Five people suddenly wake up from cryosleep in a mysterious underground facility with no immediate recollection of who they are or why they are there. As they get a sense of their roles and situation, not all is as it appears as each person seems to be concealing their own secrets.

Bravo, guys!

Although it is a local, independently made film, there are some very impressive elements. My favorite part has to be the location. The bones of the facility has a cool texture, and it is dressed like a puzzling underground lab. While I don’t usually like intense monochromatic color schemes, the lighting and coloring made the visuals very interesting, adding a lot to the tone. While these were physical tools that built the tension, there’s a great deal of attention given to the psychological side through how scenes are cut together and how sound is manipulated. I watched this one at home, but I imagine experiencing the sound in a theater would be incredible.

The performances were all pretty good—I always love seeing Michael Flynn—except for Curt Doussett whose aggression sets audience suspicions off balance. I really wanted to foster an even distrust with each character, but Doussett came off a little strong, conveniently knowing too much right off the bat. I don’t think it’s his fault but the script’s, because the opening scenes when everyone first gets together are pretty clunky with him being the worst culprit of bad dialogue. The dialogue throughout was awkward, as each character spoke perfectly one at a time like in a play. Natural arguments where characters are speaking over one another would have been more realistic and would have picked up the pacing.

Besides those issues, I love how the script turns on each character like in a game of Clue. In fact, there happens to be a clever scene of characters playing the game in the first half to get them bonding. In addition to Clue, there are many allusions and references that nicely tie into the story and made me an active audience member, constantly guessing what would happen next.

The story itself is unlike anything I had seen before. It makes you feel uneasy like “Ex Machina” and claustrophobic like “10 Cloverfield Lane” with other familiar themes from the genre, but I don’t really want to compare this movie because it does feel unique. The ending is so satisfying and thoroughly enjoyable to see unfold. The only thing that would have made it better was fixing some inconsistencies with injuries and placement in the facility; I think it was intentional, but they looked like mistakes, and it detracted a little from the big reveal when it could have enhanced it.  

All in all, while it isn’t without its flaws, this was a very well-crafted film by people who were clearly passionate about telling an interesting story, which is what I have been craving in modern cinema. And let’s not forget that this was directed by Utah filmmaker Barrett Burgin, filmed in Provo, with a Utah crew! For something of this caliber, that’s a big deal and I hope it does well once it gets a wider release in select theaters June 24^th and VOD June 28^th.

Parent’s Guide: PG-13

More than anything, the tone is what would make this one too scary for young kids with the red lights, a featured pool of blood, and mysterious shadowy figures following the main characters. One of the opening scenes features the silhouette of a nude woman as she leaves her cryochamber, but nothing is ever shown. It wasn’t until one scene with a couple of swear words (including an F-bomb) that I realized there hadn’t been any language in this movie. I wish they didn’t put any in because the few profanities seemed oddly placed in an otherwise fairly clean film. There are also some intense scenes of physical conflict, but there isn’t any gore. Definitely a PG-13 but a comparatively safe one.

The post “Cryo” (2022) is one to keep on your radar appeared first on Utah.Film.

“I’m sorry, I know ‘cheap’ is a trigger word for you.”

“‘Frugal’ is such a better word!”

This is a low budget comedy that comes with all the cheesiness you can expect for a movie intended for a niche audience, but it is unexpectedly insightful. 

Premise

Bree Carrington (Clare Niederpruem) had the next few years of young adulthood all planned out. She would be wrapping up the semester at her dream school–BYU Hawaii–studying marine biology, and then go on a church mission for the next 18-months. That plan was flipped upside down when her boyfriend of 6 months, Thys Chesterfield (Tanner Gillman), suddenly asked her to marry him. After convincing Mama Bear Carrie (Lisa Valentine Clark) to get on board with the engagement, the Carrington family is fully invested in putting together the perfect wedding in two months. 

