out, but it was a really good take so they kept it.  There is a touch more milder obscenities, but not many.  There is a great deal of the use of the name of deity though.  Character drink to deal with problems, in social settings, and get completely "knackered" with little consequence. 

Well, this was meant to be a short review, but I got a little long winded.  I'll try to add some photos tomorrow and spruce it up.

So check it out!  If you order today, you will probably get it by New Years.

Great Movies That Honor our Armed Services

   There are so many great films that pay homage to the men and women that serve in our armed services.  And with days like Veterans' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, a great way to celebrate is to sit down and watch one of these great films.

   I asked you guys what are some of your favorites and I complied a list.  Some of my favorites are Rated R (my thoughts on Rated R movies) so for those I tried to put some content details so you can choose for yourself.  Here are 10 of my favorites, but if you have more to add let us know!


Revolutionary War

   The Patriot (2000)
In 1776 South Carolina, widower and legendary war hero Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) finds himself thrust into the midst of the American Revolutionary War as he helplessly watches his family torn apart by the savage forces of the British Redcoats. Unable to remain silent, he recruits a band of reluctant volunteers, including his idealistic patriot son, Gabriel (Heath Ledger), to take up arms against the British. Fighting to protect his family's freedom and his country's independence, Martin discovers the pain of betrayal, the redemption of revenge and the passion of love.

Content Warning: The Patriot is rated R for War Violence.  There is some PG swearing, but otherwise a cleaner R.  

Available at Amazon and iTunes.

Civil War

   Gettysburg 

Three days in the summer of 1863, at a place called Gettysburg. Although it received a theatrical release, this four-hour depiction of the bloody Civil War battle was shot as a made-for-television film. But no taint of cheapness or shortcuts should stick to this magnificent picture (well, except maybe for those phony-looking mustaches). Based on Michael Shaara's book The Killer Angels, this film takes a refreshingly slow, thorough approach to the intricacies of battle. In ordinary circumstances, those intricacies might seem of importance only to fans of military strategy or Civil War enthusiasts, yet in Gettysburg they come across as the very stuff of life, death, and unexpected heroism. If the film has a problem, it's that it climaxes too early: the first long segment, detailing the struggle of a "civilian soldier," Union Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (Jeff Daniels), to hold his ground against long odds, is an enthralling piece of moviemaking. Daniels, in a heartbreaking performance, does his best film work. Other cast members include Tom Berenger, Sam Elliott, and Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee. Richard Jordan, in his final role, gives a powerhouse performance as Confederate general Lewis A. Armistead. 

Available at Amazon and iTunes.

World War I

   The Lost Battalion (2001)
There are not a lot of great World War I movies about Americans, but how could you say no to fellow Mormon Ricky Schroder?  The Lost Battalion is the true World War I story of an American unit that was surrounded by German troops and pounded mercilessly for days (at times even by its own artillery) is vividly portrayed in this made-for-television film starring Rick Schroder. Playing a patrician New York City lawyer commissioned a major and sent into combat, Schroder commands a battalion composed of New York wiseacres as well as so-called "apple knockers" from the West. The plot is straightforward (and will be familiar to those who know World War I history), but the film rises above what could have been a clichéd telling of the story of Major Whittlesey and his heroic men. The action sequences, shot tightly with hand-held cameras, owe a debt to Saving Private Ryan, and the surreal horror of World War I, in which armies killed with machine guns yet communicated by carrier pigeon, is conveyed very well.

Available at Amazon.

World War II

   Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed (2012)
On August 15, 1944 the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team (PRCT) jumped over the south of France. Their mission was to support and protect the Allied Troops marching to Berlin. Landing in enemy territory, they fell under immediate attack. In their effort to complete the mission and rendez-vous with their unit, three isolated paratroopers come across a group of French resistants in desperate need. They decide to help liberate some of the captive Partisans. Doing so they risk their lives in an effort to live the AIRBORNE CREED.  You can red our full review here, but some of the great themes of forgiveness and sacrifice really are well displayed. 

Available at Amazon.

