The Best Two Years, could've easily been written off as "God's Army Light," as this picture is similar to Richard Dutcher's missionary drama but much breezier and certainly played for a lot more laughs. Still it manages to be one of the smartest entries (of far) from the LDS film makers.

I'm not a member of the LDS church, though my wife is a Mormon and over the past several years, I've become very good friends with many of them. I guess the reason I bring this up is so that everyone out there knows that even though I don't practice this faith myself, I do have a more than fair knowledge of it.

The Best Two Years takes place in Holland and follows Elder Rogers (a missionary who's been in the field long enough to have lost his fervor and has settled into lax proselytizing schedule) and Elder Calhoun (a "greenie" fresh out in the field, ready to line 'em up and dunk 'em). Obviously this is a set-up for Mormon mayhem, as Elder Rogers is soon hitting the cobblestone at a much more zealous pace, and though he resists the two manage to become friends.

First and foremost, The Best Two Years is surprisingly comical in it's approach, and I never felt that it was preachy, nor did it come across as church propaganda. God's Army, by contrast, was too heavy handed for my taste, going so far as to include a scene in which a blessing performed results in a miracle.

I have a daughter who was born four months early, and was given a slim chance at survival and she's now a wonderful, lively five year old, so if you ask me if I believe in miracles, I would reply with a resounding YES! However, the particular miracle that occurs in God's Army was a little hard to swallow. Though I've had people close to me tell me they've seen such amazing occurrences, it felt all too foreign to me.

The Best Two Years isn't interested in such business. This is a film that attempts to describe the "mission experience" through communication, friendship and love. There is definitely spirituality to be found in this picture, but it's understated enough to work, which is a refreshing. The film also isn't afraid to shy away from the notion that sometimes missionaries have to find their purpose - it doesn't always come naturally. In fact the inevitable scene where the disillusioned Elder Rogers has a faith-restoring experience is handled in a way that was surprisingly touching.

I also fell in love with the Holland locations, absolutely gorgeous vistas that were worlds away from the rather glum (but equally impressive) areas presented in Girl With A Pearl Earring (it should be noted that that movie took place in 17th century while The Best Two Years is contemporary).

K.C. Clyde, Cameron Hopkin and the rest of the cast are likable and light on their feet although Kirby Heyborne (who's become a household name in the LDS film market with The R.M. and the upcoming Saints and Soldiers under his belt) plays Elder Calhoun a little too broad. His nerdy, nebbish demeanor is overplayed and takes away from the subtle, comic rhythm that flows through the rest of the movie. He does, however, shine during some moments of the picture, and he isn't so annoying that the movie suffers as a result of it. This is a role that would have simply worked better had his character been less a collection of clichés and been dialed down a notch. As it stands, Heyborne should have a nice career ahead of him as he has proven in past films (and, to a certain extent, in this one) that he has a knack for comic timing. He's also quite good in dramatic roles (as you'll see in Saints and Soldiers).

For those of you who have been on missions, you will, no doubt, relate to the genuine honesty at the heart of The Best Two Years. Obviously I have not been called to serve, but I've had lengthy discussions with people who have. And perhaps the most admirable aspect of this movie is it's acknowledgment that a mission isn't just about spreading the gospel - it's also about making friends, finding one's self and creating some pretty flippin' awesome memories.