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

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!

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 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.