   Band of Brothers (2001)

My friend suggested The Pacific, but I really didn't care for it. But because I do care for my friend, I am going to plug that they are trying to adopt.  They have a sweet story that will uplift and bless you to learn more about.  She did remind me how much I loved Band of Brother, which was made by the same studio.  Technically is a miniseries, Band of Brothers tells the story of Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army. Drawn from interviews with survivors of Easy Company, as well as soldiers' journals and letters, Band of Brothers chronicles the experiences of these men who knew extraordinary bravery and extraordinary fear. The best part of each episode is the end where the actual veterans in the episode give their feelings of their experience.  They are so humble and have such reverence for their brothers in arms.  

Content Warning: Band of Brothers is rated TV-MA and has profanity laced throughout.  The violence if very intense. There is also about 15 seconds of female nudity in episode 9.

Available at Amazon and iTunes.

   To Hell and Back (1955)
True-life account of the military career of Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier in WWII. Native of Texas, he was placed in charge of his many younger siblings on the death of his mother and decided to join the military at the age of 18 to provide for them. His many acts of bravery and heroism during the US military advance through Italy, France and into Germany earn him increasing rank and responsibility as well as the respect of his comrades in arms. Eventually he receives two dozen of the highest medals the US and France can bestow, culminating in the awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor. 

Available at Amazon. (Right not it is only $4.99 and includes Wake Island, Battle Hymn, and Gray Lady Down.)

  

   Patton (1970)

"Patton" tells the tale of General George S. Patton, famous tank commander of World War II. The film begins with Patton's career in North Africa and progresses through the invasion of Europe and the fall of the Third Reich. Side plots also speak of Patton's numerous faults such his temper and tendency toward insubordination, faults that would prevent him from becoming the lead American general in the Normandy Invasion as well as to his being relieved as Occupation Commander of Germany.

Available at Amazon and iTunes.

The Trailer leads off with one of my favorite Patton quotes!

   Saving Private Ryan (1998)
One of my favorite soldier movies.  Opening with the Allied invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944, members of the 2nd Ranger Battalion under Cpt. Miller fight ashore to secure a beachhead. Amidst the fighting, two brothers are killed in action. Earlier in New Guinea, a third brother is KIA. Their mother, Mrs. Ryan, is to receive all three of the grave telegrams on the same day. The United States Army Chief of Staff, George C. Marshall, is given an opportunity to alleviate some of her grief when he learns of a fourth brother, Private James Ryan, and decides to send out 8 men (Cpt. Miller and select members from 2nd Rangers) to find him and bring him back home to his mother.  

Content Warning: Saving Private Ryan is Rated R and has obscenities throughout.  The violence is very graphic, particularly during the storming of Normandy Beach.

Available at Amazon and iTunes.

Korean War

   Pork Chop Hill (1959)

I didn't even know the Korean War existed until I was in High School.  It was known as the Forgotten War, being sandwiched between World War II and Vietnam.  This gritty, grim Korean war drama presents the grueling ordeal of a platoon charged with taking a hill of no military value during the final days of the war. While diplomats and generals argue over peace negotiations (in an appropriately wordless montage under the opening credits), tough but compassionate Lt. Joe Clemons (Gregory Peck) leads a unit of 135 men up a well-guarded hill while miscommunication--and at times no communication--cuts them off from reinforcements and regimental command. Shot against a bleak, battle-scarred mountain of white dust honeycombed with black trenches, director Lewis Milestone presents the devastating battle as a meaningless sacrifice of hundreds of lives spent in a political game of chicken. Peck leads a terrific cast of young talents and character actors, many of them just starting their respective careers: Rip Torn, Harry Guardino, Martin Landau, Norman Fell, George Peppard, Gavin MacLeod, Bert Remsen, Harry Dean Stanton, plus veteran stalwarts Woody Strode, James Edwards, Robert Blake, and Bob Steele. 

Available at Amazon and iTunes.

Vietnam War

   We Were Soldiers (2002)

There are not many films that pay homage and honor to the brave men who fought in the Vietnam War.  They didn't come home to parades, kisses from nurses, or the love of a grateful nation.  We Were Soldiers give these men the respect the deserve.  In a place soon to be known as The Valley of Death, in a football field-sized clearing called landing zone X-Ray, Lt. Colonel Hal Moore and 400 young troopers from the elite newly formed American 7th "Air" Cavalry, were surrounded by 2,000 North Vietnamese soldiers dug into the tunnel warren mountainside. The ensuing battle was one of the most savage in U.S. history and is portrayed here as the signal encounter between the American and North Vietnamese armies. We Were Soldiers Once... And Young is a tribute to the nobility of those men under fire, their common acts of uncommon valor, and their loyalty to and love for one another.

