Hidden Secrets (2006 Full Movie)

[Charolette Antosh]

HIDDENSECRETS is dramatically compelling and entertaining. The writing has some very good insights into character. Much of the acting, especially by Tracy Melchior, John Schneider and David White, is very good. What is unique about this movie is the strong faith-based, Christian content that constantly references the Bible. None of these references are preachy. They flow from the discussions within the characters. Those who like character studies will find themselves encouraged, uplifted and entertained by HIDDEN SECRETS. MOVIEGUIDE urges audiences to find out more about these hidden secrets.Content:(CCC, FR, V, S, A) Very strong Christian worldview with many quotes from Scripture, with a very slight antinomian tinge mocking and rebuking one character who's slightly legalistic but overall a very good balance; no foul language; man falls off roof, man appears to be ready to put a gun to his head to commit suicide; some discussions of sex, including ex-homosexual character, but no sexual activity; no nudity; possible drinking in nightclub; no smoking; and, nothing else objectionable.

HIDDEN SECRETS is reminiscent of a famous character study movie that was a hit with baby boomers, entitled THE BIG CHILL. This time, the message affirms the Christian faith, but does so with some very interesting discussions from people who have had years of brokenness in their lives, such as one Jewish character, one ex-homosexual and one Christian woman in a hyper-legalistic mood.

HIDDEN SECRETS is a dramatically compelling, entertaining movie. The writing has some very good insights into character. Much of the acting, especially Tracy Melchior (ONE LIFE TO LIVE and THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL), and John Schneider (SMALLVILLE and THE DUKES OF HAZARD), is very good. The direction is good but not totally consistent. Very few scenes are superfluous, however, and very few moments are over the top.

What is surprising about this movie (considering how hard it is to do in movies) is the strong faith-based, Christian content that constantly references the Bible. None of these references are preachy or didactic. They flow from the discussions within the characters. This interesting flow attracted the screening audience so that some of them started to move closer in to follow the action of the movie, a very good sign.

Clearly, this is a low-budget movie. For the most part, it will be straight to video. Some of the jeopardy is soft and some of the plot points are delayed, but those who like character studies will find themselves encouraged, uplifted and entertained by HIDDEN SECRETS. MOVIEGUIDE urges audiences to find out more about these hidden secrets.

The first weekend after I moved to my temporary lodgings on Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square, in 2004, I hopped on my bicycle to begin exploring my new home. I had barely pedaled out of low gear when a young man was waving to catch my attention: "Aren't you the new Penn president?"

In crowning Philadelphia America's next great city, National Geographic Traveler captured the pulse of my new hometown. Philadelphia is blooming like the majestic trees that line its streets and parks. Once-dormant factories have found new life as art galleries and restaurants; theatrical, musical, and dance performances animate the Avenue of the Arts; the University City neighborhood radiates multicultural energy and intellectual vitality. Even Philadelphia's renowned historic district is more accessible than it once was, offering engaging exhibits alongside the famous symbols of American freedom.

What I find especially appealing about this city is its scale: Philadelphia is mostly flat and compact enough to be negotiated comfortably on foot or on bicycle. Once you realize how accessible one area is to the next, your one- to two-hour break from a conference opens up a world of possibilities. As I walk or bike through our grid of streets and parks, I invariably discover fresh treasures. I'll leave the best-known destinations to the guidebooks and invite you to explore the Philadelphia I love.

When Walt Whitman wrote, "Thrive, cities! bring your freight, bring your shows, ample and sufficient rivers," in his great poem "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry," he could just as well have been describing my adopted home. Philadelphia's two rivers are more than ample and sufficient; they are beautiful to behold.

Why not begin at the city's eastern end, where Philadelphia - and, to a large extent, American democracy - grew up along the Delaware River? As a history buff, I never tire of exploring the paths frequented by our Republic's founders as they debated and resolved their way toward crafting our Constitution. David McCullough's biography of John Adams describes Adams's difficulty adjusting to the endless round of lavish receptions to which he and his fellow delegates to the Continental Congress were treated by Philadelphia's rich and powerful after long days in the State House, now Independence Hall. Adams partook of a "sinful feast" at the home of Philadelphia's mayor Samuel Powel. A tour of the opulent four-story Georgian mansion and gardens on 244 South Third Street is a perfect way to plant oneself in Colonial Philadelphia.

