A Thrill Ride With Lots of Substance

Rating: 9/10 (5 March 2012)

As of late, one of the things that irks me about thriller films is that it offers lots of style and nothing more in between. Thankfully "Identity" isn't one thriller that fits in that category as it provides for you a compelling dark and provocative story, complimented by an ensemble of talented performers and an atmosphere that will likely send chills up and down your spine.
The story takes place in a cramped little motel on a dark and dreary night. Ten strangers show up in the motel who may have been brought here by coincidence or does their presence stem much further than that? They think they're safe in this cozy little motel, but then they gradually discover that one-by-one, several people were getting hacked left, right, front and centre What may seem like it's just a crazed murderer on the prowl just randomly killing people for kicks, the boiling point goes far more macabre than any of the individuals could imagine. Were these strangers chosen randomly or did they know that they were doomed from the start? Granted, I had my doubts when I first saw "Identity" in the theatres nine years ago. I thought it was just another mindless thriller with another repetitive predictable ending. Well it turned out I had to take my words back on this one. The craft by director James Mangold by utilizing various plot twists succeeds in demonstrating the ins and outs of how a thriller movie should be done. There is a cornucopia of frightening scenes that might inspire you to sleep with the lights turned on if you're watching this movie alone at night. It's also not at all ashamed of playing games with your mind and represents itself in a very confident matter. Some of the well known thespians featured in "Idenity" include the always versatile John Cusack, Ray Liotta with his perpetual menacing demeanour, Amanda Peet with her combined beauty and charm and Rebecca DeMornay with her solid delivery of lines. They all shined splendidly in their respected roles. But it was Cusack who surprised me for being a capable actor in a thriller movie.
The DVD has a few little extra tidbits added in for further information about the movie and some extended scenes that were left out in the theatres. However, the extensions are really not worth mentioning. Even the alternated ending was really all not worthy to take note of either. But it's the theatrical version that one should see, but if you're curious about the extended versions well I'll be the last person to stop anyone from seeing it. And as usual there's the deleted scenes, the wonderful commentary, and of course the little featurette to go behind the scenes of the movie.
"Identity" is a break from the monotony from the god-awful excuses that have the audacity to label themselves as thrillers. The film offers 90 minutes of chilling scenes that will surely make your eyes pop out and you tongue hang out. The script was brilliantly edited and the cast was very impressive. Those who were doubtful of the how this movie will transpire (guilty!) it will have you think twice before you count your chickens. The mind games continually progress throughout the movie as you'll be mesmerized by everything that was showcased on the screen. This is truly the thriller among thrillers and will manipulate you to watch this again and again.