Identity, Packaging May Vary

After seeing the trailer for Identity (2003), I got the impression it was a horror film with a number of recognizable actors you wouldn't normally see in straight up horror film, and that intrigued me. After seeing the movie, feeling a little duped by the trailer (there's few things as aggravating as a misleading trailer, except for a trailer that shows all the best parts), I was a little surprised to see it was much more than I assumed, being a decent mystery/thriller with slight horror undertones. Directed by James Mangold (Girl, Interrupted, Kate & Leopold), the film stars John Cusack (High Fidelity, Serendipity), Amanda Peet (Saving Silverman, Something's Gotta Give), and Ray Liotta (Goodfellas), three actors I generally like, although Liotta's star quality still suffers with me from his appearing in the 1997 turkeyfest Turbulence (a film which systematically dismantled Liotta's costar Lauren Holly's budding career, forcing her into the realm of television for quite some time). Other notable appearances are made by Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2), John C. McGinley (Stealing Harvard), Jake Busey (Fast Sofa), weird eye guy Pruitt Taylor Vince (Nurse Betty), and Rebecca De Mornay (The Hand That Rocks the Cradle), sporting the biggest set of fake hoo hoos I've seen in a long time.The story, mostly taking place at a lonely Nevada motel, features a group of people brought together under curious and seemingly coincidental circumstances, stranded as they're caught in the middle of a heavy rainstorm (yes, it does rain in the desert on occasion, and usually pretty hard) due to the fact the road leading away from the motel in either direction is washed out. It's an interesting mix of characters, a limo driver (Cusack), a prostitute (Peet), an officer (Liotta) transporting a convicted criminal (Busey), a family of three, a newlywed couple, and a seemingly once popular actress, whose star has since faded (at the very least, she's still got the huge rack). Shortly after our soggy assemblage has an opportunity to get acquainted with each other, their number begins to dwindled as someone within the group is eliminating them one by one, leaving evidence indicating there may be a pattern. Maybe someone should call the police...but wait! The phones are out, and the only cell phone among the group can't make a connection (with the advent of cell phones, many thriller/horror films have had to resort to the old `I can't get a signal' contrivance to justify why a character can't phone for help, either that or they actually have the phone get damaged or the battery be depleted). Now, those who haven't suffered a terminal case of death must try and figure out not only who among them is a killer, but why (we later learn there's a connection between the individuals present), before those left meet the same, grisly fate.The positives of the film are many, including a strong cast, led by Cusack (remember the days when he only seemed to do silly comedies? Who knew back then he would evolve into dramatic roles as well as he did?) and Liotta (the two played against each other nicely, enough so I wouldn't mind seeing them appear in something else together). The rest of the cast follows suit, but given the collective professional experience in their backgrounds, I wouldn't have expected less. The direction by Mangold is tight, and it's obvious he knows how to create suspense and deliver the goods (there were a few `pop outs', or basically throwing something at the viewer to create a quick, cheap scare, but Mangold seemed to be able to present it in such a way where it wasn't as obvious as it would have been with a lesser director). The photography was really beautiful, deftly using the rain in such a way as to accentuate the story, and also to keep the viewer engaged. I also thoughts the sets were detailed and realistic, giving the film a dark, brooding quality, much like that of David Fincher's film Se7en (1995). The biggest problem I had with the movie was related, in a small way, to the ending and the revelation of the identity of the killer in that films that utilized dream sequences (there are none here) or similar plot contrivances seem to use them in such a way as to forgo justifying various details and unexplained events as to say to the audience, `Well, because of the context of the occurrence of the details and/or events, we don't have provide any reasoning, and you just have to accept it'. Now, I don't need a reasoning or rational for everything, as I'd like to believe I'm intelligent enough to extrapolate these things from myself, so long as the story is adept enough to provide the basic necessities to do so...but that wasn't always the case here (an example being the entire Indian burial mounds aspect, and its' introduction with regards to the killings possibly being supernatural in nature). I did appreciate the inclusion of various clues, not so much relating to who the killer was, but who the killer wasn't. The concept put forth by the story in this regard certainly was interesting (and entertaining), but the execution seemed a little weak.The DVD features both anamorphic widescreen (2:35:1) and the pan & scan (1:33:1), allowing the viewer to choose their preferred format, both looking very clean and sharp. The audio is Dolby Digital 5.1, and comes though very clearly. Special features include a commentary track by the director, a `Starz' on-set featurette, storyboard to scene comparisons, deleted scenes, selected filmographies, and the ability to choose to view the original theatrical release, or a slightly extended version of the film (I believe this last feature is only available in the widescreen format). Normally I'd probably rate this three stars, but due to the strengths (especially the cast), I'm willing to go to four stars. I'd recommend renting before buying, though, as I see little value in repeat viewings.Cookieman108

Great who done it good actors great place to fine movies enjoy thanks

It worked and was the movie we were expecting.

Awesome movie. One of my favorites. Very suspenseful. Keeps you interested till the end. The only thing that sucks is once you watch it once, it ruins to watch it again cause you know exactly what's going on. Worth a watch for sure.