If the Powel House's elegant carved woodwork, paintings, and antiques fail to transport you back in time, then continue a few blocks north to Elfreth's Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited street in the United States. Strolling along the 300-year-old cobblestone path lined with houses still used as private residences, you can imagine the wedding celebration for Jeremiah and Hannah Elfreth in 1752, the year the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia.

The founder who left the greatest mark on Philadelphia was Benjamin Franklin. We owe him our fire department, library, hospital, and, of course, the nation's first university, the University of Pennsylvania. One could not choose a better time to visit Philadelphia than during 2006, the tercentenary celebration of his birth. For a revealing perspective on Franklin's contributions to his adopted city and his country, I recommend the wonderful exhibit, "Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World," running through April 30 at the new National Constitution Center only a few blocks to the west.

As Penn's founder, Franklin is memorialized all over the university's West Philadelphia campus, from the statue on College Green, to the dedication of Franklin Field, to our beloved "Ben on the Bench" sculpture. But Franklin landmarks also are scattered throughout the historic district, from the museum and post office where his house once stood (314 Market Street) to the burial ground of Christ Church (on Arch Street between Fourth and Fifth), where visitors toss pennies on his grave for good luck.

After a few hours immersed in history, you are likely to be famished. Fear not: Philadelphia's dining scene is among the best in the country. Much of the current buzz is generated by my friend Stephen Starr, who has created a sensation by opening across the city uniquely themed restaurants where the diecor is as exciting as the cooking. Among my favorites in this part of town are Buddakan, where a giant Buddha oversees the spicy Asian cuisine, and the neo-Japanese Morimoto. For a little less drama, you can walk up Second or Third Street and find any number of interesting bars and bistros among the art galleries of Old City.

If you are in Philadelphia on the first Friday of any month, Old City galleries will beckon you in with wine and cheese. Some of the artists are local, others from farther afield. In either case, "First Friday" furnishes a glimpse into the transformation of a fallow industrial area into an artsy neighborhood that is enticing young people to relocate from New York. Ten years ago, for example, two young theatrical directors converted an old post office near Christ Church on Second Street into an exciting space for their growing company. Today the Arden Theatre is a pillar of Philadelphia's vibrant professional theater community. I enjoy the Arden's ambiance as well as the quality of its productions.

The Ritz Theatre movie complexes in Old City and Society Hill show top-tier independent films, including outstanding foreign work. For film buffs like me, they are candy stores: I try to sample everything they offer and keep coming back for more. The Ritz publishes a monthly program book that gives reviews and outstanding characteristics of each film. I recommend the healthy snacks at the concession stand.

Follow me on a pilgrimage to South Philadelphia, home of the city's most colorful fictional character, Rocky. You can easily spend an afternoon in the open-air stalls of the Italian Market, sample one of Philly's famous cheesesteaks at Pat's or Geno's (their rivalry is legendary), view the Frank Sinatra mural (along with one honoring Frank Rizzo, Philadelphia's late, notorious mayor), and tour the Mario Lanza Museum, dedicated to the favorite son who achieved stardom as the tenor Enrico Caruso in the film The Great Caruso. Opera fans will want to make a dinner reservation at Victor Cafe, where talented young singers regularly belt out favorite arias while serving your pasta.

Art lovers flock to the magnificent Philadelphia Museum of Art, whose permanent collection will edify and delight for as much time as you can spare. If you have more time, take a quick cab ride to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, on Broad Street just north of City Hall. Home to America's first art museum and school of fine arts, the academy celebrated its 200th anniversary last year. Its collection of American art ranges from the 18th- and 19th-century masters Benjamin West, Charles Willson Peale, and Thomas Eakins - all of whom spent time in Philadelphia - to an outstanding array of 20th-century figurative and abstract works, including an important collection of African-American artists. The academy's building, designed by Frank Furness and opened in 1876, is considered an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic architecture. You will want to look up at the silver stars painted on the blue vaulted ceiling above the Grand Stairhall.

3a8082e126