Saturday's Warrior (1989 Video) User Reviews

Lots of sentimental value, not much else

[emilykrycek-1 · 5/10 · 13 August 2009]

People who aren't members of the LDS church will most likely not like this movie. People who are members of the LDS will quite possibly not like this movie either. In fact, the only people I know who do like this movie (and this includes me) are those who grew up watching it on Sunday afternoons and for whom it triggers a trip down memory lane and possibly some enthusiastic sing-alongs.

For those who didn't grow up on this movie, Saturday's Warrior has little to offer: mediocre acting, low production values, and a somewhat skewed view of LDS doctrine. (I know I'm not the only LDS girl who spent a lot of early childhood thinking, because of this movie, that someday I would meet the man I was supposed to marry and promptly receive divine affirmation that we had known each other in the pre-existence. That, however, is what we call "false doctrine.") The movie does have a few things going for it, however, including a sincere (if cornily delivered) message about the importance of family and of the choices we make, and some surprisingly catchy and/or compelling musical numbers with strong vocal performances.

The bottom line: if you're LDS, it might be worth a viewing, just to see what everyone's talking about—but take it with a grain of salt. If you're not LDS . . . maybe a whole salt lick? But whoever you are, if you do watch it, invite me over so I can sing along.

mormon sentimental schlock at its finest

[jazzapostle · 4/10 · 22 December 2003]

This movie should be called "plan 9 from joseph smith." i think its weirdness is underappreciated. the playwright seems to have read paul ehrlich's "the population bomb (1968)," and crafted a musical response made especially for mormons. the whole point of the play is that having as many children as you can is part of "heavenly father's" (god's) plan. and anything that stands in the way of having more babies is very bad. get it?

This version was filmed in 1989, which is confusing. it's utah, so it looks and feels like 1983, the play was actually written in 1973, and of course, the theology is part 1840's, part battlestar galactica. some of the action takes place on earth and some in the "pre-existence, an aimless romper-room where annoying kids wait to get their bodies so they can come down try not to slam the door on the missionaries, losing their shot at celestial glory.

it is as stagey as they come, but don't let the poor theatrics spoil your appreciation for this demented mormon universe where the 'cool kids' are all into population control, (presumably) counseling their parents not to have any more children!! having big families was, at the time the play was written, the cultural norm in the lds community, and more importantly, considered part of God's plan. the church has since done a 180, and have made family planning a choice of the parents, and large families are much less the cultural norm now. making the entire doctrinal premise of the movie for a modern-day mormon moot!

ahhh but it's really only as good as the music. there are some catchy tunes here that just won't let this movie die the 1970's death it was pre-destined for. the brother and sister sing some love songs to each other that make you wonder if maybe something else was going on there --wink. and the tough, cool kids make new kids on the block look like metallica. so cheers to all that! gather the family around, make some jell-o shooters and enjoy the show!

chessefest

[cbishop-68814 · 6/10 · 18 December 2019]

Thi smight be the cheesiest movie in the history of ever.

Enjoyable bit of retro for LDS church members, probably not for non-members

[malon-delta1 · 7/10 · 9 May 2006]

This is a fun movie with a good score. The 1989 hair/clothes/etc. are fun to see for those of us who actually went to high school in the 80's. The themes/plots of this story are very specific to LDS theology, and probably wouldn't be appreciated by those outside the faith, as review by "jazzapostle" indicates. Jazzapostle had a hard time differentiating between the movie and LDS theology, and would probably be better off intelligently criticizing movies instead offensively criticizing other people's religions. It would also be helpful, if commenting on other people's beliefs, to get their facts straight. Thanks!

One of my musical favorites...

[magic_flute18 · 10/10 · 24 August 2004]

As somebody who grew up watching this movie, knows practically every song and can pretty much act out the entire script, this might be a bit biased, but please bear with me. The movie is about family above all. A brother promises his sister before he is born that he will make sure that she is born into their to-be large family. But when he's born, the veil is pulled over his mind and he forgets. The movie follows many subplots involving the other kids in the family as well as the parents and some of the kids' friends. But the main focus is on the older brother as he strays from the beliefs of his family and how he finds his way in life. True, the movie plays out like a community theatre project, but that doesn't make the film any less than any high-budget blockbusters out there.

