Return with Honor: A Missionary Homecoming

Among films of its genre, this is a great film. While it's based on a Latter-day Saint theme, the religious touch is light and the basis thrust of the story is personal relationships and redemption. The script is very tight, the characters are well drawn, the dialog is sparse and direct, the cinematography is incredibly well-framed for a low-budget indie production. The supporting cast is extremely good and well-rounded.While many of the cast members don't have long resumes, you would guess they are veteran actors. I've seen a few of the more well-known Latter-day Saint productions, and some of them can be pretty cheesy in both acting and production values. This film has none of those qualities. Very much worth watching.

Of all the 'church films' I've seen, I give this my highest rating. The story and plot were great and the acting was very, very good, especially the main character, Row, and Corbin, the friend. I really liked the way it built, the editing, directing and, well, all of it which I don't want to give away so I'm not saying too much. If you liked States of Grace, you will like this one, too. MUCH better than Left Behind.

You will learn a lot about yourself and a lot about true love in this movie.

I have a friend who died during a tonsillectomy-however you spell it-and was brought back to life, and said amazing things about what 'God' said; which was a miracle in itself since he knew nothing about God, so all those people who don't like that part-sorry. It happens. He was told that his life wasn't finished. (He remembered every detail, even though he was given a drug to make him forget everything from the surgery.) The movie doesn't go into unnecessary ornamentation; it goes from point to point, and you have to pay attention. I went twice, I liked it so much, and it's the first time I've ever liked a film better the second time around.

I want everyone I know to see it, and I want to buy the DVD when it comes out.

I'm not a Mormon, and generally shy away from films with religious genres. But I watched, "Return With Honor" last night for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought it was well written, and crafted in such a way that kept me wanting to see what would happen next - and I was delighted by changing events that were inventive rather than cliché.

This is a warm, family appropriate film that has inspiring messages and a story line that keeps the viewer engaged through the final scene. By all accounts, Return with Honor has the production value of a film made for eight times it actual budget. And I'm sure with A-list talent, it would have received the attention it rightly deserves. Despite this, I found the performances convincing, and more than what I might normally expect from a low- budget, indie film I highly recommend it.

I was lucky enough to see this film at the Houston Worldfest Film Festival. The theme is powerful and universal and unfolds in a subtle, moving, thought-provoking way. I found myself thinking about Return With Honor and reflecting on it long after I left the theater. I particularly liked the way it allowed the audience to absorb the message through its believable, flawed characters and dialog that speaks TO the viewer not AT them. The audience, engaged from the beginning, sat mesmerized in silence by the end. After the screening, I spoke with the writer/ producer, Tracy Garner. His personal journey to write and produce this film was inspirational. I was impressed by the combination of his enthusiastic determination and genuine kindness. It is hard to believe he plays Scotty, the jerk, in the film. Great acting! Great writing! Great film! Not just one of the best independent films I have seen... one of the VERY best films I have EVER seen. Life changing.

I may be easily entertained, but I LOVE this movie! I am so tired of the stupid Mormon comedies; this is a breath of fresh air. Non-LDS folks probably would not appreciate the overall theme of this movie, but the story line in unique and engaging. In my opinion, the acting is what makes this such a great film. All of the actors are top-rate and seemed very real to me. The girlfriend/fiancé is a bit annoying and difficult to watch at times (not to mention how immodestly she dressed), but everyone else is true to life and enjoyable to watch. I bought this movie and have seen it twice now. Very impressed! Kudos to Tracy Garner who not only plays the jerky bar owner, but also wrote and produced this film. I hope to see more of his work in the future.