Content Warning: We Were Soldiers is Rated R and has few major obscenities and has violent content.

Available at Amazon (Prime members can stream it for free) and iTunes.  

Operation Enduring Freedom

   Lone Survivor (2014)
Here is a late addition to the list. Based on the true autobiographical story of Marcus Luttrell and Seal Team 10 who set out on a mission to capture or kill notorious al Qaeda leader Ahmad Shahd, in late June 2005. Marcus and his team are left to fight for their lives in one of the most valiant efforts of modern warfare. As you might be able to tell by the title of the movie, things don't go well.  
   It is a hard thing to find a film based on any conflict after 1943 that paints our armed forces in a positive light. Lone Survivor is one of those films. It does not glorify war or tell the story or immortals who kick butt and chew bubble gum. Instead it is the very real and gritty telling of a group of brothers who were willing to do anything to make sure they made it home.  (Full Review)

Content Warning: The F-word is used so often and freely. There is a lot of war violence; not gratuitous violence, but certainly realistic. There is mild sexual content as a soldier recites a mock creed with some inappropriate references.  

 

Brandon Flowers Defends His Mormon Faith

   When the "I'm a Mormon" campaign featured Brandon Flowers, of The Killers, I was a little hesitant to be fully behind it.  Last I heard he wasn't very involved with the Church, and I was concerned it was just a publicity stunt.  Like if there was a commercial featuring Ryan Gosling or Katherine Heigl.  The message was very positive, yet was more focused on family rather than the Church.  

   I had asked a friend about the video. (Who is another popular recording artist and is Mormon, I didn't ask for permission to share this so I won't include his name.) But he said they had played shows in the same area together and that Brandon was a real stand up guy, and they spent time talking together about their faith.  It really made be respect Brandon.

   Then yesterday another friend shared this video with me of Brandon Flowers as a guest on Skavlan, a Swedish talk show.  He was brought on to promote The Killers' new album "Battle Born," but spent little time talking about it. First I just thought it was odd they were hosting the show in both English and Swedish.  Then as I listened to the questions they were asking the tone of the conversation changed to his faith.  At first they were pretty inquisitive (2:49), but then the show really takes a turn at 5:07 to more accusatory.  When one of the panelist asks him if he truly believes the story of the gold plates and Joseph Smith.  In his response he talks about the need to gain your own testimony and affirms that he truly believes.

I'd slap you, but I can't... I'm Mormon

   At 7:20 they bring out Richard Dawkins, who is a famous atheist.  He speaks for a few minutes about science, then he proceeds to berate The Book of Mormon and calls Joseph Smith a charlatan right to Brandon's face on television.  I think any of us would want to just shirk away at this point.  But Brandon defends his faith and says outright, "When I hear you call this call this man a charlatan, I take offense to that."  He tells Mr. Dawkins that he needs to do his research.  

   At that point (12:20) Brandon is excused to join the Killers backstage to prep for the performance of "Runaways" shown at 19:00.

   Seeing the way Brandon spoke about the Church and defended his faith with someone fully versed in debate helped me to gain a new found respect for him.  Shame on Skavlan and Richard Dawnkins for railroading Brandon in an interview that he expected would be about The Killers, and not with a panel of atheists ready to challenge his faith.  I also wanted to apologize to Brandon (because I am sure he is a huge fan of the blog) for any thoughts I might have had towards his conviction towards the gospel.  I know he has a testimony and I hope he can return to be with his wife and kids soon.  

Saints and Soldiers- Airborne Creed (2012): Mormon Movie Review

   We were recently asked to do a review of Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed by a Mormon themed Podcast called The Cultural Hall.  They allowed us to share it on our site as well, but I encourage you to check out their site.  While you are there you can listen to the Interview they did with the Director and Producer of the film and gain some additional insights into the movie. 