It's a good family movie, and has many opportunities for children to ask their parents about some of the topics involved: religious beliefs, family problems that the characters are faced with, peer pressure, and romantic relationships, to name a few. You may love it (like me), you might hate it, you may or may not agree with everything, but at least give it a try.

I found this to be very interesting.

[ctr-831 · 27 October 2007]

This video has an uplifting message which helped me to feel a greater Closeness to my family, plus the peaceful reassurance that there is someone who cares; so very much about us - which words cannot portray adequately enough. Though with the understanding of that simple sweet truth, it reminds us to endeavor; by always striving to - fill the void in the lives of the many heartbroken people that we come into close contact with everyday - and not, to just let these opportunity pass us by. This movie 'Saturday's Warrior' is great and that is how it touched me... I recommend it to anyone and everyone. Good for viewers of all ages. I gave this theatrical, musical a 10/10.

Not as good as the stage play, but still fun

[jalapenoman · 7/10 · 4 September 2005]

I'll admit first of all that I loved the play. I saw it twice with different casts (one was the original). I had the soundtrack and played it all of the time when I was a Mormon missionary in the 80's. I still remember the words to all of the songs.

I caught the video of this the first time a few years back on the BYUTV channel and was hooked again. Yes, the acting has problems at times. Yes, I only give it a seven (because the original stage play was a ten and the second touring company was an 8). Yes, the special effects are kind of hokey. It does, however, have the ability to reel you in and make you care about the characters.

My son loves this video and sings along with all of the songs. He loves Kessler and Green.

I recommend this as a good FHE flick. Avoid, however, Starchild. It was the sequel that did not transfer well to video and has real sound problems.

A story about earth life and the troubles that high school kids have to deal with.

[brittner_brattny · 10/10 · 30 November 2006]

I loved this movie, I still love this movie! This movie came out the year I was born, so it is kinda old. But it has a great story and a great moral. Dirty scumbags should not watch it, I don't think they'd enjoy it. I wish I could find out what happened to some of the actors to see what they're doing now! If you don't like this movie, there must be something wrong with you. It has drama, comedy, and cute people. The actors do a great job for such small film. I would really love to see a remake of this movie, possibly with some of the original cast. I would recommend this movie for family night or even just for a night in. This movie is great for people of all ages.

Fun for all the kids, and a refreshing change from regular TV !

[runnerever · 7/10 · 29 April 2006]

My kids definitely don't consider this their favorite movie, but they do enjoy watching it. It has always sparked in them the desire to think and dream of what more there is to this life than just getting up, going to work and then going to bed.

It has sparked some very good questions about religious issues and the meaning of the title.

I'm surprised how much they know just from watching this movie.

I'd say that this movie has some good songs, but a few are downright boring. I own the CD too and I burned only the good songs to a CD for my daughters because they couldn't stand the others.

My final comment is that if you are tired of your kids hearing about E.D., sex, herpes, sex, erections, sex, STDs, sex, Cialis, sex, sex, and sex during commercials and TV shows, this is a great movie regardless of your religion. I mean, I even have to mute the commercials in the middle of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition because I don't want my kids hearing, "If you have an erection for longer than 4 hrs. . . ". It seems that nobody stands up for decency any more. We just sit by cowardly and act as if it's no big deal.

A story about LDS Beliefs and life

[NineLivesBurra · 8/10 · 7 January 2007]

I've seen this movie numerous times over the years and own the DVD.

It shows the LDS beliefs in simplistic way which can be easier for some people as it can be so very different to traditional faiths. The idea of being a family from the pre-existence through to the after-life is so appealing and is shown beautifully in this movie.

Also the idea that even though we have flaws in our characters, family life is so important and family can help us through anything.

It shows that love conquers all things and even if we choose to go our own way, Our family will still want us back.

This might be idealistic but it seems such a wonderful way to live.

Yes, it's a little outdated in costume etc but it's more than 20 years on from it's conception. The story it tells is ageless.

Shows one boy facing things most people empathize with and over coming it.

