I've seen a few 'religious' films over the years and for the most part I'm not a big fan. More often than not they're preachy to the extreme, appealing only to those who are already converted. But while the theology is clearly defined and upfront in Scott S. Anderson's The Best Two Years, as far as religiously themed movies go, it's very accessible to those, like myself, who live outside the target audience.

The Best Two Years follows four young Mormon missionaries bunking together in the Netherlands as they struggle to get the Book of Mormon out to the unconverted. Instead of preaching, the film focuses on the lives of the four men as they're all at various stages in their life journeys. For a couple it's largely superficial. They're there merely to compliment the backdrop of Elder Rogers (KC Clyde). He's nearing the end of his stint in Holland and seems ready to move on. Dumped by his girlfriend for his old roommate, Rogers is also going through a crisis of faith, wondering where he stands. When eager and slightly nerdy rookie missionary Elder Calhoun (Kirby Heyborne) comes along, he is able to breath a little life into Rogers and Elders van Pelt (Cameron Hopkin) and Johnson (David Nibley).

The Best Two Years might be a Mormon movie, but it's one that's open to everyone, at least until the closing few minutes where the theme lets itself become hammered home. Unlike a lot of religious films, The Best Two Years doesn't take itself too seriously either. The characters, although they have a faith, are not perfect. Rather, they're real people with real struggles. They're not holier than thou. This is important because it keeps the film on the same level as the viewer. Too many religiously minded movies don't do this but rather stuff morality down your throat. They say, "Look, this person is perfect because they saw the light." And when that happens, there's no way to relate. In making the Elders people with problems of universal truth, The Best Two Years comes alongside its audience and allows them to relate.

The film is an adaptation of Anderson's largely autobiographical stage play "The Best Two Years of My Life". This comes across quite clearly as the action is largely confined to fast dialogue and witty banter. Despite not a lot happening in the way of physical action, this dialogue flows and has the sound of actual talking instead of something superficial. On occasion it does drag on a little, but not too often that it's a glaring problem.

Still, there should be a reason that a play might want to expand onto film. This comes through in the locales. Shot on location, the blossoming tulips and antique architecture bring an exotic appeal to what's on screen. The authticity of the locations is something no amount of stage props and painted backdrops could portray.

The Best Two Years sets an example for future religious films. It's able to get its point and purpose across in a way that's both entertaining and doesn't alienate the broader audience.

©Movie Views; April 22, 2004