This is one of the best who done it films I have ever watched. I wouldn't want to give any of it's suspence away by revealing the story. Had a great time watching it.

Sick and tired of those ordinary thrillers that are all fluff and very little substance? 'Identity' may be the answer that you're looking for, as it is a clever and dark thriller with a solid story, a terrific cast and a great look and feel to it all. The film revolves around ten strangers who end up at a little motel due to a horrible storm. All of them have been brought there by chance... or, is it a little more complicated than that? They think they're out of the woods until people start getting butchered left and right, in a countdown fashion. What appears to be nothing more than a murderer on the loose having his or her fun ends up being something a lot more sinister and threatening. Have these ten individuals been picked at random, or have their fates been sealed from the very beginning?When I started watching this, I thought to myself, 'Oh boy, I bet you I know exactly how this is going to end.' I was wrong. The film takes a lot of clever and unexpected twists that really goes to show you how great a thriller can really be if the right brains are behind it all. It has some great suspense and frightening moments, an intriguing plot that likes to play around with your mind, and it delivers a very confident presentation. You'll recognize a good majority of the cast, as some of them include John Cusack, Ray Liotta, Amanda Peet and Rebecca DeMornay. All are great, especially Cusack who proves that he can be a successful lead role in a top-notch thriller.The DVD has some cool goodies to offer. You can watch it in widescreen or fullscreen, depending on which is your preference. You also have the choice to watch the theatrical cut, or the extended version (not to be mistaken for a 'director's cut'). I must be honest and admit that the extended version is really not worth it. The added scene does nothing to enhance the movie and the so-called 'alternate ending' isn't alternate at all, as it is merely extended by only a few seconds. It was interesting to watch, but again it really doesn't do anything special for the film. Stick with the theatrical version, then watch the extended version if you're still curious. Trust me, the theatrical version is the way to go. Other bonuses included on the DVD are deleted scenes, commentary, storyboard comparisons, theatrical trailer, filmographies and a behind the scenes featurette. The film looks and sounds great.'Identity' is definitely something that should be checked out by those who are tired by the usual flops that dare to call themselves 'thrillers.' This is a successful and smart thriller that offers chills along with an impressive script and cast. Just be sure to give it a chance. You may think you have it all figured out when it starts, but trust me when I tell you that this movie will play around with your brain until the ending credits. A more than well-done thriller that doesn't disappoint and is worth re-watching again and again. -Michael Crane

This is an enjoyable thriller. It reminds me of the George Zucco film "The Black Raven" (1943). In the Zucco film, a bunch of disperate and desperate characters from NYC are trying to make their ways over the Canadian border for various reason. A torrential rain storm washes out the bridges and they are all forced to stay in Zucco's menacing Black Raven Inn for the night. Mystery and murder ensue with an escape convict on the loose. "Identity' is more modern. All give good performances and the ending would have been too sophisticated for 1940s audiences. "Identity" comes hight recommended.

This story is told in an unorthodox manner, making it an interesting puzzle for those who like that challenge.Quite a bit of gore, violence, and foul language. Mature audience recommended.

Entertaining yarn with some twists and turns, a group of assorted travellers find themselves holed up overnight in a run down Motel in the middle of nowhere and they are trapped there by a heavy storm and flooded roads, its a bit like the ten little indians story with people getting murdered one by one but who is the killer? Its actually very watchable, well acted and well put together with some genuine jump out your seat frights here and there, its not your usual cheap slasher movie, its quite a few steps above that because there are a few unexpected twists and turns going on and as the story progresses you realise that actually all is not what it appears, anyway, I wont give the game away here but I bought this movie because I admire the work of actor John Cusak, he never seems to make bad movies and here is no exception, this is very good and an entertaining movie to watch on a rainy evening.

This has a lot going for it - the inventive non-chronological sequences early on, a great cast, terrific edge-of-the-seat thrills, plenty of suspense and mystery, and lots and lots of heavy rain.Top marks for creating the right atmosphere!But it falls down in two places - it reveals the main plot twist too early. This revelation almost kills any remaining suspense and interest in further proceedings is almost lost. The whole basis of the movie hangs on this brilliant plot twist and it needed to come right at the end.However, even with this failing it's still worth a look if you want to see a fast paced intriguing thriller. A lot of people must have thought so too, as at the box office it made approx. 3 times its cost!Oh, and the other failing - how could anyone write out the stunning Rebecca De Mornay so early on in a movie! KAN

We saw this late one night TV but the incessant advert breaks spoilt it, hence buying the DVD to enjoy it as it should be. Its well written and acted plus the story line keeps you guessing as you get more sense of it without the advert breaks, believe me...

arrive in good condition and before time

A modern attempt at Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. It's done fairly well, with a twist that I really didn't expect. My only criticism is that they reveal what is really happening too soon, and so the tension of the film is relaxed to a certain extent. Good performances from John Cusack as always and Ray Liotta supports with a great success. A good mystery, very close to being great