The Wisdom of SolomonThe Song
Stars: Alan Powell, Ali Faulkner, Caitlin Nicol Thomas, Danny Vinson, Aaron Benward, Kendra Benward, Jude Ramsey, Gary Jenkins and Landon Marshall
Director/Scriptwriter: Richard Ramsey
Composer: Vince Emmett
Cinematography: Kevin Bryan
City On A Hill/Samuel Goldwyn
Rating: PG 13
Running Length: 112 Minutes
Director/Scriptwriter: Richard Ramsey
Composer: Vince Emmett
Cinematography: Kevin Bryan
City On A Hill/Samuel Goldwyn
Rating: PG 13
Running Length: 112 Minutes
You may want to read “The Song of Solomon” before seeing this film, as the narrator recites portions of it between scenes to remind us that some thing never change. At times, it is lovely and at times, distracting. Shades of television’s “Nashville,” this film has a behind-the-scenes look at productions, tempers, talent, costumes, audiences, managers, family, emotional turmoil and just plain coping with being on the road.
The plot of this film concerns a talented guitarist/singer, Jed King (Alan Powell from Anthem Lights) who has lived in the shadow of his famous guitarist/singer father, David King (Aaron Benward). At the beginning of the film, we see a tape of the father at the Grand Old Opry. The father burned out of his career and the family was in disarray. Fast forward and son Jed is now on the road with a guitar, going from small gig to small gig. He happens to meet Rose (Ali Faulkner), whose father, Shep (Danny Vinson), owns a vineyard where there is an annual music festival. Love falls hard with Jed who writes a special song for Rose, “their song.“ Before you know it, he is off the road, promising to build a chapel on Shep’s land and wanting to marry Rose, who always seems hesitant to do anything. Later, Jed has a manager, a band, and heading for success and even more so when teamed with Shelby, a top fiddle player with an eye for the dangerous side of the road and especially for Jed. They are a hit with their wit and talent and tour world-wide. Jed’s marriage becomes strained, especially when Jed can't stay home to be with his son, Ray (Jude Ramsey.) There are many hurdles to overcome here, including headlines, gossip and someone who has lost his way and must find it with religion. Temptations are everywhere and it shows the bad side of the music business, but hope is always on the horizon. Sometimes you have to fall to the bottom to be able to rise to the top again.
The music is top-notch and show productions very good, reminding one of “Nashville.” Cinematography is well done, from the stage and from the rolling hills around the vineyard. You can tell when time passes, as Jed grows a beard and looks awkward with it. Trouble comes with cell phones and remember to know where yours is at all times.
Acting is average. Alan Powell gives a better performance without the beard than with it. Caitlin Nicol-Thomas as Shelby has quite a role and steps right into it as the girl who won't take “no” for an answer. On the other hand, Ali Faulkner’s “Rose,” is just that, fading in the background and seemingly afraid to come forward.
Talent is a gift and a gift to cherish and use in whatever field you want, as with music, where there is classical, opera, dance, rock, jazz or country. Some things come incredibly easy and sometimes, it is incredibly hard to get that break---if it ever comes. When, is a cause for celebration, but don't forget from whence your talent cometh and that your talent encompasses those around you, too, who are like the petals of a flower circling the main stem placed there by the Creator.
Copyright 2014 Marie Asner