Frugality is Key

The money side of it might be the most distracting so I’ll cover that first. This movie required a lot more money and flexibility than the first in the series, “Once I Was a Beehive.” One huge factor was that it was shot during the pandemic which made it a lot harder to fill in the scenes with the larger cast they had this time around. 

Also, they did a lot to make this film more spectacular. The scenes in Hawaii were beautiful, but required a decent amount of money to send the cast and crew there under new health and safety requirements. They also basically put together an entire wedding with the necessary costumes and sets. These expenses make the movie suffer in a couple of ways, primarily with the casting of minor characters who didn’t quite nail their lines like the leads, and there are times the look of it isn’t as stunning. Yet these were the trade-offs they had to make and I don’t think it takes away from this must-watch story. 

Another thing that was somewhat off-putting was the amount of product placement. It makes sense in comparison with the last movie for a story about a wedding to be more materialistic than one about a camping trip, so the product placement blends in with the story. It also served as a plus for their filming locations, because this movie does a great job showcasing BYU Hawaii, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and our very own Utah County. This movie serves as a love letter to those locations.

The Comedy Side vs The Serious Side

The humor in this film is very much like how it was in “Once I Was a Beehive”–good old self-aware “mormon culture” jabs. I was laughing the whole time with all the jam-packed vocabulary and references thrown in. There is surprisingly deep characterization that makes these characters so enjoyable and loveable. Coming from being the (sort of) antagonists of the previous film, the way Niederpruem and Clark play their imperfect characters highlights their growth and strengths. Their male counterparts, the fiancé and Bree’s dad (Bart Johnson), were also particularly fun to see juxtaposed with the high-strung leading ladies.

But between all the crazy shenanigans and relatable jokes, there is a very meaningful story being told here. More than anything, the story of Bree and Thys’s engagement covered a lot of important ground when it comes to getting married. It shows that there’s a lot more stress and hard work that goes into the Big Day than what is commonly portrayed in the media. There’s fantastic modeling of crucial conversations everyone should have during an engagement, from the couple who are now needing to plan their lives together, to all the involved parents and past loves. The movie doesn’t have a “villain,” but the conflicts that arise emphasize the gravity of how life altering marriage is in ways that this specific culture sometimes fails to show in a realistic way.

A Targeted Audience

If you are a teen or young adult LDS girl and/or you enjoyed “Once I was a Beehive,” this will be a great pick for you. The moral of the story, I think, is especially vital for those in the targeted demographic to learn prior to getting wrapped up in their own engagement. There’s still plenty for all the fellas out there to enjoy as I will prove by concluding with a few of my husband’s remarks that I noted throughout the film. I think he was even more invested in the story than I was.

“It’s ‘To All the Boys I Loved Before’ in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!”

“Awww these cute people make me want to vomit a little…”

“This is so wholesome. I can’t wait for it to all go downhill!”

“Hehe… that’s going to go so wrong…”

“The dad is my favorite character, calling it now.”

“Oh no! He’s screwing it up! YOU FOOL!”

*Holds head in hands, shaking it and groans* “no no no”

“Because you’re insane, that’s why you’d do that!”

“Alright, he won me over.”

“Alright, she won me over.”

“It’s madness! I love it!”

*Big grin as credits roll*

This is a lesser known release, so if you want to have a fun time in a fairly empty theatre and support local film projects, I personally recommend this as a great movie date, especially for younger couples. 

Parent’s Guide

This is a very clean, safe movie for the whole family besides the occasional PG innuendo and shirtless surfer dudes.

The post A Wedding On a Budget | “Once I Was Engaged” Review appeared first on Utah.Film.

Based on stories in the New (and Old) Testament, “The Chosen” brings to life how Jesus Christ led his followers as they went about doing good. I first thought from the previews that the show would center on all the expected Bible stories, following the life of Jesus–you know, as a “Chosen One.” I was wrong, though, as “the chosen” refers to those who Jesus chose to follow him. The show gives a lot more background on the kinds of lives these characters would have led and how they would have fit into this time period. 