[Whedonsgirl · 10/10 · 2 May 2006]

I've watched this movie since I was little and I love it. The main character Jimmy faces problems lots of us face today. He is struggling to know who he is and where he belongs. He hangs with his "cool" friends who make fun of his big family and are just a really bad influence.Hes to the point where he is losing his faith and feeling lost. But his family never gives up on him. They love him and want him to be happy. The songs are very meaningful and touch right to the heart. this movie will make you laugh and cry and then laugh again. Its not just for mormons, anyone who believes in God would appreciate this movie.

This movie does an excellent job of bringing the stage play to film.

[alinda98418 · 9/10 · 5 January 2013]

I first saw Saturday's Warrior as stage play back in the late 1970s. A friend of mine was performing in a local production of the play that her church was putting on, so I went to see it. It helped me to understand a little more about the LDS culture and gave me my first real introduction into the church. Even though, at the time, I was not yet involved with the Mormon church, I thoroughly enjoyed the play. The script was thought provoking, the music was fun, and I left the auditorium with a warm feeling that stayed with me.

This movie does an excellent job of bringing that play to film. Rather than put it in a "real world" type setting, they filmed the movie on a minimalistic stage-play type set. This isn't just a camera placed in front of people performing the play though. The filming is done in true multi-camera movie style. Only the set is minimal and stage-play like, and I feel that the presentation is all the more effective because of it.

While the Saturday's Warriors movie will never win any awards for special effects, it is a well produced film that my family continues to pull out every few months and enjoy.

Not Great, But Not Bad

[fifthhorseman_01 · 27 November 2004]

While I can admit that this movie wouldn't appeal to many people outside the Latter-Day Saint community, I still feel it's a decent movie to watch...especially for children that are born and raised LDS. The plot can't be reduced to something simple--on the surface, it's the story of a family and some of their acquaintances before, during, and after mortal life. But the most important part, in my opinion, is the subtext--how do we really know what's the truth, or is what our parents/church have been telling us since we were small really the truth? Jimmy's struggles with that are what many people--no matter what religion--go through at some point in their life, and the movie does a good job at showing that internal battle. As I said, it's not the greatest movie in the world, but it does a good job where it counts.

A classic

[amulekii · 8/10 · 6 July 2006]

This play, like Barney, is one of those things that lots of people liked, but few will admit to having liked. It's truly a classic, and is a must-see for anyone interested in Mormon cinema, Mormon culture, or Mormon history. It's also such a part of Mormon lore that that it's kind of part of the basic curriculum of Mormon culture.

Aside from its historical value. It's really much better than most people will admit. Although the plot isn't very interesting, the songs are so fun that they make up for it. All the songs are really catchy (they're by Lex De Azevedo). And though there are doctrinally dubious aspects, it's got a lot of good, wholesome teachings.

So the songs are a 10/10, plot is 4/10, wholesome message is 9/10, and importance to Mormon culture is 9/10

Nice songs, kind of a corny plot

[rick7475 · 12 October 2003]

This is a stage play that was video taped!

It takes a few liberties with Mormon beliefs and pokes fun at Mormon culture in a light-hearted way. Basically it is about a Mormon family and the issue of Mormon pre-existance, large families, and over-population. Some of the songs are nice, but Lex de Azevedo is a well known composer of LDS songs and usually does a good job.

This was fairly big in Utah in 1989-90. Erik Hickenlooper (who plays Jimmy)was a minor celebrity for a while.

If you're not Mormon, you probably won't enjoy it. And even if you are Mormon, you may find the plot a little corny. At BYU or in Utah it may be appreciated. I enjoyed some of the songs, and the parts about the Mormon missionaries.

But if you're looking for a story on Mormon missionaries or a little of the culture, rent "God's Army" or "The Other Side of Heaven" instead.

Mormon films are starting to make inroads, especially Richard Dutcher's stuff. But this one is really just a Mormon Ward play made into a video.

When I first saw it in Utah in 1989, I liked it, because I was part of the culture there, so I gave it a 7/10. But having been removed from Utah culture for a number of years, and looking back, I would give it a 5/10, because some of the song are still nice.