Quality: 
 On August 15, 1944 the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team (PRCT) jumped over the south of France. Their mission was to support and protect the Allied Troops marching to Berlin. Landing in enemy territory, they fell under immediate attack. In their effort to complete the mission and rendez-vous with their unit, three isolated paratroopers come across a group of French resistants in desperate need. They decide to help liberate some of the captive Partisans. Doing so they risk their lives in an effort to live the Airborne Creed.

   I got together with my Dad to watch Airborne Creed this week.  He is a big World War II buff and thought he would enjoy it.  I had seen the original and was very impressed with the high quality on such a short budget.  This new and original story line continues that tradition.

   If you are a fan of "Mormon Cinema" you are going to see some familiar faces.  A face that will seem eerily familiar is that of Corbin Allred.  He played the lead, "Deacon" Greer, in the previous Saints and Soldiers film.  The ironic thing is, he is playing a completely different character.  I was hesitant to this idea at first, but it works.  While "Deacon" is a solemn and disciplined (assumed) Mormon.  His role of Corporal Rossi is much more rough around the edges with a reputation for fighting and a haircut that would violate the BYU honor code.  It is a credit to his abilities as an actor.  

   One of the things I noticed right off the bat when watching this movie is the excellent sound editing.  I know it sounds funny, but good sound is essential for story immersion.  In one of the fight scenes, which ends up a bare fisted brawl, the sound and tight editing really make the film come alive.  It could have been torn from The Borne Identity, which won academy awards for film editing, sound editing, and sound mixing.  Airborne Creed makes excellent use of it's budget with authentic costumes, weaponry, and vehicles.  

   The French sometimes get a reputation for being cowards for surrendering during World War II.  After seeing the courage and resourcefulness of the French Resistance I might change my tune.  Although France did fall, it was only after the English fled to their homeland and the French were about to be pushed into the sea.  Afterward the Resistance led a guerrilla war against the Germans, causing acts of sabotage and providing essential intelligence allowing the Allied forced to advance into Germany after the Normandy landing.  It is great to see part of this story told. 

   The rest of the cast is rounded out by David Nibley, The Best Two Years and 17 Miracles, and Jasen Wade, also of 17 Miracles.  I must add that those are also movies essential to any Mormon Movie Collection.  Wade's facial expressions of dread when a German K-9 scouting party is trying to sniff him out, put you on the edge of your seat.  Newcomer, Virginie Anderson, seems to command every scene she is in.  Perhaps because she is the only female in a cast of dirty, grimy men, but most likely because she is a natural.  Being French, she has a believably that adds to the immersion of the story.  An improvement from Kirby Heyborne's Englishman from the last film. (I loved you in The Best Two Years Kirby!) 

   The pacing moves very fluidly until about the end.  The final battle sequence is not very well established as a culminating event.  The aftermath of that battle has some of the most heartfelt dialogue though.  "I hate this uniform and I'm supposed to hate you."  The line, spoken through tears to an enemy soldier, really outlines the major theme of the Saints and Soldiers Films.  Although they were all Soldiers, there were also some Saints (not necessarily Latter-day) on both sides of the conflict.

Content: 

As a movie produced by LDS film makers you would be right to expect clean language. The most sexual content  we see is a "kiss like only French women know how to give."  But you can also expect some violence being a war movie.  We are exposed to some of the brutality of the Germans, and many scenes of battle.  But the one question we were left with that really troubled my dad and I was, "What happened to that dog?"

        

Russell Holmes Middle Blocker for the Men's USA Volleyball Team

   Russell Holmes, Middle Blocker for the Men's USA Volleyball team, is one of the nicest guys you can meet.   There is a reason for that, he's a Mormon.

   Russell's bio tells about his origins. Born and raised in Orange County, Calif., where the U.S. national teams now train, Holmes grew up as a soccer player. As a 6-foot-8 high school junior in volleyball-mad southern California, he was urged by friends to try the sport. Soon thereafter, Holmes realized he could have more of a future in volleyball, so he dropped soccer, but his first sport has helped with his coordination and footwork in volleyball.

   Russell and I went to High School together and hes is an old friend, so I was able to convince him to take some time out from his hectic competition schedule to have a chat with me.

   When did you find out you qualified for the Olympic Team? What was the first thought you had?

