The Work and the Glory 3: A House Divided

-Directed by: Sterling Van Wagenen

Starring:
-Sam Hennings, Brenda Strong, Eric Johnson

In the past, LDS films have portrayed Joseph Smith and the Saints in general as virtually flawless. They didn't make mistakes. They didn't get angry or sick or frustrated. The Work and the Glory series does something different, however. They show the Saints and the Prophet as people. Imperfect, flawed people who did their best in some of the most trying times in the history of the United States. What made them different though was that they did it with help from Heavenly Father.

The story opens with the return of Joshua Steed to Missouri. He comes back a changed man, with both a wife and family at his side. Almost immediately though, he's caught up in the "Mormon problem" and forced to face the things he has longed to forget. Things that include the family he still loves, no matter how much he might try to deny it.

It is also the story of the trials that plagued the Saints in Kirtland. With the failure of the bank they created to help ease their financial burdens, dissention and a lack of faith caused a great deal of anguish to the members and their families. Through it all though, the Prophet and those close to him maintained their faith and believed that the Lord had a plan. They believed despite their own flaws, or perhaps because of them.

When the Saints came back to Missouri, events were set in motion that would spiral into events would become some of the most violent in the church's history. Members were beaten, persecuted and even killed all in the name of liberty and patriotism. When his new wife takes matters into her own hands, Joshua is forced to act and to take a stand for what he loves instead of what's easiest. Being reunited with his family, his heart is softened and he takes a step on the road he was meant to walk.

When I was sent this movie, I wasn't sure what to think. I hadn't read the books, and it's been my experience that church films were about as thrilling as watching paint dry. The people behind this film wanted to make something special here. Something that could touch the hearts and minds of members and non-members alike. They succeeded masterfully. This is a film made with the artistry of anything put out by major studios, and filled with performances that will resonate with you for days to come.

My only complaint is that the story about the financial problems of the church seems almost like an afterthought. I'd have liked it to have been defined a little more clearly. Overall though, the story is generally flawless with first rate performances and realizations of the important figures in church history. This is a movie to care about, and a movie to share with both members and non members alike.



-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
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Channel Surfing: Growing Up....

While recovering from an ear infection, I found this show while doing a pass through my TV Guide. Considering it was on Animal Planet, I was curious. When I found out the subject, I was hooked. Like the name and the channel suggest, Growing Up focuses on a different sort of animal each episode. These are wild animals who found their way into captivity for a number of reasons, and you're given the opportunity to watch them find their way to health and happiness with the humans who care for them. You get to watch the animals become more than just the cute little orphan. You see how they develop personalities, and are along for the sometimes turbulent time they have growing up. Not unlike us humans really.

What I liked about this show is that it has a lot of heart. You get to see firsthand the work done by dedicated people around the world who are giving of their time, and opening their homes to some of the wildest creatures on our planet. These animals become family, and the humans are clearly people these animals come to know, trust and maybe even love. The bond is truly touching considering what some of the young animals had to endure before coming to the sanctuaries, zoos or preserves that will take care of them. I'll even admit to getting a bit teary-eyed when the caretakers have to give their charges up so they can mature into adulthood with others of their own kind. Along the way, you'll also learn some interesting facts about the animal of the hour as well as their status on the endangered species list.

Growing Up works because of its honesty. You're not forced into feeling compassion for the animals. The animals make you care without any help from the people behind the cameras, and you might even see how close we really can be to the animals we share the world with. This is a show to share with your whole family, and a great way to learn about conservation efforts and the people behind them.

Growing Up.... airs on Animal Planet daily. Check your local listings for dates and times.

-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!

Channel Surfing: Planet Earth

Starring:
-Our planet and all who inhabit it.

Our world is a fascinating place. No matter who you are and where you live, you're surrounded by the wonders of nature. You can probably pick out a wild animal that can captures your attention no matter what. The problem, however, is that the wildness of our world is in jeopardy. Thanks to misuse, and an overabundance of people, Earth is losing bits and pieces of the vital tapestry that sustains life. It's easy to ignore. We've all done it. But the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) wants us to stop and see the world in a whole new way. They've even done the legwork for us.

Over the course of five years, the BBC and The Discovery Channel went around the world to show us the landscapes of our planet. From the poles, to the deepest parts of the ocean you're introduced to wildlife in an amazing way. You see how animals survive their surroundings, and how varied the weather can be from place to place. What's special here is that this isn't just another nature show. It's mesmerizing in it's clarity of purpose, and it gives its message in an easy to understand way. This show will touch your heart, and it's my belief you should let it. There's nothing bad that could come from it.

Over the course of 11 episodes, which are narrated by Sigourney Weaver, different habitats will be explored for an hour. There is no language issues, but it might be hard to watch animals hunting. Thankfully, it's not gory. It's just straightforward. Considering the subject matter, perhaps that's how it should be.

Planet Earth can be seen on the Science Channel, and you can explore the website to learn more here.

Oh, and in case you're wondering? The animal in the picture is my favorite member of the wild lands of the world. It's an Amur Leopard, and unfortunately there are only 30 left in the wild. Hopefully though, if all of us work together the Amur Leopard and other endangered species can find a new foothold in an aware world.

-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
indigojenn at earthlink dot net
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Meet The Robinsons

-Directed by: Stephen Anderson

Starring:
-Angela Bassett, Laurie Metcalf, Tom Selleck

One of the things that Disney animated films have gotten right more often than not is that their films will be fun for adults and kids alike. When I first saw the trailers for this film, I was willing to write this off as being a bit boring. It seemed like something for much younger kids, and just lame to boot. I was wrong. While this isn't a perfect film, it is a lot of fun and worth your time as we get into the swing of the summer movie season.

It tells the story of Lewis, an orphan who has been rejected more times than he'd probably like to remember. He's a smart kid who can dream up inventions that can make life easier for the rest of us. The problem is, all his smarts make him feel like an outsider and he wonders if he'll ever find a place to call home. When he meets Wilbur Robinson at a school science fair, Lewis is taken completely outside of his normal element and carried on some pretty unique adventures.

It's a pretty standard cartoon story. It's even a little like 'Cars' in the sense that it has someone who just wants to find where they belong. I don't mind the story really. I think in a lot of ways we all are searching for the same thing. The problem though is this story didn't seem all that smooth to me. It sort of clunks along in places and could use a tune up. I didn't feel overwhelmingly satisfied when the story ended and maybe they could have wrapped it up better. The characters were a little flat as well. They seemed like someone reached into the "standard characters" bag and put together a group that were ok, just not memorable.

Visually though, this movie is amazing. In true Disney standard, you'll be amazed at the clarity of the animation and their great use of color. It's no secret as to why the House of Mouse is leading the way when it comes to achievements in animation and the technology behind it.

This is a fun movie though and I do recommend it. While it has it's clunking moments, you and your friends will have a lot of fun. Also, be sure to check out the soundtrack which features music by Rob Thomas and The All American Rejects and you can find at Amazon.com or on iTunes.

(Picture courtesy Yahoo! movies.)



-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!