movies

The Moral Panic Causes Trouble in Zion

July 27, 2010
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The Moral Panic Causes Trouble in Zion

Kenny Ballantine is in the process of producing a documentary called Trouble in Zion.  The documentary discusses the events leading up to the 1838 Mormon War in Missouri.  It highlights the Extermination Order and Haun’s Mill Massacre, as well as events leading up to these terrible events.  Kenny showed a pre-release version of the film at the Mormon History Association in Independence, Missouri in May, and he is also showing the film at Sunstone here in Salt Lake City in August.  I really enjoyed the film, and highly recommend it.  I thought Kenny was pretty even-handed, and had experts discuss reactions...

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Even Kung Fu Masters Eventually Leave Us

June 4, 2009
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David Carradine died today in a hotel in Thailand. Go with God, Grasshopper.

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Battlestar Galactica Series Finale Review: SPOILER ALERT

March 21, 2009
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Battlestar Galactica Series Finale Review: SPOILER ALERT

OK, I realize that the majority of our regular readership are probably not BSG watchers; however, since the reimagined series is based on the original late-1970s series created by Glen Larson, who used it as a vehicle for Mormon themes and theological musings, it’s likely that there are Mormons (beside me) who followed this much bleaker (and a gazillion times better) version.  This post is ONLY for those who have seen the Series Finale; it not only contains spoilers but is incomprehensible if you haven’t followed the show or watched the finale.  If this isn’t you, go rent the...

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Does Tom Hanks Hate Mormons?

March 11, 2009
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Does Tom Hanks Hate Mormons?

Tom Hanks is a beloved actor to many Mormons for his family-friendly roles and everyman quality.  Yet, his recent negative remarks (and hasty retraction) calling Mormons who supported Prop 8 “unAmerican,” and his role as executive producer on Big Love which is about to air the most sacred Mormon ritual on television begs the question:  Does Tom Hanks hate Mormons?

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Big Love -Big News

March 10, 2009
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Big Love -Big News

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Horus Bible Parallels

January 25, 2009
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Horus Bible Parallels

Recently I saw Religulous here and he touched on Horus here and a few of the parallels between the story of Horus and Jesus. Many Mormons when they start delving and  unravelling events in our history also delve into what they can find out about (possible origins)

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A Brand New Year

January 23, 2009
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A Brand New Year

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Twilight and “The Great Mormon Novel”

November 24, 2008
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Many consider The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene to be the quintessential Great Catholic Novel:  a book written about faith and doubt with great courage.  So far, no one has written what one would call “The Great Mormon Novel.”

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You’re All Gonna Die: Low, War, and the D&C

September 8, 2008
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You’re All Gonna Die: Low, War, and the D&C

“Therefore, renounce war and proclaim peace, and seek diligently to turn the hearts of the children to their fathers, and the hearts of the fathers to the children” (Doctrine and Covenants 98:16) “All soldiers They’re all gonna die And all the little babies They’re all gonna die All the poets And all the liars And all you pretty people You’re all gonna die” (Low, 2007)

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A Church of Visionary Dreamers

July 1, 2008
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A Church of Visionary Dreamers

“You may say I’m a dreamer; but I’m not the only one.”  John Lennon. Acts 2:17:  “. . . your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.”

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Why Hollywood Should Convert to Mormonism

April 20, 2008
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Why Hollywood Should Convert to Mormonism

Very few famous Hollywood actors are Mormon, even fewer are practicing Mormons.  While there are some obvious disconnects (e.g. law of chastity, modesty, time commitments), there are some equally compelling connections between some of the basic values of Hollywood and Mormonism and other values that are close, if not quite aligned.

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A California Mormon visits the other Zion

April 17, 2008
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A California Mormon visits the other Zion

By Joe Geisner (guest blogger) No I am not talking about Utah. I left Sam Brannan’s Zion for Joseph Smith’s Zion on April 11, 2008. I arrived at about 4 pm in Kansas City airport and almost froze to death waiting for the rental car shuttle. I had left 80 degree weather for 40 degree weather and began to wonder who really was the prophet? Obviously it was Brannan. The temperature never rose above 45 degrees, and we had snow in April!

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Avoiding the Very Appearance of Evil… (the CleanFlicks story)

January 29, 2008
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Latter-day Saints are often taught to avoid the “very appearance of evil. ” This makes sense for any group that believes deity has called it to be “a peculiar people.” The individual examples of LDS members speak far louder than tens of thousands of missionaries in white shirts and ties (and dresses or skirts, of course). While this wise counsel can be taken to extremes, most seem to understand the principle behind it. A recent news story from Utah, however, has me thinking about appearances vs. reality — something Jesus addressed when he talked about “whited sepulchres.” Several years...

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Episode 8: A Review of “States of Grace” and “Orthodox Paradox”

July 30, 2007
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In this episode we are excited to have Rosalynde Welch as our producer/moderator!!! The 2 main topics are: A review of Richard Dutcher’s “States of Grace” with special guest moderator Brian Gibson (major spoiler alert for those who still plan to see the movie!!!!). Otherwise, a great analysis. A discussion of a recent New York Times Magazine article entitled, “Orthodox Paradox” with panelist David King Landrith (DKL). One program note: Near the end, Rosalynde mentions a novel “The Ladies Auxiliary.” Just as an FYI, the author of this book is Tova Mirvis. Thanks again to all who participated!!! Please...

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