The Identical 2014

     William and Helen Hemsley are in love in 1936 and they welcome identical twin boys into the world in Tupelo, Mississippi.  Their problem is that it is the Great Depression and even though Helen wants to keep both the boys, William realizes they can afford to feed only one.  Evangelist Reece Wade and his wife Louise reveal that their greatest hope is to have a child but they are unable.  The Hemsley’s decide to give the Wades the boy of their choice.  In later years, Drexel Hemsley has an awesome musical talent and he rises like a comet plus he changes the music world.  Ryan Wade is pressed by his father to become a preacher but he doesn’t think that is what he should do?  Ryan enters a contest to find someone who resembles Drexel Hemsley and who also can play music.  Of course, Ryan is chosen to travel across the country as The Identical. 

     This film is based on a lot of ‘if’ questions.  What if Jesse, the brother of Elvis Presley had lived, what if he had been adopted by other parents, what if they didn’t know each other growing up, what if Jesse also had musical talent, what if he was watching Elvis and his rise to fame?  The focus here is on the Jesse possibility without much included about Elvis and his life?  I knew right away a lot of information was based on Elvis even though nothing is mentioned about him.  2 ½* (This movie is so-so)

107 min, Dram directed by Dustin Marcellino with Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd, Seth Green, Joe Pantoliano, Blake Rayne, Erin Cottrell, Brian Geraghty, Amanda Crew, Waylon Payne, Danny Woodburn, Chris Mulkey, Noah Urrea.

Note:  Imdb 4.7 out of 10, 7% critic 68% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert 1 ½*.

Special Note:  In the real life of Elvis, his twin brother was stillborn.  Elvis always felt guilty that he lived and his twin died.