True Story
Fox Searchlight Pictures | Release Date: April 17, 2015
6.0
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 77 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
30
Mixed:
37
Negative:
10
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
6
HaithamBJul 12, 2015
True Story is by-the-numbers crime/thriller that features two great performances (Jonah and Franco), an engaging story that is although familiar, yet it works.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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5
beingryanjudeApr 19, 2015
Led by two very capable performances from Jonah Hill and James Franco, True Story is set up for success with Rupert Goold's David Fincher-influenced direction. It's effectively slow paced - however, with very little punch for conclusion.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
WJSJan 15, 2016
James Franco and Jonah Hill are strong, young actors and it's their performances that help make this movie watchable. Unfortunately it gets bogged down in a convoluted narrative that really doesn't live up to its title..."True Story". It justJames Franco and Jonah Hill are strong, young actors and it's their performances that help make this movie watchable. Unfortunately it gets bogged down in a convoluted narrative that really doesn't live up to its title..."True Story". It just seems very contrived and fake...more like a made for 2nd tier cable movie. Felicity Jones is a stand out here in the supporting role of Mike Finkel's wife.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
GinaKApr 19, 2015
Just when I am in despair that all that’s available in theaters these days are violent car chases and silly superhero movies, I discover a quiet but intense duel between two very fine young actors (Jonah Hill and James Franco) playing aJust when I am in despair that all that’s available in theaters these days are violent car chases and silly superhero movies, I discover a quiet but intense duel between two very fine young actors (Jonah Hill and James Franco) playing a disgraced reporter and a supposed serial killer searching for what exactly “true” is. The scenes between the two actors are wonderful and are never boring, and the movie only falls down a bit in the end at the accused killer’s trial when reality has to intrude. All the smaller parts are very well-acted from a solid script with smart, unobtrusive direction.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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7
NerdConsultantJul 21, 2015
true story is pretty good especially on the part of Jonah Hill and James Franco who deliver excellent performances. I think it largely appealed to side of me that enjoys the show Law and Order even though that show is slightly different intrue story is pretty good especially on the part of Jonah Hill and James Franco who deliver excellent performances. I think it largely appealed to side of me that enjoys the show Law and Order even though that show is slightly different in tone and story structure.it's downside is it's ending which left me feeling confused as to the point of the overall movie and the scenes with Felicity Jones (apart from one) come off as dull and unneeded and i didn't feel the chemistry between her and Jonah Hill. still think I would recommend it… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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1
hotfromcauldronApr 17, 2015
True Story is a sleeper. No really, it almost put me to sleep. A disgraced reporter- doing a Brian Williams- forms a symbiotic relationship with an alleged killer to save his career and find himself. Motivations ring false. Hill and FrancoTrue Story is a sleeper. No really, it almost put me to sleep. A disgraced reporter- doing a Brian Williams- forms a symbiotic relationship with an alleged killer to save his career and find himself. Motivations ring false. Hill and Franco drone on and on—with Felicity Jones as a wooden wedge between this blossoming bromance. All involved take center stage exploiting the victims- a mother and her three young children- for personal gains - including the producers of a very unnecessary story to be told. It’s rare I despise every character on screen. And the fact that all three are still in each others lives - is sick - I swear.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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10
gatorsrockApr 21, 2015
A must see movie, Franco is amazing and Hill and Jones were perfect. Finally something different and intelligent at the theaters. Rupert Goold present a film that will have you thinking for days. It's about the slippery slope between fact andA must see movie, Franco is amazing and Hill and Jones were perfect. Finally something different and intelligent at the theaters. Rupert Goold present a film that will have you thinking for days. It's about the slippery slope between fact and fiction mixed with mystery and great acting.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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6
Brent_MarchantApr 18, 2015
Despite a stylish atmosphere and finely nuanced performances by James Franco and Felicity Jones, this mystery-courtroom-biopic offering feels rather incomplete, both for the investigator seeking the truth and for the audience seeking theDespite a stylish atmosphere and finely nuanced performances by James Franco and Felicity Jones, this mystery-courtroom-biopic offering feels rather incomplete, both for the investigator seeking the truth and for the audience seeking the truth behind the investigator. The film's deliberately slow pacing gives the audience hope that it will eventually be led to a satisfying conclusion. Instead, viewers are largely strung along toward an ending that leaves open almost as many questions as it answers.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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1
kussygonzalezAug 1, 2015
This movie is somewhere in between bad and terrible and I can't decide which. I thought that the plot was building up to a Tyler Durden, I-don't-really-exist thing. But it was really just Jonah Hill having a weird man-crush on James FrancoThis movie is somewhere in between bad and terrible and I can't decide which. I thought that the plot was building up to a Tyler Durden, I-don't-really-exist thing. But it was really just Jonah Hill having a weird man-crush on James Franco and then nothing happens; no twist, no suicide, no nudity. Come on! Give us something!… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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2
LamontRaymondApr 21, 2015
Flat out boring. The trailer suggests much more to the story, but it simply isn't there. Definitely pass. And Franco? Ugh. All he does is squint to act. Pass.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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5
SpangleJan 13, 2016
