Fast Moving and Entertaining

Rating: 9/10 (23 May 2004)

I rented this last night and had no idea what was I getting. I knew most of the stars: John Cusak, Rebbeca Demornay (who I hadn't seen in movies for a while) and even Alfred Molina (who had a brief role in the 1st Indiana Jones movie). I actually thought I was going to dislike this movie because I had never heard anything about it. I guess that was my blessing, because IDENTITY was actually all the contrary: a fast moving, action packed and entertaining movie. You have to pay close attention to the beginning of IDENTITY, since an important premise is given and is later brought up to round up the film. On the surface, IDENTITY is about 10 people who meet in a run down motel in the middle of Nevada, on a heavy stormy night. They stay at the motel because of the heavy rain and because the roads are blocked. Among the people is an ex-cop turned limo driver (John Cusak), a has-been movie star (Rebecca Demornay), a recently retired prostitute (Amanda Peet), a Cop (Ray Liotta) driving a murderous convict (Jake Busey) to another Estate, a husband with a wounded wife and his,a young couple and the motel owner. These characters then start being murdered one by one with NO apparent reason or motive. This is where the real suspense begins. It's got enough gory murders to appeal to any bloodthirsty, fango crazy movie lover, but everything is done with the style of a big budget production.. All I can say is that what you are watching is not what it appears to be. I enjoyed IDENTITY a lot, especially John Cusak's performance (you see him in mostly comedy films) and proves that he can do the serious act very well. Good for a late night watching! 9* out of 10*!