The Identical (2014)

Harsh Critics & Sour Notes

Great movie and an original idea for once. Of course, anyone who knows anything about Elvis will see through this film that the writer(s) had to be fans. From the obvious look and sound of the lead to little details such as a twin brother, Jewish symbols on jewelry and a trust-worthy TV host proclaiming that a misunderstood and controversial entertainer is really a good boy. This film is over-saturated with the king's likeness and life but BE WARNED: this movie is NOT about Elvis. I have read multiple reviews on multiple sites from Elvis fans that are "mortified" by this Elvis biopic... that it is not. The Elvis persona is merely the inspiration for how the filmmaker(s) chose to represent a superstar character and obviously chose to parallel the Presley family a little to build the character and you know what? That's okay. You also have a handful of folks who absolutely despise faith-based films and they make their way onto different sites as their Cheetoh-stained fingers dance across computer keyboards sending out their digital diatribes from their parents basements (or from a table at Starbucks) in the form of a review in order to make themselves feel triumphant in the fight against Christianity whether they have seen the film or not. Here is the deal, the film is fun, family-friendly and offers up an original idea (as far as movies are concerned) and is accompanied by an original and impressive soundtrack. It goes without saying that Ray Liotta delivers as usual and Seth Green, Ashley Judd, Blake Rayne, Joe Pantoliano, Brian Garaghty, Chris Mulkey and the rest bring stellar performances to the film. The cinematography is captivating and creative which is no easy feat considering the production team only had 35 days to tell a story that spans over decades. So, if you understand that this is NOT an Elvis movie and you are NOT terrified and offended if a biblical passage crosses your hypersensitive ear canals, then you may proceed and enjoy this heartwarming and entertaining tale.