That's a Clown Question Bro

"Our team qualified for the Olympics in May 2012 after we had won Gold in the NORCECA Olympic Qualifier tournament in Long Beach. Going to the Olympics was my ultimate goal since I started competing with the national team in 2009. A sense of relief and overwhelming joy came over me to have finally achieved something I had been working so hard for for so long."

   You served your mission in the London England Mission. Is this your first time back? How does it feel to compete in a land you spent 2 years serving in?

"This is not my first time back to London but it is an amazing feeling to be returning again to my old stomping grounds in such a way. It has made a city and a people that are already so dear to my heart that much more special." 


   I've already told you about all the support you are getting back home. Have there been any words of encouragement that have meant a lot to you from a fan during this time?

"There has definitely been an overwhelming feeling of support from family friends and fans from back home. Every individual that has reached out to me in love and support in one form or another has meant so much to me. All these extended words of encouragement are only fueling me to want to perform at my best. So I want to say thank you to everyone for being behind me in this special experience."

   We hear stories in the media about some of the illicit actives in the Olympic Village. How do you keep yourself unspotted from these influences?

"Personally I haven't heard or read much about these rumors. I guess that's just it though. I've ignored and chose not to affiliate myself with such things. It has been that simple. Just like any member of the church or follower of Christ does to keep themselves unspotted from the world by living the gospel, so it is with staying unspotted from these types of influences within the Olympic Village."

   Have you gotten to see any other events while at the Olympics? Have you made any new friends? Is Michael Phelps really a jerk? (You don't have to answer that last one :D)

"I haven't had the opportunity to catch any other events. The thing with a sport like ours is that the competition lasts the whole two weeks of the games. So there really isn't time to go see other events. When we are not preparing and competing on game day we spend our time resting and with family which is also very limited.

The cool thing about staying in the village though is that you do get to rub shoulders with other elite athletes. I haven't necessarily made huge friends with any new athletes but I have had great experiences talking to many of them. There is a great feeling of sportsmanship as everyone exchanges words of praise and good fortune to one another in passing."

   You have played professional Volleyball all over the world. Have any of your old teammates come to compete from other countries? If so, what is it like being on the other side of the net from them?

"For me I enjoy competing against old teammates and friends that I have played with overseas. In fact we play Italy in the quarterfinals coming up tomorrow and I am good friends with Italy's opposite spiker.  I also currently have teammates in Poland. I am always heavily motivated to win such matches because one always enjoys the bragging rights. But this time it is for something much more meaningful and that is the Gold medal. Right now my friend and his Italian team stand in the way of that. So it is only necessary to remove them." 

   Russell we wish you the best of luck in London.  If you want to keep up with Russell you can follow his journey here.  His next game is Wednesday August 8th and you wont want to miss it!

Batman's Mormon Connections

   Guest Post from the Mormon Movie Guy.  He writes a great blog similar to ours reviewing movies from a Latter-day Saint Perspective. 

I've got Batman on the brain and will until the release of The Dark Knight Rises in July. Ergo, I thought it'd be fun to explore the Caped Crusader's notable connections to our faith, specifically in director Christopher Nolan's take on the legend. I've already elaborated elsewhere on the Gospel parallels of the first two films, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, so here we'll take a quick look at key actors from the series. Among them we find the star of a film especially beloved by Latter-Day Saints, supporting actors from two very different films about Mormon missionaries, and two Brigham Young University alums. While this may not seem very impressive, it becomes noteworthy when one considers that I could come up with only one "Mormon connection" among the combined films of the Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Spiderman, X-men, and Harry Potter franchises: actor Sean Astin (AKA Samwise Gamgee) co-starred in Forever Strong, which was about a real-life Latter-Day Saint rugby coach and was directed by Saints and Soldiers' Ryan Little. So, without further adieu, in the words of Heath Ledger's Joker: "And here...we...go!"

