CA Steve Posted October 11, 2014 Author Posted October 11, 2014 I see a lot of criticism from members in the comments sections after the reviews about how the critics have misunderstood the purpose of the movie yet if I were attending a movie entitled "Meet the Jehovah Witnesses" I think I would be expecting to see something about what defined the people in the movie as Jehovah Witnesses. Maybe the problem is that the title is misleading? What is it about these particular members that defines them as "the Mormons" and is that brought out in the movie? If the people for whom the movie is intended are missing the point maybe the problem isn't the people. 2
mormonnewb Posted October 11, 2014 Posted October 11, 2014 All the proceeds - nothing even to pay for production costs - are going to the Red Cross. I don't think there is a we.I'll rephrase the proposition then:"Pay SOMEONE $10.50 and we'll change your misperceptions about us."Does that make it ANY more appealing?
The Nehor Posted October 11, 2014 Posted October 11, 2014 I suspect the Church will make the movie free in some format soon and that the limited theater run was to stir up a bit of publicity and perhaps even mild controversy to increase viewership later. That is why I would do it anyways.
Guest Posted October 11, 2014 Posted October 11, 2014 I wonder why they're calling them "The" Mormons, instead of "Some" Mormons.Are they special or extra peculiar or somethin?Nope...just a Movie that interviews and peeks into the lives of all 15,000, might need more than one intermission. Go figure
bluebell Posted October 11, 2014 Posted October 11, 2014 I suspect the Church will make the movie free in some format soon and that the limited theater run was to stir up a bit of publicity and perhaps even mild controversy to increase viewership later. That is why I would do it anyways. This is my thinking as well.
cinepro Posted October 11, 2014 Posted October 11, 2014 (edited) Several years ago, I was teaching an EQ lesson on "talents". I hadn't been in the ward long, so I asked a member of the Bishopric if he knew of any unusual talents some members of the ward had. He gave me a great list, including an older woman in RS who had been a competitive bodybuilder! She is doesn't look like a bodybuilder now, so I knew that would be a shock (I asked her beforehand if she would mind me mentioning it). So at the start of the lesson, I listed all the "talents" on the board ("Former competitive bodybuilder", "Jet Ski Racer", "Award winning Car Detailer and Restorer" etc.) and everyone tried to guess who it was. It was hilarious to see the shock on their faces when they found out that Sister So-and-So had been a drummer in a band in college and stuff like that. So in a way, I can see the theoretical appeal of a documentary about six "Mormons". But that doesn't mean it is well executed or marketed. I have no doubt I'll see it and enjoy it when the Church is carpet bombing the world with free DVDs next year (or they convince Netflix to carry it). But I suspect the Church never did even the simplest market research into finding out whether or not non-LDS wanted to "Meet the Mormons" in the first place, and if they did, what would they be interested in "meeting"? Based on some of the reviews, I suspect some people would have preferred to learn at least a little bit about the history and doctrines of the Church, and would have been happier seeing a condensed version of PBS documentary from a few years back. Edited October 11, 2014 by cinepro
Silhouette Posted October 11, 2014 Posted October 11, 2014 Yes, I was a bit disappointed to note that they didn't really touch on some of our most basic doctrine. I very much enjoyed it, but the theme throughout the movie seemed to me to focus on Jesus and Heavenly Father, without giving any real answers as to why we believe what we do about Them.
Tacenda Posted October 11, 2014 Posted October 11, 2014 (edited) Yes, I was a bit disappointed to note that they didn't really touch on some of our most basic doctrine. I very much enjoyed it, but the theme throughout the movie seemed to me to focus on Jesus and Heavenly Father, without giving any real answers as to why we believe what we do about Them.This is somewhat off topic, but recently I've heard some gossip that the overhaul of the Church History Museum will be geared more towards Jesus and Heavenly Father. When you said this it made me think of it. Which begs the question, how can it be a church history museum any longer? But gossip is gossip, not fact, I guess time will tell. But agree, it didn't delve into the Mormon church much, just individuals that are in the church. But that is what I'm gathering from the reviews, I've yet to see it. Edited October 11, 2014 by Tacenda
cinepro Posted October 11, 2014 Posted October 11, 2014 The MPAA has just reported that "Meet The Mormons" is the least pirated movie of all time.
