Published in: Major Film Reviews

**FILM REVIEW** “The Identical”

Author OneFilmFan

Published on: September 8, 2014

Greetings all!  As another weekend evening comes to a close and the new work week is looming before me, it never seems like a totally COMPLETE two days off without me having seen at least ONE new movie…..so I didn’t want to disappoint anyone, did I?  Therefore, there was this weekend’s new small budget, faith-based offering, “The Identical”.

   SEE THE TRAILER HERE

Directed by first-timer Dustin Marcellino and produced by the newly formed production company City of Peace Films, “The Identical” starts us off in 1936 Depression-era where we find a young, struggling couple, William & Helen Hemsley (Brian Geraghty & Amanda Crew), giving birth two twin boys.  Knowing that caring for both may, sadly, not be feasible, and after a visit to a local tent meeting being lead by the Rev. Reece Wade (Ray Liotta), William makes a choice via prayer and a feeling in his spirit from God (to the initial dismay of his wife) to have one of the children go to be raised by Rev. Wade and his wife Louise (Ashley Judd), who themselves have had circumstances preventing them from enjoying a family of their own.  We are initially privy to the fact that as both boys start growing up, their mutual talents and giftings are made evident, especially when it comes to music.  When adulthood comes about and the 1950’s arrive, the boys’ career directions take them to quite opposite sides of life, with Drexel (Blake Rayne) making a huge impact on the modern music scene, while Ryan (also played by Blake Rayne) sees his desires for music pulling him along with his friend, and drummer, Dino (Seth Green), but also getting him into trouble with his father, who feels Ryan is called to follow in his footsteps in the ministry.  As Drexel’s success grows, Ryan initially goes into the military before returning home and trying out various minor jobs to survive.  However, after a chance meeting and wooing of a former love, Jenny O’Brien (Erin Cottrell), which in itself occurs thanks to some prodding from a boss at one of his temporary jobs, Avi Hirshberg (Joe Pantoliano), it is only a matter of time before Ryan’s passion for music takes over and a contest win (a “Sing like Drexel Hemsley” affair Ryan’s now-wife Jenny enters him in) puts him on the path of musical success via a promoter, Tony Nash (Waylon Payne).  But, as time goes by, Ryan starts to realize through the challenges success brings that it may not be where his heart is truly at, or that the REASONS for doing his music have deeper, more personal ties and desires that supersede money.  And so it becomes that journey of self-discovery through the 1950’s to early 70’s via the faith his father imparted to him that ultimately reveals not only his own nature and reason for living, but also brings about truths that were hidden from him and finding out what his family history really is. And THIS all serves to bring Ryan closer to his faith, his wife, his adoptive parents, and more.  As always, any more real details would venture into that land of spoilers, and I will continue to NOT go there.  Hence, this aspect of the review comes to a close.

Anyone who has been reading my reviews and also perhaps the initial commentary I posted at the beginning of this blogging journey, I have been getting a bigger and bigger draw to independent and small budget films over the last year and some, because I continue to find that these films often bring out much better stories, characters, and acting than some of the larger, more wide-released films out there.  And honestly, this film has become no exception to that rule.  Made for a very modest budget, and obviously a story that will draw immediate comparisons to Elvis, the movie carried itself better than I actually expected.  The tone and pacing of it is very solid, and the faith-based aspects and principals of it, while consistent, are not shoved in anyone’s face either, and is not “preachy”.  Faith is more the overall driving force behind everything that is happening for Ryan in particular, and seeing him struggle with it, yet LEAN on it during crucial times, made the whole effect of God’s presence in the story very real and tangible.  And that in itself is what I personally like, as it is presented very solidly without making a viewer feel like it’s a 1hr 47min sermon per se.  For Blake Rayne’s VERY first acting role EVER, he does a REALLY good job playing the two brothers, and does so believably, with the innocent awkwardness yet quietly self-assured intensity of Ryan and the openly confident stride and poise of Drexel.  And the fact he starts his film career opposite the equally solid and realistic performances of veterans Liotta, Judd, Green, AND Pantoliano only stands to strengthen my enjoyment of the story.  Seeing Liotta and Pantoliano play GOOD guys for a change was refreshing and so different to watch, as normally they tend to gravitate (exceptionally so, mind you) toward much more….colorful….characters in many of their films.  Especially for Liotta, whose Rev. Wade can be both overbearing in one moment yet ultimately show his heart for his family, his love for God and faith, and genuine emotion that really stirs the heart in this tale.  Ashley Judd is always strong in ANY role I have seen her in, and again, this is no exception, though I will say on many levels her character here doesn’t necessarily get the overall development as the others.  This does NOT take away, though, from her performance at all, and I have found myself lately really enjoying her family-friendly film appearances, with this and “Dolphin Tale” and “Dolphin Tale 2“. Seth Green adds the always enjoyable comic element to the story as Ryan’s lifelong friend.  And Pantoliano’s auto mechanic is simple and straight forward and again, a NICE guy!  LOL   Visually, the film touches 5 decades and seeing the times changing as the story moves along is very well done.  And Blake’s singing is just amazing, as he has that perfect voice for the styling of the era and music being focused on.  Plus, Blake is from my current city of Columbus, OH as well!  So here’s hoping I might score a chance to interview him for this blog!  As the film’s tag line states, “If He is in  your dreams, nothing can stand against them”.

As always, this is all for YOUR consideration and comment.  Until next time, thank you for reading!  🙂