Daryn and Jed are back – this time from Europe. In their first adventure, American Mormon the duo interviewed anything they could find as they traversed the country on a mission to find out what others think about Mormons.

At a time when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is increasingly global, its appropriate that they take the two-guys-and-a-camera roadshow across the pond. Find out how this sequel stacks up to the original in my review.

If you read my review of the first American Mormon, you know I didn’t love it. The premise was fun, but without more substance the fun ran out too soon. So, is there hope for round two? Thank goodness there is.

The first flick was rich in humor, but short on direction. The most important improvement in Europe is meaning. Daryn and Jed take some much needed time out to explore what it is like to be a member of the Church in Europe. They also add historical context to a couple of the spots they visit. Misconceptions about the Church will make you chuckle, but a glimpse into lives of members and the things that impacted their conversion and history will stick with you.

There are funny moments in the interviews – and the questions have not really changed. After seeing the first one, you will notice that European views of the Church and its members are different but no more accurate than those found State-side. There are some real characters and some down-to-earth people. And on the street in London, Paris, Rome and Berlin they find people from all over the world.

The interviews were interesting, but for me were not enough to carry the films almost-an-hour. The cultural context and LDS Church tie-ins were interesting and memorable. In fact, I think I would have preferred that the interviews were organized by city and more of their travels were included. For listeners to the podcast, you’ll know Jed and Daryl had their share of ups and downs. I don’t know why more of that wasn’t included in the show.

The extras are great. One in particular is a must see as the filmmakers catch up with the only two Mormons they found in the first movie – on the Vegas Strip. If you remember the Salt Lake natives that failed to identify Moroni then you’ve got to see where the two end up.

The best part of the film is the historical chapel the pair visits in England and the featurette on German Saints and the Berlin Wall. Jed reveals some nice moments with European Church members. On the whole, the addition of historical backdrop and member’s stories makes this movie inspiring. Which moves it beyond the first.

American Mormon in Europe is good clean fun. Youth 12+ and adults (members or non) will appreciate the on-the-street interviews and learn something about the Church in Europe.

Pick it up at Deseret Book