True Story is entirely underwhelming. It is honestly the type of film that ends and make you wonder if that was really it. The story, as is, is quite captivating and really gets you hooked in, but it is so poorly told and then just kindTrue Story is entirely underwhelming. It is honestly the type of film that ends and make you wonder if that was really it. The story, as is, is quite captivating and really gets you hooked in, but it is so poorly told and then just kind of...ends that the movie never rises above being just something you spent an hour and a half watching. It truly is a film that redefines mediocre and average. Jonah Hill and James Franco are fantastic, but get stranded in the sea of mediocrity and, though they try their best, the film is just so mediocre in the way it communicates with you that their performances go to waste. As an overall picture, True Story just gets in its way too much and its muddled method of telling you the story will leave you largely confused and scratching your head as to where the compelling premise and story went.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
BrianMcCriticSep 5, 2015
An overall solid film that kept me captivated throughout. I think one big flaw is James Franco is missed cast. This just doesn't fit his strengths as an actor. The story in the long run is what really worked for me. B
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
ydnar4Jul 12, 2015
True Story is directed by first time director Rupert Goold and stars Jonah Hill and James Franco. The film is based on the true story of Christian Longo (Franco) and adapted from Michael Finkel’s memoir of the same name. Longo, a perceivedTrue Story is directed by first time director Rupert Goold and stars Jonah Hill and James Franco. The film is based on the true story of Christian Longo (Franco) and adapted from Michael Finkel’s memoir of the same name. Longo, a perceived “regular guy” who is accused of the murder of his wife and three children. It is believed that Longo committed each of the murders and he fled to Mexico, but when he was found by police he used the identity of Michael Finkel (Hill) a recently fired writer for the New York Times. When Finkel hears of this story he visits Longo in prison with the intension of getting his writing career back on track by writing an article on Longo. The performances from both the stars in this film are great and it is the scenes where Hill and Franco are the only two characters present that really shine. It is now known that Jonah Hill can have a dramatic side after roles in Moneyball and The Wolf of Wall Street, both of which earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor. Despite his ability I was questioning Hill’s ability to play a lead in a drama but after watching the film I think that Hill’s performance is the best in the film and I would like to see him take another lead in a drama film. James Franco is also known to dabble in both comedy and drama and his performance as Christian Longo is strong. Franco looks prepared for the part from the outset and looks like a man who cannot be trusted but he really didn’t hit the performance out of the park like I had hoped. Christian Longo is mysterious enough that if James Franco had given the role 100% effort I think it could’ve resulted in a Oscar nomination. Felicity Jones, is also in the film playing Michael Finkel’s wife Jill, but she is certainly underused. Jones was following up a Oscar-nominated breakout performance in The Theory of Everything and she was recently cast as the lead in the first Star Wars Anthology film so this young actress looks like an up-and-comer but just didn’t get enough screen time to really shine. The film really builds up tension well throughout the film but the ending occurs a little too sharply for my liking and really doesn’t have the huge climax that I was expecting. It seems like the film was limited to only 99 minutes of running time and could not be any longer. I think another 10-15 minutes would’ve worked wonders for this movie. That being said the performances are what make this movie fresh and although its reach may exceed its grasp it is still a film worth watching for a crime movie fan.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
themoviestarApr 21, 2015
Well done! Interesting and thought provoking. Understandable that bad reviews are coming from other journalists. Could the New York Times be anymore obvious that their review was personal? Ridiculous. This movie is really good. Deserves a 10 rating.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
smiyamotJul 21, 2016
While the story line seems like a hit: man is accused of murdering his wife and three kids - but he's innocent, maybe, and a disgraced New York Times reporter is hot on the trail, the movie itself is a miss. Just didn't feel any tensionWhile the story line seems like a hit: man is accused of murdering his wife and three kids - but he's innocent, maybe, and a disgraced New York Times reporter is hot on the trail, the movie itself is a miss. Just didn't feel any tension build up, no mystery, no saving grace.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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4
TVJerryApr 20, 2015
This film is based on actual events about an accused killer (James Franco) who assumes the name of a disgraced New York Times reporter (Jonah Hill). Once they meet, most of the movie is spent with the prison encounters between them…and it'sThis film is based on actual events about an accused killer (James Franco) who assumes the name of a disgraced New York Times reporter (Jonah Hill). Once they meet, most of the movie is spent with the prison encounters between them…and it's pretty mild. While the premise is interesting, the film lacks tension and (ironically) good writing. It doesn't help that Franco intentionally plays his character with blank emotion, which instead of coming off sinister, just reads flat. Hill is equally inert. The story has the potential for a gripping game of truth vs. lies, but the bland direction, lackluster script and uninspired performances dull this story.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
Compi24Jan 27, 2017
If you're looking for a film to reaffirm your belief in all the nauseating evils of the world, you may have found the right product in Rupert Goold's "True Story." It's got all the makings of a solid journalistic thriller -- magneticIf you're looking for a film to reaffirm your belief in all the nauseating evils of the world, you may have found the right product in Rupert Goold's "True Story." It's got all the makings of a solid journalistic thriller -- magnetic performances, thematic intrigue, a realistic and grounded aesthetic -- but dear God was this a chore to watch; especially towards its gut-wrenching finale. Take "The Insider," introduce it to "Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer," and wait around for nine months to get this corrupt lovechild of the two. A valid, passionate effort on all fronts, but an effort that i'd rather never see again.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
LeZeeJan 24, 2017
About a man who has nothing to lose and a man who can't afford another failure!

