Mormon Evangelism Explored In ‘Army’

Who among us hasn’t endured at least one embarrassing moment when the doorbell rings, you answer it and encounter someone standing there, religious tract in hand, ready to engage in some good old proselytizing?

Now, answer this: Who among us hasn’t wondered just who these people are?

Richard Dutcher’s small-budget film “God’s Army” attempts to provide an answer to that second question. Filmed in Los Angeles, “God’s Army” takes us into the world of Mormon evangelism.

Right away, those of you who have read this far are assuming you know what kind of film Dutcher has made. Some will think it’s a criticism. Others will think it’s a whitewash.

Still others will be convinced that, because it deals with religion, it simply can’t be interesting.

All of you would be wrong.

The film, written, produced and directed by Dutcher, tells the story of a young, Kansas-born church elder, Brandon Allen (Matthew Brown), who brings a soul full of trepidation with him as he arrives in Los Angeles to complete his first mission.

He’s told more than once, “You’re not in Kansas anymore,” which is apparent from the start. While Brandon’s eyes are wowed by the grand sights of the Hollywood sign, Sunset Boulevard and Grauman’s Theatre, they’re afflicted by the drug dealers, the prostitutes and other images hard to take by someone already burdened by his own trunkload of troubles.

After his demanding church companion, 29-year-old Elder Mark “Pops” Dalton (filmmaker Dutcher), convinces him not to take off the first night, Brandon decides to remain. That moment begins his religious education.

“God’s Army” is not about the grand and glorious conversion that Brandon ultimately goes through. Instead, it’s about the doubts and fears that he and all his fellow missionaries feel en route to whatever conclusions they eventually come to make (one even does choose to leave).

Along the way, Dutcher poses questions about the Mormon Church’s attitudes toward race, women, seeming contradictions in the church’s very teachings and more. He doesn’t provide any real answers, other than something akin to the age-old bromide about God working in mysterious ways.

But at least he does ask the questions. And, with only one or two missteps in the overall plot, he creates an effective ensemble cast through which to pose them.

Dutcher’s film plays like a cinematic ring of the doorbell.

It’s one, however, that you shouldn’t be nervous about answering.

This sidebar appeared with the story: “God’s Army” ***

Location: North Division

Credits: Written, produced and directed by Richard Dutcher, starring Matthew Brown, Richard Dutcher, Michael Buster, Jacque Gray.

Rating: PG.

Running time: 1:47.