CHRISTIAN BALE (BRUCE WAYNE, BATMAN)

 

Though Bale's take on the Dark Knight, especially his layered portrayal of Bruce Wayne, has rocketed him to stardom (raspy Bat-voice and all), to many Latter-Day Saints he will always be roguish paperboy Jack "Cowboy" Kelly in Disney's 1992 musical Newsies. Though the film was a critical and commercial bomb, it has since become a cult classic in many circles. The Latter-Day Saint community took to it immediately, however, embracing it as family-friendly entertainment with catchy tunes. I have it on good authority that the show-stopping dance numbers by strapping young males made this movie a staple of many Beehive and Mia Maid sleepovers. Though Bale now looks upon the film with a kind of fond embarrassment, Mormon culture owes him a debt of gratitude for feeding our insatiable hunger for cheese.

MATTHEW MODINE (DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOLEY)

In the third film, Matthew Modine plays a role audiences know little about, except for his inquiring about Jim Gordon's job in the first trailer (see below). A little-known fact is that Modine was raised in a Mormon family, spending part of his childhood in Salt Lake City. Though not a baptized member, he briefly attended Brigham Young University before deciding it wasn't for him. As a knock on Mitt Romney, Modine recently tweeted against Latter-Day Saint racism (something I address in my articles "Race in Mormon History" and "Racism in the Book of Mormon?" Part One and Part Two). Apparently he doesn't realize that the Church condemns racism, teaching that all are alike unto God. Still, Modine seems like a good guy. Actor Eric Stolz describes him as "a virtuous man- kind, honest, steadfast and true." Liam Neeson (Batman Begins) says of Modine that "there's something old-worldly about Matthew. He's gracious and warm, and it's very comforting." It'll be interesting to see what Nolan has in store for him.

ANNE HATHAWAY (SELINA KYLE, CATWOMAN)

Before she suited up as Gotham City's preeminent femme fatale, Anne Hathaway popped up on our radars as Jean, a swing-dancing, fun-loving Mormon girl who captures the heart of young John Groberg (Christopher Gorham, TV's Covert Affairs) at Brigham Young University. Her love ultimately keeps him alive while they're apart. Based on the incredible true story of Elder Groberg's perilous LDS mission to Tonga in the 1950's, The Other Side of Heaven is a handsomely-produced tale of faith, compassion, and cultural appreciation. Above all, it is a timeless romance that Box-Office Magazine described as an "undeniably uplifting story, made all the more inspirational by the fact that it's true." 

JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT (OFFICER JOHN BLAKE)

 

How Joseph Gordon-Levitt's police officer fits into the plot of The Dark Knight Rises is unknown, but judging by the most recent trailer his role is substantial. Before wearing a cop's badge, however, he wore the name-tag of a Mormon missionary in the gay-cinema drama Latter-Days. Gordon-Levitt plays the judgmental companion of a secretly homosexual elder who falls for their neighbor. Though I've not seen this decidedly R-rated approach to our faith, I understand that it doesn't portray us in a kind light. That said, Gordon-Levitt is a terrific actor (I loved his work in Inception) and I'm sure he'll impress us again come July. For now, enjoy this awesome clip from 500 Days of Summer, where his joy at finally getting the girl overwhelms him.

AARON ECKHART (HARVEY DENT, TWO-FACE)

The sad downfall of Harvey Dent, Gotham City's virtuous, "white knight" District Attorney, provided The Dark Knight (2008) with the emotional core of an epic tragedy. Brigham Young University graduate Aaron Eckhart gives a dynamic performance, more than holding his own onscreen with Heath Ledger's Oscar-winning Joker. The fact that Eckhart was raised a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is well-known. That he served a two-year LDS mission to France and Switzerland is also common knowledge. What many forget is that one of his first acting roles was in a New Testament video produced by the Church, the classic Godly Sorrow. He plays the square-jawed fiance of a young woman who has been unchaste with a previous boyfriend (see Eckhart's scenes below or the full video here). Of his religion, Eckhart told Entertainment Weekly "I'm sure people think I'm a Mormon, but I don't know that I'm a Mormon anymore, you know? To be honest, to be perfectly clear, I'd be a hypocrite if I did say that I was, just because I haven't lived that lifestyle for so many years.'' That said, Eckhart remains a friend to the faith, often praising the virtues of its people, even though his life has taken a different path.

Feel free to let me know if there are any connections between Batman and the Latter-Day Saint faith that I've missed. I personally cannot wait for July 20, when our local multiplex is screening all three of Nolan's Batman films on the opening night of The Dark Knight Rises. I wouldn't miss it (and I won't).