The Nehor Posted October 11, 2014 Posted October 11, 2014 The MPAA has just reported that "Meet The Mormons" is the least pirated movie of all time. Wow, it even beat movies back in the 40s when piracy was borderline impossible? Impressive. 1
cinepro Posted October 11, 2014 Posted October 11, 2014 Wow, it even beat movies back in the 40s when piracy was borderline impossible? Impressive. Interestingly, one of the most "pirated" films of all time was Georges Méliès "A Trip to the Moon". When the film was exhibited in Europe (and was a sensation), men working for Thomas Edison bribed a London theater owner and duped his print of the movie. They then took it to America and exhibited it without paying Méliès. By the time Méliès brought the film to America, everyone had seen it! So piracy isn't a recent phenomenon.
omni Posted October 11, 2014 Posted October 11, 2014 Which begs the question, how can it be a church history museum any longer? We should be hearing from Scott in three...two...one...
Teancum Posted October 11, 2014 Posted October 11, 2014 Seems to me it is a long I am A Mormon add. Really it just focuses on the fact that there are many diverse members of the Church... So what? That is nice There are diverse members of most faiths. It focuses on how the Church helps these people. That is great. So do other faith traditions helps others. It really seems to me to be an odd advertising campaign. Do you know of any other religion that needs to do a full length propaganda piece? Meet the Catholics, Meet the Baptists, Meet the Muslims..... no such thing out there.
Teancum Posted October 11, 2014 Posted October 11, 2014 A couple of reviewers make mention of the fact that doctrines are not discussed:Gee, these folks seem to have missed the entire point: not trying to teach doctrines, or proselyte, but trying to get the message out: the Mormons aren't a bunch of weirdo freakazoids who hide inside of compounds.Most of the reviewers so far don't seem to realize that they (who believe they know everything about the Mormons -- judging from their hits of dark doctrines) might not be representative of the average person out there. And why is the Church needs to put out a two hour movie to try to convince the world that Mormons aren't a bunch of weirdo's? Hmmm? By the way this movie wants to portray all this wonderful diversity just like the Mormon add campaign. Yet the message of this last conference was follow the prophet and apostles, confirm and don't be diverse. Seems like bait and switch to me.
Teancum Posted October 11, 2014 Posted October 11, 2014 The MPAA has just reported that "Meet The Mormons" is the least pirated movie of all time. HA! No doubt!
Guest Posted October 11, 2014 Posted October 11, 2014 This is somewhat off topic, but recently I've heard some gossip that the overhaul of the Church History Museum will be geared more towards Jesus and Heavenly Father. When you said this it made me think of it. Which begs the question, how can it be a church history museum any longer? But gossip is gossip, not fact, I guess time will tell. But agree, it didn't delve into the Mormon church much, just individuals that are in the church. But that is what I'm gathering from the reviews, I've yet to see it.Oh, gossip says. *sigh*
Duncan Posted October 11, 2014 Posted October 11, 2014 And why is the Church needs to put out a two hour movie to try to convince the world that Mormons aren't a bunch of weirdo's? Hmmm? By the way this movie wants to portray all this wonderful diversity just like the Mormon add campaign. Yet the message of this last conference was follow the prophet and apostles, confirm and don't be diverse. Seems like bait and switch to me. well, that is one theme of one general conference but the next one might have a different theme. I doubt the makers of the movie saw in advance what the theme was, I don't see these two things as spinning off from each other but exclusive from each other
Guest Posted October 11, 2014 Posted October 11, 2014 I think that one of the undercurrents for the negative review is that it was released in theaters, instead of through NetFlix or just plain old YouTube. It does seem strange that the Church is saying, "Pay us $10.50 and we'll change your misperceptions about us."In that light, does it make sense for us to offer to "treat" our invitees to a free movie when we invite them (sans popcorn, of course)?The $10.50 is cheaper than building theaters all over America. How else would the Church do it...in time missionaries may just give them away, but for now the only way to get the information out.
