The Identical came out in theaters in early September. You may have heard about it. Christian Critics went a little batty. I never understood why, and specifics weren’t given, but they didn’t care for the actors – or they didn’t think the film was ‘Christian’ enough, or? Who knows. I was able, back in September, to watch a preview of the beginning and a bit about 2/3r’ds in to give a quick review and promote the film on Social Media. I was drawn in and left hanging from the tid bits! The movie didn’t show in our small town theater, so I had to wait for the DVD.

Well – This winter I got to watch the Identical at home with the DVD. I can’t even tell you how much I enjoyed this movie. But I’ll try. I love the beginning, it introduces you to many characters and hardships and draws you in. Two families do an unthinkable thing – splitting twins, for the mother who can not conceive and a father who can not provide. You really get drawn into both families.

Maybe, at first, the tent revival and Ray Liota as pastor might make you think they are making fun of it. But it’s solid. I was raised in the day of tent revivals in the south and it is true to what I remember. He stays true to his faith, belief, love of the Word, God, Jesus, his Family and his Son – he stays true to the promise he makes when he receives his son.  It’s a heart warming performance for sure.

I love the relationship between the mother and the son. The thankfulness. His willingness to obey. His desire to work and please his family at the same time. How he honors his father.

I wont’ give away the middle of the film, but there are a few plot twists, with the singing – that keeps this drama on the edge of adventure. It’s not a snooze film at all. My husband is the worst critic of  “Christian” movies – and he really enjoyed this one.

I don’t believe this movie is intended to be a “Gospel Road” movie that will direct all you see it to the foot of the cross to plead repentance. I don’t think it has any agenda – other than to weave a really great story with depth of characters. It shows humanity. And it has an all star cast.

My only trouble – that even hubby kept asking – is this the story of Elvis? Many bits of the lives of the Identical are very – too much – similar to Elvis. It was a little weird, and seemed to take away from the movie. But – I like Elvis – So I’m cool with it.  

So if you see The Identical pop up on Netflix or Redbox or Amazon Instant – I’d say get it, pop some corn, eat a cookie pour some tea, and enjoy your evening!!

About the film:

The IDENTICAL tells the compelling story of twin brothers unknowingly separated at birth during the Great Depression. DREXEL HEMSLEY becomes an iconic 50’s rock ’n’ roll star, while RYAN WADE (Blake Rayne) struggles to balance his love for music and pleasing his father. The Reverend Wade (Ray Liotta) and his wife (Ashley Judd) are sure their adopted son has been gifted and called by God to be a preacher. But Ryan challenges his parent’s vision for his life, and unflinchingly chooses to launch his own music career with his best friend (Seth Green). Encouraged by his wife (Erin Cottrell) and employer (Joe Pantoliano), Ryan embarks on an unpredictable, provocative path – performing the legendary music of Drecel Hemsley in sold out venues all across the country. 

As the brothers destinies tragically collide, Ryan discovers that Drexel is his identical twin which leads him to question everything he’s ever believed about God, family, and his own identity.

About the Soundtrack Sampler:

THE IDENTICAL ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK SAMPLER features 12 of the 20 original songs by Jerry Marcellino and Yochanan Marcellino from the film. Including “Your Love’s Keepin’ Me Tonight,” “City Lights,” “Angel of Mine,” “Everybody Knows It” and “Nashville Tonight.”

Check out the official movie website here: http://theidenticalmovie.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdenticalMovie

The Trailer: http://youtu.be/MxWVXHatVDA

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing DVD for Review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.