It was based on the book of the same name, which was originally inspired by the real events. But there's a striking resemblance between this and the TrumanAbout a man who has nothing to lose and a man who can't afford another failure!

It was based on the book of the same name, which was originally inspired by the real events. But there's a striking resemblance between this and the Truman Capote story. About a man who is serving in prison for slaying a family and his encounter with a reporter/writer. And so their relationship strengthens as they sit together to discuss about each others life event. That is the main film, which covers the majority of the film, but feels like they revealed nothing much, particularly for our convince, yet the story moved forward.

For the Truman Capote, there are two films, including the one I liked 'Infamous' and the other one is 'Capote'. Besides these two, there's another title called 'In Cold Blood' that reveals the other side of the event, before Truman enters the scene. So that's what I'm interested after watching this film. Because right now they preferred to portray a struggling writer and the crime parts were not given any importance. That means it is basically about a reporter/writer doing a story/book.

If they decide to make that one with the same cast as a prequel, then James Franco gets into an action which probably would give a good reason behind such crime where in this film the viewers can't end watching surely what really happened. Both, Jonah Hill and James Franco was really impressive in this. Felicity Jones had the small presence, but was in a main role. It was a feature film debut for the director and he was well managed to make it decently. Overall, for me, it was a good film, not the best, but can be watched once.