The first season focuses primarily on introducing the apostles and how Jesus comes into their lives, although he is not quite ready to begin his official ministry. In season two, Jesus is now gaining some notoriety in many cities by performing miracles and teaching large crowds all day long. The apostles feel overwhelmed by the duty they feel in protecting Jesus and performing their new roles as a cohesive team. 

A Different Kind of Production

The most important thing to address here that puts all the religious stuff to the side is everything we can analyze about the production itself. “Get used to different” is a popular phrase in this series, but it must be director and producer Dallas Jenkin’s project motto because he is doing everything differently with this show.

This show got a lot of attention originally because it was (and still is) the #1 crowdfunded film/TV project. It came in high demand which gave a high quality show in response with the $10 million it raised. I think this is an interesting fact because it puts the audiences in the executive chair since they are the investors. 

Because of that, there is a strong relationship between the production team and their audience. It is fascinating to see The Chosen’s presence on social media because they are constantly responding to feedback from followers with kindness and passion for what they are doing, as well as documenting all the behind the scenes action. I learn so much about the trials and triumphs of TV show filming from their consistent video and photo updates. If you have an interest in behind the scenes work like I do, check them out!

Since the show was independently created, it also had a similar distribution plan. Their ingenuity continued to shine here by streaming the show on their own app (as well as the app of their Utah-based partners, VidAngel). Instead of charging for the price of a normal streaming service, each episode viewed is paid by those who feel so inclined to “pay it forward.” Appealing to and relying on the generosity of others is how the show came into being, so using that same tactic to fund the streaming site was a brilliant move.

Their ties with Utah doesn’t stop with VidAngel. Season two (and the upcoming seasons) received special permission from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be filmed at the Jerusalem set in Goshen, UT. The set is strictly reserved for church use, and many have tried and failed to get permission to film there. And yet, Jenkin’s team was successful, and this change of location really helps add to the immersive experience they strive to achieve. With so many people of different faiths working on this project together, I think it is wonderful that our state has been able to get involved in this innovatively collaborative piece.

From how it came to be, how it is being filmed, and how it is being shared, I think that “The Chosen” is trailblazing new possible paths for filmmakers (especially those religiously inclined) that I hope to see more of in the future. 

Context is Everything

The best word I could use to describe this show is organic. The background they use physically with the set and emotionally in the characterization creates a world in which these well known stories come about so naturally. It gives so much added context to the meaning of the parables and the meaningfulness of the miracles. You can’t help but identify with the characters’ personalities and journeys.

The way they started season two was so clever. They recapped season one through the context of James writing down the characters’ accounts a couple of years in the future. They all have a sort of sadness to them, foreshadowing a day when Jesus is no longer with them. This opening scene helps transition back into the present timeline where we left off with the last season of Jesus teaching to Samaritans.

The whole cast is fabulous, but Jonathan Roumie in particular as Jesus brings something incredible to the table. I did a small research paper on how people reacted to his portrayal which you can check out here. Nearly everyone found him to be very sincere, personable, and respectful.

All in all, that’s a good way to sum up all the characters. While there is humor and some casualness to make the show more real and relatable, it is done in a way that is still very respectful and solemn at all the right moments. Actually, it can pack quite an emotional punch at times.

For me, I binged the whole season in a week, watching one episode right after the other, and I really felt like I was spending the day with someone holy and real. I’m very religious, and this got me thinking of my beliefs at what seems to be a whole new level.

Just as a TV series without the religious context, it’s a great show. The characters and their stories are engaging. There’s more drama and higher stakes in this season which might make it more intriguing for nonreligious viewers. And the messages are so positive, uplifting and simply universal for whatever your religious views may be. I would highly recommend this show to anyone and everyone.

