Identical, The (1/13/2015)

Rated PG for thematic material and smoking.

Starring Ashley Judd, Blake Rayne, Seth Green and Ray Liotta

Directed by Dustin Marcellino

I’m excited to say this is a Christian film worth seeing!

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 Drexel 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.

I’ve taken my share of criticism for my criticism of “Christian films” over the years. I always try to be fair and look at the whole product, not just the message. And from time to time, a filmmaker will get it right. This time they got it right.

To see a movie that doesn’t bash Christianity and a young man that doesn’t allow himself to get corrupted by the music scene or compromise his moral values was both refreshing and inspiring.

One of the things I really liked was how Christians in the film are respected, and those who fall into sin are not degraded but sin is just shown for what it is. Marriage is valued and respected in a world of where that is rarely the case.

The film is also filled with original music performed by Blake Rayne. And if acting doesn’t pan out for him, he has a bright future as an Elvis impersonator. He really nailed the part and I believe he has a bright future ahead of him. The rest of the cast includes some very familiar faces (Ashley Judd, Seth Green and Ray Liotta). Make no mistake about it; they brought legitimacy to this film.

Movies like this are rare in the movie theaters today. So take your students and support this movie – it’s “theater worthy”!

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Yes, this film is very clean and has a great message.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. How would you describe the relationship between Ryan and his dad?


2. What are some things his dad did right?


3. What are some things he did wrong?


4. How do you respond when you and your parents disagree on things?

Read Ephesians 6:1-4

Children, you belong to the Lord, and you do the right thing when you obey your parents. The first commandment with a promise says, 2 “Obey your father and your mother, 3 and you will have a long and happy life.”4 Parents, don’t be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord.


5. What does this passage tell us about how our relationship with our parents should be?


6. What can you do this week to “do the right thing” when it comes to your parents?