The Work and the Glory - American Zion
The second in a series of epic films about the beginnings of the Mormon church (preceded byThe Work and the Gloryand followed byThe Work and the Glory: A House Divided),The Work and the Glory:  American Zionchronicles the struggles of church founder Joseph Smith (Jonathan Scarfe,Into the West) to found the promised land--Zion--that God has promised him and his followers. The movie blends historical events (such as the destruction of the printing press used to publish Joseph Smith's visions) with the fictional story of the Steed family: The father, Benjamin (Sam Hennings,Seasons of the Heart), doesn't believe in Smith but labors to support his family, even as his two sons are sent in different directions: Nathan (Alexander Carroll) and his wife follow Smith devoutly, while Joshua (Eric Johnson,Smallville) joins a Missouri militia that drives the Mormons from the state. Members of the Church of Latter Day Saints will undoubtedly find this dramatization of their history compelling; for others, it may feel like a religious soap opera trying to encompass so much history that the characters never develop beyond types. Based on the nine-volume series by Gerald N. Lund; also featuring Brenda Strong (Desperate Housewives).--Bret Fetzer