Suits on the Loose (2005) User Reviews

Why do they keep releasing this stuff?

[Believer06 · 5/10 · 24 January 2006]

I don't know. There's not much to say about this film. It's probably one of the better films Halestorm has released (aside from the excellent "Best Two Years") but, let's be honest, that's not really saying much.

It's a nice premise that goes astray with one dimensional characters and, again, overplayed jokes taking prominence over story. The soundtrack isn't half-bad but that's not why you go and see a movie.

Two questions: 1) What's the deal with the lady in the airplane - she's pointless? 2) How many paint ball battles are we going to have to subjected to in Mormon films?

Like "Mobsters", a good concept led astray by poor execution on the script.

Phony Elders

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 1 April 2012]

Brandon Beemer and Ty Hodges are on the loose. They escape from a juvenile delinquent boot camp that is run by one authoritarian general played by Charles Napier. But the track they hijack from the camp breaks down. So as luck would have it they get to hijack another vehicle driven by Mormon Elders Shaun Weiss and Jason Winer with all their clothes and Mormon paraphernalia.

Wouldn't you know it, they run smack into a Mormon cop who escorts them to Bishop Robert Prosky and the assignment awaiting the two they left on the Mojave desert. After that Beemer and Hodges have no other choice but to continue the masquerade as Suits On The Loose.

Producer Kurt Hale no doubt took some inspiration from films like The Left Hand Of God and Guns For San Sebastian where Humphrey Bogart and Anthony Quinn had to masquerade as Catholic priests for their own reasons. Suits On The Loose is done with quite a bit of a lighter touch than those classics.

In fact it's a pleasing enough comedy that could definitely appeal to more than an LDS audience. Beemer and Hodges get quite a life's lesson in their disguises, basically about growing up and accepting responsibility even if you don't convert to be a Mormon.

Such Hollywood veterans as Robert Prosky as the Mormon Bishop, Fred Dryer as Beemer's father and Napier give the younger members of the cast some inspiration for their performances. Special mention should also go to Reginald Vel Johnson of Family Matters who just might be the fattest cowboy on record, Andy Devine included.

I'd give this one a look even if you're a gentile.

Silly, silly movie; Mildly entertaining

[sidunrau · 6/10 · 5 October 2006]

(Mild spoilers) This is a movie that has good ideas, but is poorly acted, filled with plot holes, and is unbelievable all the way around (especially if you're LDS and know anything at all about missionaries). Nevertheless, the movie had it's (intentionally) funny moments.

The cowboy "investigator" seemed too insider to truly be an investigator - and his desire to be baptized coupled with the dialog, only a few minutes later (in the same scene) about how the bishop had spoken with one of the fake missionaries' fathers is too inconsistent for the weak plot to reconcile. My only concern is that non-Mormons might get the idea that anyone can just "fake" being a missionary (why one would want to is beyond me), because Mormons are too stupid to catch on.

A Disappointment, a Lost Opportunity

[mydad2 · 3/10 · 12 February 2007]

As a pioneer-descended, Utah-raised Mormon bishop, I'm obliged to agree with some of the negative reviews. Perhaps I'm demanding, but when I see a comedy, I expect there to be a laugh or two somewhere in it. The actors are fine - very good, in fact. The film editing is fine. The script and direction are abysmal. Forget the plot holes and loose ends: The gratuitous swipes at other faiths and pro-LDS smugness are unbecoming and embarrassing. And I agree with one reviewer: enough with the paint ball obsession, Halestorm. This film wants to be funny and heart-warming and faith-promoting, but it comes out 0 for 3. The scriptwriters write as though they've no idea how to speak to a non-BYU audience. This film won't appeal to anyone but Mormons, and only the most undemanding at that. More's the pity.

One endless cliché. Please get some new material.

[stevenpete · 2/10 · 5 January 2007]

This entire movie was one endless cliché of Mormon culture: how they believe they are perceived by the world and how they believe the world perceives them. There is a scene where the fake missionaries are teaching the prospect about the Word of Wisdom and he replies something like, Not smoking and drinking was taught over 200 years ago, that was really progressive, and acts impressed. This comment of being progressive and forward thinking is over worked and has been for many decades. What would really be progressive is if the film showed the Mormon missionaries teaching fuel conservation and the prevention of global warming.

The perception of persecution by the non-believing rowdy guys in the town is getting very old too. In reality, people like that will harass anyone who is different, whether they are Mormon, Jewish, gay or even handicapped. It would be a shame if this movie perpetuated a feeling of Mormon persecution when it in fact it is not true. For example, through my work I have seen endless and unrelenting persecution of homosexuals in Utah by Mormons, far more then any persecution myself or my friends received from non-Mormons while I was a Mormon growing up in California.

Please get some new material. The endless cliché's of Mormon culture are getting old even for me and I haven't been involved in the Mormon church for over 18 years. I cannot imagine an entire life time of the same worn out stereotypes, prejudices and self-congratulating drivel.

good family film

[pacerpilot27 · 8/10 · 7 February 2006]

From my grandparents to my 12 year old, all were entertained buy this film. We all had a good time,I saw people tapping their toes and saw some clapping and a lot laughing.The quality of film and sound was great, much better that any of the other Mormon films that have been released locally. My son wanted the sound track and we bought it and have been listening to it since we saw the movie. We will buy the DVD when it is released. We're not critics and don't know all the details for dissecting a film. We don't give critics much attention any more when we choose film to spend our money on. Seems a lot of critics lately have embraced films that we would not take our family to. Go and see it for yourself.