CA Steve Posted October 11, 2014 Author Posted October 11, 2014 The $10.50 is cheaper than building theaters all over America. How else would the Church do it...in time missionaries may just give them away, but for now the only way to get the information out.Netflicks, Amazon and/or a free download from the Church website.
The Mean Farmer Posted October 11, 2014 Posted October 11, 2014 I saw the movie today. Had a non-member with us. She liked it. The 16 Stones movie looks creepy from the trailer. I wondered what the point of this film was until it started. They started in Time Square NY, NY and asked random questions to people about the Church. The incorrect sterotypes, and preconcieved incorrect notions were obvious from the start. In some ways the church has a PR problem. I am OK with them trying to address it in some fashion. Some of what people believe we are and what we believe are silly and/or nauseating. 1
Grundelwalken Posted October 12, 2014 Posted October 12, 2014 After the run in theaters, "Meet the Mormons" will become the feature film at the Joseph Smith Memorial building. After that I suspect it will be like all the other films and find its way to Distribution.
Duncan Posted October 12, 2014 Posted October 12, 2014 I hear you need 800 requests to get it in your local theatre but does anyone know if you actually need 800 requests? like where is that number coming from?
Calm Posted October 12, 2014 Posted October 12, 2014 (edited) Just in case this hasn't been linked:http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/meet-the-mormons-movie"Net proceeds from the film will be donated to charity.""The American Red Cross and LDS Church:A History of Serving TogetherIn the latest example in a long history of working together, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) will donate all net proceeds* from the theatrical release of Meet the Mormons to the American Red Cross.The Red Cross and the LDS Church have worked together to help people in need for nearly 100 years. During World War I, the Women’s Relief Society of the church joined with Red Cross as they participated in food production and conservation, fund drives, sanitation, child welfare work, and other service. The Relief Society also collaborated with the Red Cross in the early 1900’s when more than 10,000 Relief Society sisters completed Red Cross courses in home nursing, first aid, and nutrition.Since that time the Red Cross and LDS Charities (the humanitarian organization of the LDS Church) have worked together as they have responded to local, regional, national, and international disasters and emergencies. Over the past 30 years, the Red Cross and LDS Charities have worked together on more than 220 projects across the U.S., including vouchers to Deseret Industries thrift store locations for those in need, donations of clothing and hygiene kits, medical assistance for refugees, hospital equipment and training, a vaccination program and emergency response to earthquakes, fires, flooding, mudslides, cyclones, typhoons, internally displaced refugees, severe weather, tornados, and war.Approximately 200,000 individuals have benefitted from projects sponsored by LDS Charities with the partnership of The American Red Cross, with more than 85 percent of them getting help following an emergency. Almost $10 million has been invested by LDS Charities into projects in partnership with the Red Cross.* In addition, Church members time and again have rolled up their sleeves to make lifesaving blood donations to the Red Cross, which provides about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply. Both organizations look forward to future projects where they are able to again work together to relieve suffering. LDS Charities is pleased to donate all net proceeds* from the theatrical release of Meet The Mormons to the American Red Cross to assist in the great work that they do here in the United States and around the world.*Net proceeds means box office proceeds less distribution expenses."Request it here:http://meetthemormons.com/#/filter-all/page-1"Request the Film - Meet the MormonsBring Meet the Mormonsto Your CitySimply send us your contact information below and once we have enough people in your area, we will book a screening for you to attend." Edited October 12, 2014 by calmoriah 1
MorningStar Posted October 12, 2014 Posted October 12, 2014 I doubt I will go see it in the theater. We hardly go to the movies as it is.
Stargazer Posted October 12, 2014 Posted October 12, 2014 Is it really a representative sample of mormons if we do not include freakazoid survivalists in Idaho with their bomb shelters and stockpiled weapons? Of course it's a representative sample if we don't include an incredibly tiny minority. And what' a "stockpile" of weapons? I have about 10 sharp kitchen knives. These knives can kill, if wielded in particular ways. Counting everything that could be used as a weapon, I would have to say that we have probably a good hundred or so. Does this qualify as a "stockpile"?
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