One of the oddest pictures I have reviewed in a long time is Sony's Identity. It's a very difficult picture to explain without giving away the entire movie. It's part thriller, part horror, part supernatural and all fun. This is one of the pictures that keeps you guessing all the way until the end.
The film stars plenty of big names, Ray Liotta, John Cusack, Amanda Peet, John Hawkes, Alfred Molina, Clea DuVall, John C. McGinley, William Lee Scott, Jake Busey, Pruitt Taylor Vince, and Rebecca DeMornay. Stargate fans will also recognize a minor role with Major Carter's Father as a lawyer.
The film casts several people who just happen, because of an accident, end up at the same hotel. One by one they begin to die off with the killer's identity being the entire focus of the picture. The acting in the film is as superb as one would expect from a cast such as these folks.
There's really no one star, though John Cusacks character somewhat leads the group as they try track down the real killer. All I can say is that this film is original as far as these films go harking back to the day of Hitchcock when things were still new and fresh. Watch it with someone and have fun guessing as to who is murdering everyone and why.
The Disc:
Sony presents Identity in either a 2.40 Anamorphic Widescreen or 1.33 Fullscreen selection on the same disc. Of course the widescreen version is superior with more of the scene. Both versions offer smooth transfers of a dark picture, that like 28 Days Later, benefits from the type of movie.
Sounds in the movie are pretty impressive with plenty of surround use in the film. Much of the film takes place in the rain and the amazing reproduction of thunder and rain is staggering. The dialog is evenly mixed and crisp despite the booming in the distance with all of the sound FX.
Extras on the disc are a bit on the sparse side, but quality over quantity right? First up is Commentary by director James Mangold which is rather interesting. These commentaries with a single person always seem weird but Mangold actually delivers plenty of interesting odds and ends.
Next up is something of a curiosity, Exclusive branched version of film with alternative ending and additional scene (widescreen version only). Seeing the alternate ending this way sounds like it would be cool and a big deal, but actually it boils down to a few seconds of extra material that isn't much different from the original.
Next up is a feature, STARZ special: On the Set of Identity. As with most specials from STARZ, you can expect plenty of fluff and advertisement style sequences. There's nothing here really of interest but still worth a look if you become bored.
Finally the disc offers up the usual staple of Deleted scenes, trailers, and a storyboard comparisons
bottom line:
I enjoyed the film but found its premise to be somewhat rediculous. You'll have to watch the film yourself to get an idea of what I am talking about. In any case, Identity is another decent selection for Halloween!
3 out of 5
By - Brian Gray