Don't let "Halestorm" mislead you

[dargojunk · 8/10 · 19 January 2006]

The best by far of the movies released through Halestorm--possibly because it wasn't written by a Hale. The Hales, of course, do a fine job of catering to their Mormon audience (as is indicated by the success of all of their recent movies, INCLUDING "the hometeachers". If you've seen it, you'll know why it's so surprising that the movie has turned a profit.) This movie, however, addresses its niche market (Mormons) while still telling a STORY! No joke, a real, honest-to-goodness story, with emotional ups and downs, humor, pathos, interest, the works. It's NOT just a vehicle for a bunch of cliché Mormon jokes with a moral duct-taped to the end. (Again, I refer you to "the hometeachers", "the RM", etc. etc.) Although it doesn't quite approach the depth of emotion of some of Dutcher's movies, this is an excellent film.

For those of you who want a summary: We start out in the Mojave desert, at what is apparently a camp for juvenile delinquents. Don't lose it here. About fifteen minutes in to the movie I was about to assume this was going to be a horribly dull movie, and I place the responsibility for that primarily on the general, who's not nearly funny and one-dimensional enough. (He's a stock character, find someone who yells...) Two young men escape from the camp, steal a truck and head out, only to have their truck break down. When two missionaries stop at the same rest-stop, the escapees hop into the car and are able to pose as missionaries for the next several days while the real missionaries struggle through the desert. Hilarity, of course, ensues. Some of the acting leaves a bit wanting (the real Elder Johnson and the fake Elder Talbot are both excellent, though) and some of the plot-lines don't seem necessary (why is it so important that Justin, the fake Elder Johnson, is the son of a Senator? Why is there that crazy old woman flying the plane around all the time?)

I give it an eight for its great addition to a niche market. (I don't say others can't enjoy it, but I do think the film makers did an excellent job by identifying and targeting their market.)

kudos to the filmmakers!

[tara-broberg · 8/10 · 7 February 2006]

Kudos to the filmmakers for putting out a fun, feel-good movie that's appropriate for the whole family. It was a sensitive, funny, and heart-warming film. It had a great story and was well written. The cast was fun and very talented. Ty Hodges character was hysterical. The score was great as well. It was fun to hear the music by Gene loves Jezebel (popular 80's band). I even went out after the movie and bought the soundtrack and was pleasantly surprised. I believe this may be the best movie Halestorm has put out. I hope people support this film so there will be more good family entertainment to follow. Keep up the good work. Thanks

The Best Movie yet!!!

[elderthayn · 9/10 · 8 February 2006]

What a sound track!!! The photography, acting, professional actors, story line, an actual message, funny, believable, these are some of the things we thought were super in this movie. We admire Mr. Henson for having the courage to stick with his passion and getting a good family movie out there. We laughed all the way thru, and actually got a little emotional too with the love story. We hope Mr. Henson continues to fight opposition to bring us even better movies. Thanks for the fun nights. You can't just see this movie once, you need to go back for the moments you missed while you were laughing. The whole family will enjoy it. Take your friends and neighbors too.

Finally, Good Famliy Entertainment

[ronda-18 · 8/10 · 15 February 2006]

I was very surprised to see a Halestorm movie that wasn't all slapstick and actually had a good storyline. Not sure what the lady in the plane was all about. I thought the actors were great! There were a few scenes that were a little bit silly and I thought the ending was a little weak but over all, I really enjoyed the movie. I walked away feeling good and happy about the time I had spent. It was fun to laugh at good humor. I hope the director/producer/writer keeps putting them out. There is a need for good clean movies that you can take your kids to and laugh together. Thanks to all who made this movie possible. Keep it up!

Wonderful Family Film

[sthayn · 9/10 · 8 February 2006]

I found this movie to be wonderful family movie that is a pure delight. It was nice to see an LDS movie that can be funny without trying to capitalize on the eccentricities of the minority of LDS people. It was also refreshing to see a film with a good story that has humor as opposed to other films that try to tie their humor together with a weak story. Aside from the "real" missionaries, there was nothing stereotypical about the characters, LDS religion, or story. Even though the outcome is generally predictable, I didn't mind. The journey was worth it because the characters are so well developed and played. There is nothing offensive to young or old and I believe it would be enjoyed by people of all faiths; although some humor may be lost on those not somewhat familiar with the LDS faith.

An entertaining, fun, family movie!

[dblou · 8/10 · 8 February 2006]

Kudos to this new writer/director! I hope to see many more films come from him. I loved "Suits on the Loose" and thought it was a fun, relaxing, entertaining picture that the whole family can enjoy. The best part is that my non-member friends loved it as well! For all the people that don't see this because they are tired of the quality of the other "Halestorm" pictures, you are missing out! Not only does this film entertain, it has a story. It's a comedy, but it has some serious moments. My favorite scene in the movie was the whole "Journal Scene" - what a crack up!! I thought the actors not only did a great job of getting into their characters, but it was very cleverly written. Thanks again! When can we see another movie by this director?!

Enjoyable Family Entertainment....

[kmwheatley · 10/10 · 18 February 2006]

I saw this movie twice while visiting in Utah....and might add look forward to seeing it a third time! It is refreshing LDS humor that isn't slap-stick or disrespectful. It's about time somebody made a movie that you don't have to cringe anticipating bad language or nudity or....oh well I think you get the picture;-). It is nice to have professional actors with a director who has experience with the art of film making. The sound track is wonderful and I love singing along with some of the songs.

Some of the reviews I've read, I have wondered either "Did that person really see the movie?" or "That person must have to have the 'R to X' rated stuff to shock him/her into laughter or amusement. What a sad commentary on some "Reviewers". Go see it and then go see it again to catch little things you miss the first time!

I hope it makes it out here to North Carolina!!!! I look forward to more movies from New Horizon and Rodney Henson.