The Movie 'Prodigal' Launches with World Premiere Showings on 3/22/11

Residents of the Twin Cities area had been anxiously awaiting the world premiere event for the movie Prodigal ever since the film's final wrap. Some had been waiting nervously to see if their part had survived in the final cut of the movie - would they be seeing themselves on the big silver screen? Others who were in attendance at the premiere knew for sure that they would be appearing on the big screen for one and all to see, which made the premiere even more of a nail biter for those local personalities!

Three premiere showings of the newly released movie Prodigal were held at the Mann Theatres in Champlin, Minnesota on Tuesday, March 22, 2011. I attended the 9:00 showing, and had a great time watching the film unfold and being part of the audience that was privileged to see this movie launched.

Prodigal was filmed on location in Minnesota, with many of the roles of stars and extras having been cast with local personalities which added extra excitement for those who were in attendance in Champlin at this world premiere event.

Prodigal is a full-length film by a new independent production company, Lost Coin Productions. Lead roles in the film are played by Joseph Castanon (Click, ER, NCIS), Dylan Borger, Jeff Litfin, Cynthia Uhrich (Star Trek: Enterprise, Passions), Bill Cooper, and Alix Kermes (Gilmore Girls, Kevin Hill).

It was great fun to be able to attend the 9:00 p.m. showing of Prodigal on Tuesday, and to visit briefly with the producers, some of the stars, and many of the extras following the movie, some of whom I know personally. There was a more limited amount of glitz and glamour than might occur at a huge Hollywood event; however, co-producers Mark Harper and Matthew Leonetti had choreographed a fun event for all three showings, including supplying a variety of foods and beverages that were set up in the lobby for a cast and crew party following the 9:00 p.m. performance.

Advance information about the movie plot had been limited to a brief "teaser" and a trailer - I wasn't at all sure what to expect. If you are familiar with the Biblical story of the prodigal son, the general theme of the movie will be easy for you to follow. The movie script of Prodigal isn't exactly "churchy," however. Teenager Levi Layton, convincingly portrayed by Dylan Borger and the "prodigal son" in the movie, makes some unwise decisions that plunge him into situations outside his normal realm of existence. After inheriting a huge amount of money, Levi abruptly separates himself from his pastor father and his mother, his church, and his community, ultimately resulting in the occurrence of a devastating event that could not be reversed.

Prodigal has not yet been rated, but people of all ages were at the premiere showings. The writers and producers employed sensitivity in regard to scenes that could have otherwise been portrayed in a more intense manner; language is suitable for most ages.

I found that Prodigal kept me riveted throughout the entire movie (the rest of the audience seemed equally engaged), the overall acting to be excellent (especially considering that this was a first-time movie role for several with leading parts), and the cinematography to be very well done. Wide domestic release of the film is expected in late 2011. I highly recommend that you go to see this movie when it opens in your area, as the message it carries is one that will be sure to resonate with many who go to see this film.

Source: Personal experience