Return with Honor: A Missionary Homecoming

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.

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.

Sure it is not the best missionary movie, but it is the most real when missionaries come back from their mission and this happens. Sure it is understandable that they would push the envelope a little more. It is well made and is great to watch over and over again. I especially love the song in it!

There have been people who have said that this movie is no good, but I tend to differ from the norm. It brought a new side into the RM and it is was really entertaining. There are many things that I love about the movie and one of the best parts is the end. Not that it ends, that is where I found to be the most shocked!! Read full review at http://mormonflix.com/return-with-honor/

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.

With a slow choppy beginning, "Return with Honor" tries to resurrect its poorly directed story path by slipping in a few amusing moments. Javen Tanner meager mellow dramatic acting job is luckily drowned out by the film's phenomenal supporting cast. Tayva Patch delivers a marvelous performance as the Return Missionary's bewildered Mother trying to find her way after a life of wrong turns. Raymond Zeiters, plays Javen's voice of reason best friend who steals the show with an honest performance. Tracy Garner (also the film's writer/producer) adds to the great supporting cast as the obnoxious Bar Owner. All in all, "RWH finally finds its path with an okay twist of faith ending. I'm not big on Mormon exploitation films, but if you like film about the LDS faith you'll probable gobble this one down and ask for seconds.