If you watch the opening scene of James Mangold's "Identity" very carefully, you will find all the clues you need to figure out this clever horror/mystery thriller. I couldn't. Like "The Sixth Sense," "Identity" is full of twists, turns and a few red herrings. None of which I will reveal to you. The trailer for this film put the hook in me. I was convinced it was going to be great or really, really bad. Good news: "Identity" is a smart, scary film that will have your date clinging to your arm.

To use Snoopy's favorite line: "It was a dark and stormy night..." On this particularly nasty evening, a disparate group of travelers find themselves stranded by flood waters in a motel that is somewhat akin to the Bates Motel. The cast of characters include Larry (John Hawks) the greaser motel clerk, Ed (John Cusack) a limo driver in charge of Caroline Suzanne (Rebecca De Mornay) a has-been movie actress, Paris (Amanda Peet) a retiring Las Vegas hooker, George (John C. McGinley) a neurotic husband with a wife and stepson in tow, Rhodes (Ray Liotta) and extradition officer transporting Robert Maine (Jake Busey) a multiple murderer. There are a few more folks, but those are the ones to watch.

"Identity" strands these folks without any way of reaching outside help. Very soon, folks begin to die. Nuff said. I was taken in by "Identity." As an attorney who has had my share of therapy, I could point out several problems with the legal and psychological aspects of the film. I won't because you have to take a willing sense of disbelief into any film. For this movie, I only wore my movie fan hat. I loved "Identity." There are enough elements of both the slasher and whodunit genres to satisfy fans of both. The gore is at a minimum in comparison to most horror films. This works to "Identity's" benefit. Writer Michael Mooney (Jack Frost) has surpassed anything he has done in the past with this clever script. Mangold's previous films (Cop Land, Girl Interrupted, Kate & Leopold) gave no hint that he could produce such a suspenseful and shocking film. "Identity" includes both. There are your heart pounding, horror movie shocks, and a mystery, which will keep you guessing till the end.

The cast is good. I've always liked John Cusack. He is underused and appreciated in Hollywood. Ray Liotta delivers one of his trademark good-guy with a screw loose roles. Amanda Peet is saucy as the hooker with a heart of platinum. It is also nice to see Rebecca De Mornay onscreen again. She is still luscious as the spoiled brat movie star. Butter up the popcorn my friends. The first fun, thrill ride of the summer is here.

Rusty White, 2003