A solid cast makes it work.

Rating: 7/10 (25 April 2003)

John Cusack leads a strong cast in "Identity," a slasher film that has enough twists and turns to satisfy mystery fans, and enough blood and brutal killings for those who enjoy a good old fashioned stalk and slash fest. A group of strangers are forced to take shelter during a thunderstorm in a rundown motel that would give Norman Bates pause. Soon another guest shows up with a variety of sharp objects and a bad disposition. While portions of the film are a bit predictable, there is at least one or two surprises for those who think that they have seen it all. The murder sequences are generally offscreen, but the aftermath is often shown in surprisingly bloody detail....often playing very much like throwbacks to the early "Friday the 13th" films. But this cast is hardly your typical teen stalk and slash crew. Cusack is great as usual, in a role that is a big change of pace for him, with some good supporting work from a cast of recognizable faces, all of whom seem right at home in the tense atmosphere. Overall this is a fun horror film that is miles ahead of its current theatrical competition, "House of 1000 Corpses" in thrills, gore, talent, and originality.