Identity Crisis movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Identity Crisis

This teen dramedy is now available on Redbox, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV+.

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour 32 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B-

IN A NUTSHELL:

The story is about a college student who is a bit of a genius who figures out how to clone herself. The film was written by Alexandra Boylan and Andrea Polnaszek. It’s already won the ReFrame Stamp award, which is an award for featuring women in film casts and crews.

THINGS I LIKED:

I love that the protagonist in the story is played by twin sisters: Scout & Sophia Tayui-lepore. I’m an identical twin, so that’s what caught my eye with this movie. If you’re a twin too, you HAVE to go to the annual Twins Days Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio! It’s held the first weekend of August every year. It’s so much fun!
All of the Extras in the cast are actual students at Grand Canyon University.
Some of the cast members include Maria Canals-Barrera, Elester Latham, Laura Leigh Turner, and Finn Roberts.
I think everyone struggles with imposter syndrome and who they really are. Viewers will enjoy a sweet film that touches on those things, and one that encourages you to make the changes you want to see in your life.
While the movie isn’t a typical Christian movie, it does mention that God created us and, because of that, we all have intrinsic worth. We see several Christian crosses and a university professor talks openly about God.
Lovely soundtrack.
I love that the movie features a girl in science who actually wants to learn. As a university professor, I love it when students actually see knowledge and take their education seriously.
It’s refreshing to see a movie with lots of really nice people instead of bullies and jerks.
The classic dressing room montage is cliched but still cute.
Keep watching during the final rolling credits for some clips that show behind-the-scenes filming of the movie and outtakes.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The musical numbers were nice but it was super distracting to see how the lips didn’t quite match the audio when the girl was singing.
Several college students appear to have limitless funds and constantly go shopping to buy new clothes, something which might frustrate young viewers whose expectations are that they should be able to do the same thing.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Older kids, especially girls, can be motivated and inspired by this story.
Kissing
A competitive, belittling older sister

THEMES:

Working with a team
Self-confidence
Self-worth
Fear
Cloning
Girls in Science
Being assertive
Imposter Syndrome
Everyone’s DNA that makes them unique
Allowing family members to change

INTERESTING LINES:

“You won’t know until you try.” – Henry (Elester Latham)
“You gotta put yourself out there, Madison, or you might end up regretting all of the things you never did.” – Henry (Elester Latham)
“I don’t think perfection is possible.” – Dr. Angela Harris (Maria Canals-Barrera)
“Better is a matter of opinion. It’s all subjective.” – Angela Harris (Maria Canals-Barrera)
“There is great precision in creation.” – Dr. Angela Harris (Maria Canals-Barrera)
“Confidence is a mindset.” – Madison the clone (Sophia Tayui-lepore)
“Try this on so I can see how this looks on me.” – Madison (Scout Tayui-lepore)
“I don’t want to miss any more of my life.” – Madison (Scout Tayui-lepore)
“I have learned that perfection is not being flawless. It’s actually living in a state of wholeness or completeness.” – Madison (Scout Tayui-lepore)
“Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should.” – Madison (Scout Tayui-lepore)