The Identical – A Powerful Message in a Faith-Based Film
The Identical is a heart-touching drama about twin boys who are separated at birth and one becomes a rock ‘n’ roll star while the other struggles to balance his love of music with pleasing his father. Taking place in 1936, during the Great Depression, this film faith-based film is likely to move you to tears. Stars Ashley Judd, Ray Liotta, Blake Rayne and Amanda Crew. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Brianna B, age 14, comments, “This film has great music, family principles and really zones in about finding and following your dreams.” See her complete review below and listen to it on our radio show, KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions next week.
The Identical
Reviewed by Brianna B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
The Identical is a great film with a powerful message and fantastic story line that always keeps you guessing. It’s really an enjoyable film to see.
Twins, Ryan Wade and Drexel Hemsley (Blake Rayne) are separated at birth, for financial reasons, during the Great Depression. A preacher and his wife adopt Ryan to give him a better life. Although the boys have different lives, they both share their passion for music. Drexel performs as a famous rock star while Ryan struggles between pleasing his parents and following his dreams.
This film has great music, family principles and really zones in on finding and following your dreams. I also like its captivating and unique story that is beautifully portrayed on the big screen. It’s set in 1936, way before my time, but I still enjoyed watching and listening to the music. Blake Ryan plays both of the twins and is able to keep their characters separate. At the same time, he projects the intense connection that twins have between each other. The wardrobe, hairstyles and historical props all contribute to the rich details that create this special period piece.
My favorite scene is when Ryan listens and looks at his twin brother’s record album and he does not notice that he looks and sounds exactly like him. This scene is funny because you question why he wouldn’t notice it. It seems so oblivious that you can’t help but feel bad for him. My favorite character is Ryan’s Mother, Louise Wade (Ashley Judd), because she is very kind and has a light spirit when you look at her and hear her beautiful voice. You somehow know that she only wants the best for her son.
The Identical also stars Seth Green (Dino) and Ray Liotta (Reece Wade) who contributes their exceptional acting abilities to this film with great humor and emotions.
I love the powerful message in this film which is to follow your dreams and not other peoples. It’s your life so work hard to fulfill your dreams and it will make you happy. I recommend The Identical for all the music lovers at heart and ages 10 to 18. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars as I really enjoyed the music, the story line and the message. The Identical rocks in to theaters on September 5th, so please check it out.
