The Book of Mormon Movie Volume 1: the Journey

It wasn't that Director/Producer/Writer Gary Rogers dream of bringing the Book of Mormon to life after being inspired nearly 50 years ago by the biblical epic "The Ten Commandments" was wayward or in any way ill advised. The problem, which becomes immediately apparent while viewing the realization of his dream "The Book of Mormon Movie Volume 1: The Journey," is that Rogers underestimated the challenge of making a movie based on scripture that would equal the spectacle and grandeur of Cecil B. DeMille's stunning masterpiece that has endured the generations.

The "Ten Commandments" made back in 1956 was DeMille's crowning achievement which he produced at the twilight of his career after years in Hollywood where among other things he developed a reputation as a master showman whose works won Oscars and were highly successful. "The Ten Commandments" was made for the unheavenly sum of over 13 million dollars, included a cast of over 14,000, and starred actors, most notably Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner who would become legendary superstars. DeMille went to fanatical great lengths to build stunning sets and use the latest technology (the still impressive parting of the Red Sea scene) to breathtaking effect. Though the budget seemed absurd at the time, the film went on to become the biggest grossing movie for decades.

Contrast this with neophtye Mr. Rogers' overly modest interpretation of the Book of Mormon. On a shoestring budget of $2 million dollars the production looks amateurish in every detail from the inauthentic costumes to the sparse sets to the camera work that rarely reveals anything other than close-ups. Some of the technology, most notably in the "Lehi's vision" sequence looks patterned after a Rod Serling "Twilight Zone" complete with black background and heavy fog.

Lest anyone feel these comparisons are off base, consider that both canons of scripture that form the source material are considered sacred by their faithful devotees and are the two most widely read books in the Christian litany.

The lead actors in "The Book of Mormon..' do admirable with the unimaginative, and excessively literal script they are given. Most notably Noah Danby as Nephi, a non-Mormon who looks every bit the part, veteran actor Bryce Chamberlain who does a very credible Lehi as does local actress Jan Broberg Felt as his wife Sariah.

The majority of the cast, looks, too, well, "Mormon." The dyed hair and dark make-up can't hide their lack of credible ethnicity. Most distracting of all is the lack of creativity applied to the sumptuous story lines already available in the Book of Mormon.

Though replete with plenty of passages the could provoke exhilarating action scenes, "The Book of Mormon Movie.." is practically devoid of suspense. Witness the moment when Laman escapes from Laban's house after an unsuccessful attempt to retrieve the plates of brass. Instead of a thrilling chase scene, (Think "Aladdin or "Indiana Jones") the sequence shows Laman hiding behind a small wall while the soldiers run off in a different direction.

"The Book of Mormon Movie Volume 1: The Journey" begins with a disclaimer that some creative license was taken in the production. That's where the movie suffers most. Audiences will forgive lots of liberties, even with sacred texts, if the films are exciting and imaginative.

The 12 million faithful who consider the Book of Mormon the word of God deserve an epic depiction of their revered scripture. It might require 200 million to do it justice. Have any missionaries in New Zealand knocked on director Peter Jackson's door recently? He should be free now that his "Lord of the Rings" trilogy is wrapped.

Mad About Movies grade: 1 and 1/2 star Rated PG

Copyright © The Spectrum-A Gannett Newspaper