Out of Step (2002) User Reviews

Don't get it wrong

[lollipop006 · 5/10 · 12 June 2005]

It is true there are a lot of negative things to be said about this film, but it was also very well done for what they had to work with. Yes, maybe some of the actors weren't the best and maybe it was a little corny, but aren't we all? Yes, the main character makes some very immoral decisions, but if anyone knew anything about any kind of plot it is that the purpose of conflicts like these are to see how the character resolves them. No one is perfect and this film shows how we can repent after a mistake. If anyone thinks the point of the film was to show how immoral this girl is, they are wrong. The message is what matters for this film.

Out of Step is Out of Place

[dingle96 · 1/10 · 7 April 2003]

I saw Out of Step with my family this weekend (mainly because I know the lead actress). All I can say is that this movie makes The Singles Ward look like Academy Award Winner material. The lines were so bad and full of cliches that I think someone in a high school TV Productions class could do better. The acting was pretty weak and the editing and cinematography was probably done by someone who has never taken a film class.

I hated this movie in so many ways. I want to scream just thinking about it. Please please if we must make movies about Mormon culture, let them at least be watchable.

Nice try and that's all...

[byupaintcrew · 4 September 2002]

We saw this film hoping that its technical problems would not be so noticable because the story would draw us in. We did not enjoy this movie at all. A few amusing moments, but nothing more. Some scenes, inparticular the scene with the mother and daughter in the kitchen were very poorly staged. It seemed like a bad rehearsal that was stuck into the movie. I'm sure it won't be so bad on video, but definitely not a movie to see on the big screen. Who wants to see a close up on a face that is over-lit and out of focus on a fifty foot screen? Ryan Little's efforts as the DP in The Singles Ward was much more rewarding. Mormon movies can be good, but this one wasn't.

if i wasn't Mormon, it would seem like a cult.

[koolestlozereva · 3/10 · 15 July 2007]

this movie has a relatively good story line. and yes, i am a Mormon so don't think i'm bashing the religion. but honestly, if i wasn't a Mormon i would think being Mormon is being in a cult. the fact that she doesn't stay with the guy she loves just because he isn't Mormon, and sorta goes with the guy she had no feelings for because he is Mormon is wrong. now, had they made the non-Mormon guy a jerk, or him start stuff about her religion, that would make more sense. the acting wasn't too great. the actors to me, seemed like they didn't want to be there. i thought this movie represented Mormonism completely wrong.

WE ARE NOT A CULT!

I am LDS and I hated this film. It really Stinks, A lot.

[mexibob1 · 1/10 · 16 September 2002]

There have been quite a few independent LDS films coming out. I was expecting another "God's Army." I was disappointed. It had terrible acting, it didn't flow well at all. And the dialogue made me want to throw up. The word "corny" barely begins to describe this movie. I took my 14 and 16 year old cousins to watch it. There were times I wanted to walk out with them. I thought some of the love scenes were very mature for them. The main character makes some very immoral decisions. And although the rest of the world might think it is alright., as an LDS viewer I thought it had no place. Please do not watch this movie unless you want to bored out of your mind.

This is an extended seminary video

[jalapenoman · 1/10 · 4 September 2005]

If you cheered for Tom Trails, you'll love this movie. If you cried with Like Unto Us, you'll love this movie. Yes, Mormons, this film is nothing more than a 90 minute extended seminary video disguised as a theatrical film. It is a morality play that teaches us the evils of dating non-Mormons and how much fun life at the institute can really be. While it is not as bad as The Home Teachers, it may be (along with Pride and Prejudice and The R.M.) in a fight for second place on the worst film in the LDS sub-genre. Don't waste your money on the DVD, even if you do want to support LDS cinema and films. Instead, spend your money on The Singles Ward or The Best Two Years.

Surprisingly Good LDS Film

[Chocolate_Swan · 8/10 · 2 May 2008]

Though I am LDS, I've grown wary of LDS cinema. The God's Army movies were outstanding, I enjoyed The Singles Ward, and even Charly was quite good in my opinion, but I'm constantly on my guard when watching a Mormon-made movie for cheesy sentiment and shameless propaganda of my religion. I got this movie at a store closing sale and figured I'd try it out, but was fully prepared for cheesy dialogue and preachiness. I was pleasantly surprised.

