A Good, Interesting Film

Rating: 8/10 (20 November 2003)

My Rating: *** out of ****.
Possible Spoilers
Identity is a good film in a rather unimpressive year of films. It represents good entertainment in what could have been just another cliched horror film. Identity is interesting, atmospheric, and entertaining.

Even if it was cliched, Identity would still be suspenseful. Director James Mangold seems to really know what hes doing here. I dont know much about the rest of his work but I have heard he has done some solid films.

The acting definitely elevates Identity. While not award-winning performances, they are solid. John Cusack does a solid job in his role. Ray Liotta will forever be typecast as a tough guy, but hes so damn good you wont care. Amanda Peet does a nice job with her performance. John Hawkes is frequently scene stealing. Everyone else gives solid support.

Identity has a surprise around every corner. They deal with exactly why the characters are at the hotel and there is a surprise ending. Unfortunately, the surprise ending is a bit of a letdown. Its not that the thing with multiple personalities is not clever, its just that I did not totally get it. I dont want to say it had no logic in it but I just dont know. It may require another viewing.
Overall, I was satisfied by Identity. It was a breath of fresh air for this year. I recommend Identity to pretty much everyone.