Who Are You?
Identity is a Great Secret

The best thing going for the new John Cusack movie Identity is everything it is not. It's not an action movie, or a slasher movie, nor is it a shock-fest like Se7en or Hannibal. Quite simply, it's an intriguing film with the look and feel of an old Alfred Hitchcock thriller. The beauty of it is, it works.

Cusack plays one of ten characters in Identity who, for various reasons, all find themselves forced to take shelter from a storm in a deteriorating old motel in the desert of Nevada. Tensions run high between the new arrivals, and the situation escalates when a cop (Ray Liotta) transporting a prisoner is detoured by the storm as well.

Unfortunately, this is one of those films that can't be discussed in too great of detail without giving away too much. Believe me when I tell you that watching the film and piecing together the story is the most enjoyable part of it. It's fascinating the way it all comes together.

The ensemble cast, including Cusack, Liotta, Amanda Peet, and John C. McGinley, each bring their talent to some very intriguing characters. All of the people stuck at the motel have a story and the way their lives cross (even before reaching the motel) reminds me of the interconnectivity of stories in a film like Magnolia.

Lovers of mystery and suspense should see this film. From the beginning to the end it is a well-written storyline. Anyone who has seen the film's trailer has only half an idea of what this film is about. It is genuinely intriguing, and more than entertaining.

MY RATING: 8 out of 10.

RATED: R
RUN TIME: 90 min.