Saturday's Warrior (2016) User Reviews

original was better

[GeeBeav · 6/10 · 7 July 2016]

It must be a technical challenge to get it right, but the bad dubbing/lip- syncing made this movie uncomfortable. I wanted to like it, but that soon changed to wanting to pull my eye balls out (and just listen.) That is why the original was better.

I cannot figure out why other posters liked the performance of Jimmy/Kenny Holland. I thought he was awkward and flat. On the other hand, Julie/Monica Moore Smith was poised and engaging!

The new plot was great and the acting good overall. It is still a little goofy which is OK. The emotions of the story are real and save this film. Go see it but just brace yourself against the technical issues.

Great Remake of the Classic but...

[hrc-25575 · 7/10 · 18 February 2017]

I loved the original stage play and thought the original VHS video paled in comparison to the live performance with some pretty cheesy acting and weak jokes. The music of course is great. This latest remake could have been a total 10 if they had used all but one of the deleted scenes, instead of the ones they used in the DVD. Most of the deleted scenes were better than what was in the movie except one. With one exception, I'd pay extra for a revised version of this video using the deleted scenes instead. The extend heaven clip was far better and filled in a lot of gaps in the story. The "Paper in my hand" song was far closer to the original record, far more moving and heart felt than the modified production that ended up in the DVD and even the first VHS movie. All the deleted scenes were better except the cameo clip with Governor Gary Herbert. That was so bad it should have been deleted from the deleted scenes. This DVD movie seems to struggle with the flow at the beginning but gathers steam as the movie goes on. The acting kept improving, not sure why but we all noticed it and came to the same conclusion. I really enjoyed the movie in spite of the choices made in editing the final cut. If they had included the full deleted clips I would just make my own cut and have a 10 rated movie instead of barely a 7. I do like the show just feel the had some great shots that they replaced with lesser takes. It's really not that hard these days to put out a DVD that offers the viewer options to watch alternate cuts of a movie. I wish they would have had some screenings of some of these cuts to get audience feed back on what people think sounds better. I mean no disrespect to the producers as this is far better than what came out on VHS years ago. But I also can't help but wonder if I'm alone in this opinion? I would welcome other who have watched the deleted scenes and have opinions. Please respond, I truly felt a stronger spirit watching the delete scenes after the fact than in the show. I really would like to hear from others to know if I'm alone in that opinion.

In making a dated period remake, that tried to mimicked real life in the first movie, it puts you totally out of today's market. Today should be the target audience of this message not hippies and pop rock. My grand kids all walked out within the first ten minutes of the show. The original kept my older kids interest because it was relevant to their lives. This new show is a great a bit of nostalgia to me and the adult kids. But your not reaching out to the next generation at all. The whole production could have been updated with a possibly redo some of the lyrics to be relevant to today's spiritually dying generation of children. I was moved by the movie but the youngsters really don't. They have no clue what hippie are nor do they care. Take a survey on who your real audience should be next time so you can make a difference to the next generation. "Does anybody out there really care." To quote those sad Saturdays Warrior lyric's. Do the homework next time brother Lex, you put a lot of effort into making nothing more than a nostalgia update for us old folks. Call in T.C. Christensen and get a few pointers on how to produce really great movies. Yes, I loved 2016 Warrior, I just wish it mattered more and didn't have so many glaring technical issues.

Amazing story, serious technical issues

[brennantolmanmedia · 4/10 · 11 April 2016]

The storyline of this film was so much better than the original. I loved the depth and back story given to Jimmy, Pam and Todd. The music was fantastic, and was very enjoyable to listen to.

That being said, the movie suffered from serious technical errors that made it hard to watch until you were finally used to them (aka the last 30 minutes of the movie). To name a few, the dubbing was terrible, the entire film appeared as if it was shot hand-held, and the angles of the actors/actresses faces were not flattering in the least bit (tons of double chins). There was no headroom and the closeups of the actors were WAY TOO CLOSE UP, making the audience feel like they had to run to the back of the theater to get away.

There were certain dialogue scenes in which there were many sudden cuts that were confusing. Certain actors didn't read their lines well or act their parts well at all, making some scenes very uncomfortable.

As bad as some of the technical aspects were, the music was great and the message was greater. If the technical errors were fixed before this movie was released on DVD, I easily could see this film being bought by many LDS families all over the nation.

