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Identity
A reasonably talented cast is wasted in the bogus horror thriller, "Identity" (Columbia).Reviving Agatha Christie's old and-then-there-were-none plot and numerous films that followed, the derivative tale finds a group of random individuals trapped by a raging storm in a seedy motel where one by one they meet violent deaths.
As the body count rises, so does the panic -- not to mention the itchy trigger fingers.
For all the bizarre killings on parade, the resolution this time out is novel and still manages to be pathetic. If viewers who decide to fritter away their time on this film don't guess a number of the twists and double-crosses right away, they may still be put off by the contrived conclusion that renders the entire narrative absurd. Logic and common sense never check into this motel.
The ensemble cast includes John Cusack as a limo-driving ex-cop chauffeuring a prima-donna actress (Rebecca DeMornay) when he accidentally hits a woman and heads with her husband and little son (John C. McGinley and Bret Loehr) to the nearby motel for help. The hapless manager (John Hawkes) says phones lines are down and all the roads flooded.
Soon other stranded strangers arrive, including a cop (Ray Liotta in the kind of role he could do handcuffed) transporting a killer convict (Jake Busey), a call girl (Amanda Peet) hoping to put her past behind her, and a newlywed couple (Clea DuVall and William Lee Scott).
Framing the story is another killer convict (Pruitt Taylor Vince) whose midnight hearing may lead to a last-minute stay of execution.
While the movie's dark, rain-slicked visuals are appropriately moody, plot holes soon envelop the narrative and diminish suspense, only to lead to an exasperating denouement.
Because of frequent violence, brief sexual innuendo, recurring profanity and much rough language, the USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-IV -- adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.
These movies have been evaluated for artistic merit and moral suitability by the media reviewing division of Catholic News Service. The reviews include the CNS rating, the Motion Picture Association of America rating, and a brief synopsis of the movie.
The classifications are as follows:
A-I -- general patronage;
A-II -- adults and adolescents;
A-III -- adults;
L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. L replaces the previous classification, A-IV.
O -- morally offensive.
Note: Some movies previously were designated A-IV. Older films with this classification should be regarded as classified L.