Tuesday , March 19 2024
The Song rings true, and directs our hearts toward God.

DVD Review: ‘The Song’

“Even the wisest of men was a fool for love.” This year one

TheSongof the best Valentine’s Day movies currently out on home video is The Song, a tumultuous tale about an aspiring musician.

Written and directed by Richard Ramsey, this impressive drama does not pull any punches when telling the story of a marriage journey laced with the Biblical account of Solomon.

Aspiring singer-songwriter Jed King is struggling to catch a break and escape the long shadow of his famous father when he reluctantly agrees to a gig where Jed meets the vineyard owner’s daughter, Rose, and a romance quickly blooms. Soon after their wedding, Jed writes Rose “The Song,” which becomes a breakout hit. Suddenly thrust into a life of stardom and a world of temptation, his life and marriage begin to fall apart.

Alan Powell stars as Jed King, son of a famous musician who did some infamous things that are all expertly summarized in the beginning sequence. The well-cast Powell is also in the Anthem Lights musical group based out of Nashville, Tennessee.

As Jed looks to improve his music career standing, his life changes when he meets Rose Jordan, well-played by Ali Faulkner, at his new gig at a local vineyard harvest festival.  Her honesty and genuineness really shine through.

Faulkner, well-known for her role as Bianca in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1, equals Powell’s formidable acting skills. This duo the realistic chemistry and emotional connection the story requires while Powell’s narration on Solomon gives audiences insight into the consequences of Jed’s actions – good and bad. They even have their own song as their sincere romance and connection galvanizes the film into a special experience.

Caitlin Nicol-Thomas (TV’s Nashville pilot episode) appears about halfway through the film as Shelby Bale. She’s another aspiring musician, who joins Jed’s tour via Stan’s matching, which is very perplexing, but seemingly necessary for Jed’s career to continue rising.

Danny Vinson (Leatherheads, TV’s Army Wives, 42) plays Rose’s father Shep while Aaron Benward plays Jed’s father David and Kenda Benward plays Jed’s mother Bethany. Vinson will co-star with Powell in the upcoming Out of Ashes, which is scheduled to release this year. Gary Jenkins plays Jed’s manager Stan.

The music by Vince Emmett combines with the amazing songs (from Powell, Nicol-Thomas, Ricky Skaggs, NEEDTOBREATHE, Emmylou Harris) and the equally impressive cinematography from Kevin Bryan to paint a memorable picture that is memorable and worthwhile.

Viewers might find them taking issue with the characters’ decisions, triggering “just don’t do that” responses. They may soon realize their “arm chair quarterback” position turns inward as the film prompts us to exam our own lives.

The logic of the tour matching seems odd when hearing the differing lyrics of Jed’s band and Shelby’s band, but Stan’s quest for success helps explain that issue. The main focus is the struggle between living morally for God and focusing on our money and fame, which is well handled. Mature audiences will definitely get more from this recommended film (***).

Originally a limited release September 26, 2014, The Song is a City On A Hill Studio/Samuel Goldwyn Pictures production. City On (or Upon) a Hill references Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount written in Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

The Song rings true, and directs our hearts toward God. Set in Kentucky and then other various locations (during Jed’s music tour), this 116-minute film is rated PG-13 for thematic elements including some substance abuse, smoking and rude references.

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