The movie is about a Mormon girl from Utah named Jenny (Alison Akin Clark) who lives for dance. She goes to New York University to pursue it but is turned down for the first scholarship she auditions for. She vows to work hard and get the scholarship next year. The first fellow Latter-Day Saint that she meets, a film student named Paul (Michael Buster), asks to make a documentary chronicling her progress, and they become friends, though Jenny clicks her tongue at his views on dating--"I'm not ready to grow up just yet," he explains, when he tells Jenny that his ambition is to date a girl from every one of the fifty states. Meanwhile, Jenny quickly becomes obsessed with local musician Dave (Jeremy Elliott), who is not LDS but is otherwise her dream man, and they begin dating. Jenny gradually loses interest in pursuing her dream of dancing and toys with the idea of giving everything up for Dave.

While watching this love triangle unfold I rolled my eyes, thinking Jenny would either (A) convert Dave and live happily ever after with him, gently letting Paul down and finding someone else for him, or (B) cheerfully realize she's in love with good little LDS Paul after all. But the movie surprises you. The relationships between Jenny/Paul and Jenny/Dave are both so well developed and lovingly portrayed that soon I realized any possible romantic outcome would be bittersweet and would be unexpected either way, for the movie favors neither relationship explicitly. While beautifully showing the sweet and easy friendship between Jenny and Paul, it also shows absolute empathy and understanding for anyone who has ever fallen in real love with someone outside their faith, and doesn't attempt to simplify or undermine the experience with a dismissive "The LDS person is always better for you, that's that." Instead, we get to consider the emotional complexities involved right along with Jenny, and no deus ex machina of "Dave was just waiting for someone like her to show him the gospel!" comes to the rescue.

For non-LDS viewers (though I suppose there are unlikely to be any), the movie is also refreshingly light on shoving our religion down the audience's throats. Non-LDS characters are positively and respectfully portrayed and the movie never once tries to convert them. One of my favorite scenes took place in Jenny's philosophy class, where the teacher challenges Jenny to prove the existence of God. Though Jenny is flustered at the question and can offer no better argument than what she feels in her heart, her non-member friend offers an assertive and insightful speech for the existence of God. I thought this was very refreshing to not make the LDS character the awe-inspiring one with all the conviction and answers, and this is coming from an LDS viewer, mind you.

All in all, I quite enjoyed this movie and was impressed with its overall emotional maturity. Non-LDS viewers may be unmoved, and so may LDS viewers for that matter, but personally I'd recommend it.

Great Movie!

[marvhagen · 9/10 · 9 July 2002]

There needs to be more movies like this one. We need to have positive experiences put to film which leave us with a sense of well being. The American public does not want a constant barrage of hardness. There should be an alternative. This movie is a refreshing change and one that I enjoyed very much.

Out of 701 People one "person" didn't like it!

[FosterBK-1 · 11 October 2002]

I saw "Out of Step" in a large theater with about 700 people. (Trolley Corners in SLC) From the reaction I was seeing, I can't believe everyone didn't like it. (They must have been the one or two people who posted the negative comments for their review) Even some of my closest LDS and non-LDS friends saw the movie, and they thought it was really good.especially the music in the film. Even the Salt Lake Tribune gave it 3 stars out of 4. (Not bad for the local non-LDS newspaper)

I guess if re-runs of "Leave it to Beaver" are your favorite "shows" to watch, then you better not go see this film.

I thought this movie could have had two titles. "Out of Step" or "I Almost Married a Mormon"

This movie has a great message for people of any religious of group. The only thing that stinks about this movie is that it's not out on DVD yet!

This is a must see!

[filmdawn · 10/10 · 13 June 2005]

Out of Step (2002) is a must see for anyone who is dating, going to school, or has kids! I loved this romantic comedy! I have taken my friend who was going through the decision of keeping or staying with her boyfriend and she was so thankful she saw the movie. She realized that she needed to outline her goals and desires. I gave another to a gentleman with teens. It was at a raffle. He was so impressed that he actually wrote a letter thanking me and enjoyed the movie and was excited to watch it with his daughters and friends. Truly and entertaining movie that will make you laugh, blush, and draw you in to think what you would do. Also inspiring to never give up your dreams and pursue your career. Loved the music!!! Especially the jazz dancing. Fun & upbeat! Any father or daughter will love the talk the Dad. He came across with great wisdom without being pushy. You could really tell he was her rock and support. With a rating of 3 stars, this movie should have gone public everywhere. I would have loved to see it nationwide. Hard to find. High price needs to be lowered but well worth it once you watch it.