The Identical

We've all seen films based on a person or a true story, and we've equally seen movies that are purely fictitious. When I viewed "The Identical", it was almost like watching a combination of both. Even though you know it is a fictional story, the fact that the leading character resembles Elvis so much gives that 'true story' feel to it. The similarities are vast: the musical talent, coming from religious backgrounds and coming from a similar time period give that same look, however this is where the similarities end.

In 1936, William and Helen Hemsley (Brian Geraghty and Amanda Crew) welcome identical twin boys into the world. However their joy is quickly hammered by a sobering realization; how could they give these children any kind of a life beyond the desperate poverty that haunted many families in the midst of the Great Depression? When evangelist Reese Wade (Ray Liotta) reveals that he and his wife Louise (Ashley Judd) cannot have children, William feels the Lord's prompting to give them one of the infant boys. Both brothers are born with passion, drive and awesome musical talent, but take very separate yet converging paths. Drexel Hemsley (Blake Rayne) rises like a comet and changes the music world forever. His adopted brother, Ryan Wade (also played by Blake Rayne) struggles to find the purpose for his life. All the way into manhood he wrestles with pleasing Pastor Wade, his loving but controlling father, who is convinced that Ryan is called to go into the ministry. Ryan is encouraged by his loving and supportive wife Jenny (Erin Cottrell) and lifelong friends Dino and Avi (Seth Green and Joe Pantoliano) to follow his musical dreams. And oh, can he sing, just like his world famous twin! The film spans five decades from the 1930's through the 1970's and is about the restoration and reconciliation of a family torn apart by culture, creed and tradition.

Others to round out the cast are Waylon Payne as Tony Nash, Danny Woodburn as Damon, Chris Mulkey as Older William Hemsley and Noah Urrea as 9-year old Ryan Wade.

This was amazingly well directed by newcomer to films, Dustin Marcellino which, this being his first film, I can only pause with wonder what kind of filmmaker he will be in the next five years or less. The emotion, pathos and pacing of these actors were as well delineated as any seasoned director. It was written by Howard Klausner based on a story by Wade Cummins. The story starts in 1972 and then basically back-flashes to the 1930's and slowly brings us up to where the film started and then goes even beyond that point. This is getting and has been a popular format in which to write a film for a while, which gives it a certain uniqueness to grab the audience and hold on to them. Other than a few scenes coming across a bit stagy, this was a captivating premise that will talk to many individuals out there. This is a story where love, hope and redemption reign and with that, will speak to all generations.

In a world where there are so many cold, crass, violent-ridden, sex-driven films out there, it is a refreshing change to see a film where love, wholesomeness, and simplicity can be turned around and be made to look and be entertaining all the while teaching a something worthwhile.

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                 Rated: PG                                  107mins.