Parent’s Guide

Especially in season two, there are some serious topics touched on although nothing is ever explicit. You see characters in the depths of despair because of disabilities, demons, and the political tension with the Romans. This isn’t a Veggie Tales version of these stories, so parents may have to prepare their children for these struggles. Also, there is one episode (4) that shows men being crucified outside of Jerusalem as characters are passing by. This, again, gives context to the lives of these people, but a man’s hands are hammered in the distance and two others hang, blood dripping on their nearly bare bodies. It could be a little disturbing for young viewers.

The post Why we need to talk about The Chosen Season 2 appeared first on Utah.Film.

It is a beautiful, miniature town with olde timey shoppes and calendar-worthy views to fit the seasons. The crime-rate is low, the people pleasant, and on the off chance some minor discrepancy demands another set of ears, well, Sheriff Andy Griffith walks the streets alongside an eager Deputy Fife, ready to help at a moment’s notice.

Sarcasm? Sans the Andy Griffith bit, not really.

Wellsville is a picturesque place, determined to hold onto simpler times and small-town values. But as Robert Gehrke pointed out in a semi-recent Salt Lake Tribune article, the burg has a bit of a dark side — or at the very least, a wildly warped recollection of its own history.

Gehrke describes in no-really-click-the-link-and-read-his-article detail, an event that takes place during Wellsville City’s annual Founder’s Day Celebration known as the Sham Battle — a yearly reenactment depicting the details surrounding the Bear River Massacre.

To make sure they commemorate the horrific slice of history with the proper level of respect, Wellsville residents paint their bodies red, put on loin clothes or dollar-store quality Indian costumes, and play fight with non-painted white people.

To be clear, this is a moment in Wellsville history where settlers held Native American children by their ankles and smashed their heads open. Gehrke points out “as many as 500 Shoshone were wiped out, and historians now consider the Bear River Massacre the bloodiest Indian slaughter in American history.”

But local residents don’t have time to worry about the story behind the big dance. The Sham Battle is just one stop in a weekend full of parades, game booths and chili trucks. As soon as cap-gun smoke clears from the baseball field, residents mindlessly applaud and get back to having a good time.

In fact, I once asked a neighbor if he thought the city should discontinue the Sham Battle, or if he personally found the way it played out to be offensive. Before I could even finish my question, my neighbor was already shaking his head slowly from side-to-side.

“You’re over thinking this, Travis,” he interrupted. “The Sham Battle is just Cowboys and Indians.”

That’s it.

To him, that was all that needed to be said on the issue. Sure, his statement was just as racially insensitive as the event itself, but in some weird way, he summed up the entire divide in our country. Didn’t he?

This country has become one giant episode of “Frasier.” Martin Crane (John Mahoney) is telling Frasier (Kelsey Grammer), once again, that all of his problems come from overthinking things. Frasier retorts, as he always does, that a life without empathy and perspective is not worth living.

So, who is right?

Frasier, of course. I hope that wasn’t any sort of cliffhanger.

The Martin Cranes of this world are some of the best neighbors this country has to offer. But when neighbor Crane reaches for the red body paint, it’s Frasier’s responsibility to prevent the insanity.  Likewise, there are many, many times the Martin Cranes needs to reel in Frasier’s crazy.

But in this case, Martin has lost his mind, and below is a gallery to prove it.

Back when I was writing for KSL.com, I thought about shedding some light on the event, but it never felt totally appropriate to jump from movie critic to social commentator. Still, the issue bugged me enough that I did take my camera down to the baseball diamond the following year, just in case I ever tackled the article.

As it turned out, Gehrke covered the event far better than I would have, but I did still want to get these pictures up in case nostalgia ever makes people miss the original Sham Battle.

In one of the many “thank, God” moments of this whole weird story, Courtney Tanner of the SLTrib recently reported Wellsville will no longer paint white people red, which is very progressive of them. I’d recommend checking out her article if you’re wondering what the Sham Battle looks like today.

While you’re here however, take a look at the gallery below:

The post Wellsville’s ‘Sham Battle’ is as bad as Gehrke says –with pictures appeared first on Utah.Film.