Review of The Identical

A movie by City of Peace Media & Films

Review by Karina Fabian

 Trailer link here vimeo.com/99067156

 I was invited to preview this movie online and was impressed by the trailer. The movie is every bit what the trailer promises: a moving story with believable acting, a terrific plot, characters you’ll care about and some great music. Be sure to have tissue handy.

Naturally, as a Christian movie, there is a message, but it’s really about following your dream: “If God is in your dream, nothing can stand in your way.” The drama is always there; no dream is easily achieved or easily kept, yet worth the effort. I loved the examples of marriages in this story; husbands loving their wives, and wives supporting their husbands. Ryan’s wife pushes him to pursue his dream of being a singer, even when it means months on the road, and their reunion, as she said, “was like falling in love again.”

I also enjoyed how they stayed true to the 50s/60s era without falling into cliché. As such, it kept you in the story, and you felt the writers and director really understood what it was like to grow up in that time, to be part of the push and pull of the generations while still having great love and respect for each other.

The only two critiques I have is that the opening scenes of Ryan’s adoption were a little choppy. They could have used a little more transition, but once it moved to Ryan’s childhood, things smoothed out. And Teen Ryan did not look like a teen. Every time his dad said he was underage, I did a double-take. Minor issues in an otherwise major success.

Overall, a terrific film. I’m excited for it to come out, and I think I have a Christmas gift for my mom!

Kathryn is a retired junior high teacher. A convert with a love for the Church she believes that its teachings have a more than viable application for today's world. She writes practical theological for the people in the pews believing that they have as much right to good catechesis as our youth and converts. Her writings appear on Catholic web sites and local Church publications. She has even been published in the diocese of Australia and most recemtly Zenit. Kathryn holds a Master's in Theology and is a certified spiritual director. Learn more about Kathryn at: www.atravelersview.org