“The One I Wrote For You” makes this clear: a person doesn’t have to sell out to be successful. Talent will always be appreciated by someone. The terrific cast of this film includes Cheyenne Jackson as Ben Cantor, a man who once had a dream to write songs and sing them for an audience. Now he finds himself working as a barista at The Monterey Coffee Bar and being offered a promotion to manager, just as the reality TV show “The Song” comes to town.
Ben learns he is one of five local finalists, thanks to his 10-year-old daughter Gracie sending in one of his songs. Reluctant at first because of past disappointments, Ben moves forward and sings and finds himself almost winning the competition. In fact, when it is learned that the winner plagiarized her song, he is declared the winner. Now he must travel by bus with the other finalists to see who will ultimately win the big prize of $250,000, a recording contract, and a new car. Other cast members include the likable Christopher Lloyd as Ben’s dad Pop, Christine Woods as Alicia, Ben’s wife, and Avi Lake as Gracie, Ben’s daughter.
Ben’s former manager, Mickey (Kevin Pollak), helps his former client but soon becomes concerned about Ben, as the man of integrity Mickey once knew begins changing for the camera in hopes of capturing today’s audience and the big prize. Ben has a choice to make: be true to himself and risk losing the contest, or be true to himself so that he can retain the honesty and integrity that is part of him.
The movie is inspiring and dramatic, showing what can happen when one person perseveres and remains true to doing the right things. In one scene Christopher Lloyd’s character, Pop, remembers when his son Ben was young and played baseball. He had a rough game, striking out several times and throwing the ball into the stands when he made a play. “Even after that, I thought he was going to be the next Joe DiMaggio,” he says. Parents will appreciate that statement. We are awarding the film our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal for ages twelve plus, due to some use of language. This is a feel-good movie and the music is terrific!
