Another dismally predictable LDS comedy. Yet this is still better than "The Singles Ward" or "The RM" because this one actually looks and feels different, while most Halestorm movies are identical in look and style.It only took eighteen days to shoot this eye-rolling piece of junk. Quite frankly, the rushed production shows in the actors' moronic delivery, cheap attempts at improv, and the looks on their faces (one wonders, in fact, if the look on Carmine's face means get him out of Utah or get him out of the movie). This movie only preserves the idea that there could never be a good Mormon movie, because so far, there hasn't.And the clichés-- shudder shudder! Not only does the LDS church take a fearful beating, but every dreadful mob-movie pattern is also used past death, making this film offensive to Mormons, non-Mormons, and Italian-Americans! This movie is hideous and should really be avoided at all costs.

As one who was born and grew up in Salt Lake City (and a *former* mormon), I know my way around the mormon shtick. I received this movie as a Christmas gift and, against my better judgement, was pressured into actually watching it by my friends who were certain it would prove another fine entry in our "bad movie night" lineup. Sadly, they were all disappointed, and I was not surprised. Onward...The plot (such as it is) concerns a Jersey mobster who is being stepped over for promotion in the "organization". He then botches up a kidnapping, is caught, and enters the witness protection program after ratting out his boss to the law. He and his family (wife and son) are then shipped to Utah amongst the mormons."And then rampant hilarity ensues..." is probably what most people watching this film are expecting next. Rather, I sat in a perpetual state of boredom as one poorly formed gag followed another. Writer/ Director John Moyer presents his viewers with every tired and clichéd stereotype associated with mormons and non-mormons alike. He successfully manages to insult mormons, non- mormons, New Jerseyites, Italians, catholics, and especially Utahans in general. It's clear that was not his intent, as this is a "family film" but it is certainly how his movie comes across. Non- mormons are universally portrayed as little better than mannerless, valueless barbarians, fresh out of the cave. Perhaps worse, mormons are represented as a quaint folk, content in their (exaggerated) ignorance of the world at large. Personally I chalk it up to his dubious writing talent, and blatant lack of originality.However for all its faults, "Mobsters and Mormons" is not a propaganda film. Let that sink in for a minute. Moyer certainly makes it known what makes a mormon, and even goes so far as working LDS belief structures into the dialogue. (SMALL SPOILER FOLLOWS) But to his credit he steers clear of actually converting our mobster Jersey family to "the Church" and in the end, our Jersey family learns to appreciate LDS values while remaining happily catholic. So while he has created a movie with little plot, vapid characters, tired clichés, forced humor, and insulting stereotypes he does not go overboard on trying to bring his audience into the fold, and does show that tolerance and understanding are possible even between an ex-shyster and a mormon bishop. Kudos on that point; unfortunately this movie is distributed (essentially) by the LDS Church, and they make sure to package propaganda for other "mormon friendly" movies with this DVD. I feel better simply giving Moyer the benefit of the doubt on this one, since he probably had little say in the distribution details. I digress....I cannot recommend "Mobsters and Mormons" to anyone, even as family film filler. Besides setting the world's perception of Utah back several years, it just simply is not entertaining and that (ultimately) is what movies are about: entertainment. It offers absolutely nothing to the 10-and-under crowd, and teenagers would rather eat glass than watch a film this dull. Parents will be bored to tears with the inane story and poor humor. Not all is lost though; a relation of mine (78 years old) described it as, "a nice movie". Take that as you will.

I've seen this movie three times and can't wait for the DVD. I've seen John Moyer do stand up and I'll bet the commentary will be a riot. I would say this is the best movie he's done. . . yet. I expect they'll only continue to get better. The only problem I can foresee with the DVD would be my kids wearing it out and driving me nuts repeating dialogue. (Of course quoting Mobsters would bet the heck out of them quoting Ed, Edd and Eddy.)I think the best thing about this movie (other than the comedy) would be that it takes an outsiders view. The main complaint I've heard about Singles Ward and the R.M. is that they have too many inside jokes just for LDS members (or even "Utah Mormons.") Using a displaced mafioso as the main character allowed the movie to explain things to the audience without turning it into a missionary discussion. I think the other nice thing it did was to point out that we are all human and we all have flaws and thinking you are better than someone else for any reason is one of the biggest flaws we can have.and it did all this while making us laugh. . . and without any swearing or sex or violence (well, there was a paint-ball killing.)

This movie is great fun! The actors are great, the points for both Mormons and non-Mormons are great (and not preachy, except maybe to some uppity Mormons, who are given a great picture of themselves), and the story is just hilarious.I was glad to see some new actors in this one. Yeah, some of the same-old recycled typical Mo-actors were there, but there were some great new faces to enjoy, and not at all bad actors.My only complaint: the filming was WAYYYyyy uneven. In the beginning and sprinkled throughout some of the scenes seem to have been shot on a hand-held standard (i.e. not movie-quality) video camera, and it shows.Yeah, it's cheesy - but it's good clean fun. I gave it a 7 because it's definitely a good movie, family-safe, though not a great classic.