Saturday's Warrior Breathes New Life into Cultural Phenomenon

[aleahingram · 10/10 · 2 April 2016]

"Look again folks. There may be more to this life than just what you see."

For Lex de Azevedo, the co-writer of the original Saturday's Warrior and executive producer behind the new film version, this is the message he hopes audiences walk away with.

But for audiences debating whether they should even walk into the theater, there's one thing you need to know: there is more to this movie than what you think.

Saturday's Warrior, a surprisingly resonant story of a 1970s family striving and struggling to find the meaning of their existence, is a film that breathes new life into a cultural phenomenon. Originally performed as a musical stage play and then filmed in 1989, the story of Saturday's Warrior is hallowed ground for many and a strange, schmaltzy experience for others. From the very beginning, it was clear the filmmakers had to find a way to stay true to the magic and the spirit of its previous incarnations while relating the story to modern movie-goers.

Find a way they did. Taking a risk by setting the film in the 1970s, director Michael Buster chose to focus on making the characters as authentic and real as possible rather than trying to re-work the plot into 2016. The decision was controversial, but it paid off in a big way. Characters are given deeper back stories, the motivation behind major decisions is made clear, and it is especially important to note the female characters were fully developed and realized. This is evident with the character of Pam Flinders, played beautifully by Anna Daines, who is turned from a character of one- dimensional faith and optimism to a young woman who seeks her faith amidst the painful refiner's fire.

Viewers will likely find themselves relating to the situations and emotions of the Flinders family in a way they never have before. It wouldn't be surprising to see teens and young adults coming out of theaters and feeling like they just saw some of their own experiences on screen. Questioning your faith, struggling with a debilitating illness, facing controversial issues, living through family discord, worrying over financial troubles, searching for someone to love…Saturday's Warrior proves the true questions and struggles of humanity, and their answers, transcend any time period.

This is an especially impressive feat when you consider this was the first major film for a majority of the young actors starring in the film. Perhaps the biggest surprise and delight comes from Kenny Holland, who headlines the film as the prodigal son Jimmy Flinders. The teenager, at first glance, seems like your typical modern-day social media star. However, Holland's devotion to understanding and portraying Jimmy's struggle is clear in every scene and the power of his voice drives home Jimmy's most wrenching songs.

Other standouts include Mason Davis and Monica Moore Smith as the star-crossed lovers Tod and Julie, along with an unexpected power couple Brian and Alison Clark as the leaders of the Flinders clan.

Now, Saturday's Warrior wouldn't be anything without its musical numbers. The film made quite some big changes, adding three new songs and completely cutting others. These changes will likely be welcome to audiences; the changes and additions removed the corny factor and amped up the drama and rock star quality of Jimmy's life.

An especially good addition was the song "There's Got to Be More," which features Tod's character and cameos from the popular LDS duo The Piano Guys. Fans of the original soundtrack will be glad to know that some of the songs that were only partially shown in the film were recorded in full for the CD soundtrack.

With all of the changes that were made, some story lines seemed to be given more time and attention than others. The most notable example is the use of Clinton Pulver and Morgan Gunter as Elders Wally Kestler and Harold Greene. The two actors steal every scene they're in and bring the majority of the smart and snappy humor to film, but it never feels like their storyline ever connects to the larger arch of the Flinders family. It especially makes the scene at the end of the film between Julie and Tod a little less powerful when you don't ever feel Julie and Wally ever had a real relationship.

Overall, Saturday's Warrior takes ownership of its past and steps unapologetically into the present day with a vibrant, carefully- crafted offering. It may not win over its die-hard detractors, but anyone willing to look past their preconceived notions of what Saturday's Warrior is will likely see something more…something better.

-Aleah from LDS Daily

Flinders family values

[bkoganbing · 4/10 · 22 January 2017]

Some of the best musical talent the LDS church has to offer went into this remake of Saturday's Warrior about a Mormon kid who goes rock star for a bit and then returns to the home and hearth of his Mormon family.

I'm afraid however this will not be any kind of evangelizing tool for the church. That pre-birth prologue where you see the 7 kids before being born into the Flinders family is all quite rational with one brought up in that belief system. But it's unintelligible to a Gentile like myself. Ditto for one of the Flinders who has fallen in love with pre-birth version of her intended and no doubt the powers above say there's an intended for all of us.

