Here’s today’s dispatch from the crossroads of faith, media and culture.

See for yourself. The Identical opened last week to, frankly, very disappointing box office numbers — disappointing to me because, as I said in my review, The Identical is a Highly Recommended and quite original piece of faith-friendly filmmaking in which Ray Liotta and newcomer Blake Rayne shine as a minister and his son whose relationship is strained by a startling secret. 

In a nutshell, The Identical is a saga of twin brothers (both played by Rayne) who unbeknownst to them were separated at birth during the Great Depression. One grows up to become a ’50’s-’60’s rock legend.  The other struggles with a love of and talent for music that puts him at odds with the desire of his dad (Liotta) that he follow in his footsteps as a minister.

No doubt some moviegoers were turned off by professional critics many of whom, it seems, are just generally turned off by films that deal uncynically with faith. As is often the case, there is quite a disconnect between what they wrote and how mainstream audiences reacted. According to Rotten Tomatoes, while professional critics gave the film a 5% approval rating, 75% of ordinary moviegoers who saw it gave it the thumbs up.

In any event, you can decided for yourself. As the headlined promised, below you can view the first 15 minutes of The Identical. You can also register your reaction at the film’s website.

Encourage one another and build each other up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11