The music is nice and the 70s fashions are a bit of nostalgia. But strictly for LDS audiences.

See this movie!

[jonny-67918 · 10/10 · 13 May 2016]

I went to see this movie last night not having seen the original production. If the original was anywhere near as enjoyable as this version I am sad that I have been missing out. Kenny Holland is truly a great up and coming actor that will surely be a star. The piano solo during the end credits was so moving and passionate. This movie made me laugh with some very well timed and placed comical scenes and it made me cry more than once (don't tell my wife). Nothing but possative things to say about this great production and I look forward to seeing Kenny rise into more outstanding roles through his career. The entire cast really have out done themselves with a great story for all to enjoy.

I tried but I can't say enough bad about it.

[Stewball · 1/10 · 14 May 2016]

A Christian ambush piece that nobody's gonna see but other evangelical Christians--well almost nobody. I stuck it out for 30 minutes but I couldn't keep my jaw closed, so I bolted. The "actors" must have gone to some retro golden age of 30's era faux overacting school. Yes, "freedom is knowing who you are", but what does that have to do with this? Just the opposite. No way this is a 7.9 without ballot stuffing. Oh, and the music is probably why so many people think of heaven as hell. 0/10 The bot is telling me I don't have enough lines but what can you say when if you say anything more it would be like piling on. When the horse lies dead in the street, how shall the oats pass through for the sparrows. Keep kicking it I guess. There.

Great Movie and Beautiful Music!

[rita_bybee · 9/10 · 20 May 2016]

Even with the technical errors seen on the music dubbing and some minor overacting in places, this was a heartwarming, funny, emotional, entertaining movie with a great positive story line that makes you feel good at the end! The music was absolutely beautiful and done so well with such talented actors and actresses. Overall, it was very worth seeing, and I would definitely see again. In fact, next time will be with my family members. These are the kinds of movies that leave you feeling so good, and we need more of them these days. The original stage version from many years ago was good, but this screen version was an added enjoyment. I was very pleased.

Awesome!

[azcaptainsuburbia · 10/10 · 13 May 2016]

I watched Saturdays Warrior for the first time last night. Kenny Holland was outstanding in his acting and singing performance. This film actually made me laugh, cry, and feel so many other emotions. The entire cast did a great job and I will definitely see this movie again. My wife and kids also loved this film and want to see it again as soon as possible. Thank you to the entire cast and crew for making my family movie night a wonderful experience that my kids will cherish and remember throughout their lives. I hope that more people get to experience and share how wonderful this production of Saturdays Warrior really is. I realize this is an LDS based film but even non LDS viewers will enjoy what this film has to offer. Please share this movie with anyone you care about so the story can be told and told the right way.

The ultimate feel-good, have-faith movie

[aloflinanaya · 10/10 · 27 September 2016]

I grew up listening to this music, but the original so-called movie that was a play was a huge disappointment. I was very excited when I heard they were remaking Saturday's Warrior. And the producers, director, and actors did a great job with this one.

My family had the opportunity to see it opening night and went again a few weeks later. I don't think there has ever been a movie in my life I had any interest in seeing in the theater twice before this one! I laughed, I cried, but mostly I was completely uplifted by this story of a family going through the struggles that a family goes through. I've been thrilled with the recent releases of movies that don't mock faith, but show its real power in the lives of people. There is nothing objectionable in this movie. I loved it. My children loved it. Admittedly I connect more with the parents now than I did as a teenager, but I think this is a great movie.

Of course, if you are not a person of faith, you will I'm sure find plenty to complain about and make fun of, but that says more about your faith than it does about this fun and powerful movie.

Good message

[williamalantz · 8/10 · 6 May 2019]

The movie has a good message for any Christian out there. Good music as well. There are some issues with over acting and the dubbing over the music, but besides that it's a good movie

Loved it

[kejaimaging · 10/10 · 13 May 2016]

My family and I loved this move so much. Kenny Holland did such a great job acting there is no way anyone know this was his first film. I see him becoming a great actor and a great singer and I hope he keeps on the right path during his journey to greatness. The entire cast of this film did a fantastic job telling such a beloved story. This film was filled with so much heart and emotion that it kept you drawn in and wanting more. I would recommend this film to anyone that wants to see a family friendly movie that supports good values as it tells a story that grips your heart. Congtatulations to the cast and crew for a job well done.