6/10… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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3
SeanChrisSep 17, 2015
The acting in this movie was high level, very emotional and a calm storm at times. The biggest killer for me is that the events take place between 2001 and 2003, yet the characters have smartphones. Jill Barker (Michael Finkel's Girlfriend)The acting in this movie was high level, very emotional and a calm storm at times. The biggest killer for me is that the events take place between 2001 and 2003, yet the characters have smartphones. Jill Barker (Michael Finkel's Girlfriend) has an iPhone, a phone that did not come out until 2007. This alone kills it for me, check your facts, especially if it is a "True Story"!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Movi3R3vi3werApr 30, 2015
True Story is a surprisingly unsettling, thought provoking film and it happens to be one of my favorite movies of the year so far. True Story moves at a slow pace but rarely drags, it’s very well written and shows off some great actingTrue Story is a surprisingly unsettling, thought provoking film and it happens to be one of my favorite movies of the year so far. True Story moves at a slow pace but rarely drags, it’s very well written and shows off some great acting performances from Jonah Hill and a career best from James Franco. This is a great movie… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Pablo6120Jan 30, 2016
James Franco was the standout actor as a convicted serial killer. His effective performance was the highlight of this intricate murder mystery. Jonah Hill should also be lauded as the disgraced New York Times journalist, who tries to regainJames Franco was the standout actor as a convicted serial killer. His effective performance was the highlight of this intricate murder mystery. Jonah Hill should also be lauded as the disgraced New York Times journalist, who tries to regain his career and find a job. Not a top rate thriller, but well worth seeking out on premium TV channels, on DVD or on demand.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
heathermMay 5, 2015
Despite solid acting from the three main cast members (James Franco, Jonah Hill, and Felicity Jones), the movie lacked enough depth or nuance to make it interesting. It starts in more or less the same place it ends, and neither of the maleDespite solid acting from the three main cast members (James Franco, Jonah Hill, and Felicity Jones), the movie lacked enough depth or nuance to make it interesting. It starts in more or less the same place it ends, and neither of the male leads is at all sympathetic. There is no twist, no turn, no real movement in plot or in the perception of any of the characters, and nothing in the struggling romantic relationship between Jonah Hill and Felicity Jones is fleshed out; possibly the most interesting thing to watch in this movie is the beautiful house in the woods they live in.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
FilmPhonicJul 19, 2015
You might worry about the notion of a Jonah Hill & James Franco film that’s not a comedy, despite the fact that both have proven dramatic chops, but the performances from the 2 leads are nuanced enough to prevent them from being the mainYou might worry about the notion of a Jonah Hill & James Franco film that’s not a comedy, despite the fact that both have proven dramatic chops, but the performances from the 2 leads are nuanced enough to prevent them from being the main issue with ‘True Story’.

In many cases the real story a movie is based on ends up being more interesting than the film itself, this is not the case here, if you thought most of what we know about the Longo murder case is already out there you would be right, so with ‘True Story’ director Rupert Goold focuses attention on the man whose memoirs inspired it, journalist Mike Finkel.

The result however is the loss of any mystery element, everything is pretty much as it seems throughout, there is no real character development outside of Finkel’s own self-indulgent journey of reflection and ultimately you’re left with nothing to latch on to other than a few details about a murder case you’re probably unfamiliar with.

Rather than a pseudo-psychological character drama, ‘True Story’ is essentially a slightly tedious morality piece about journalistic integrity which paints the journalist as the sympathetic character and near victim, without the context of Finkel’s memoirs or knowledge of his motivations it simply doesn’t translate into an engrossing cinematic experience.

A little bit of courtroom drama, a pinch of murder-mystery, a slight detective story and a smidge of a journalistic tale, all of which add up to nothing much at all.

The Bottom Line…
‘True Story’ is a valiant effort at a journalistic drama, but with an uncompelling narrative and scant character development, it proves that just because a story is true doesn’t make it interesting enough for a feature-length film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
RalfbergsNov 29, 2016
Decent movie, based on real life events as I understand. Did feel a bit weird having both Franco and Jonah Hill in the same movie and them acting serious - at some times it did not work that good really as I consider both more of aDecent movie, based on real life events as I understand. Did feel a bit weird having both Franco and Jonah Hill in the same movie and them acting serious - at some times it did not work that good really as I consider both more of a comedy/adventure movie type, even if Hill has many serious movie credits. Anyway, the story of the movie was ok, but I think it does not really work as a movie that well as it lacks some of the action and story going forward. A lot of the movie felt like it was streched out and that is never good.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
EmperorJulesJul 20, 2015
'True Story' is not going to be one of the greatest movies of all time, nonetheless 'True Story' represents a breath of fresh air in this summers box office. The movie features exemplary dialogue between Hill and Franco and see's the pair'True Story' is not going to be one of the greatest movies of all time, nonetheless 'True Story' represents a breath of fresh air in this summers box office. The movie features exemplary dialogue between Hill and Franco and see's the pair develop the relationship between their characters well. The ending of the movie seems to be hasty, moving from an engaging dialogue to a swift conclusion, dragging down the films score. It remains however that 'True Story' is worth a watch to those who like to think and engage with a film, oppose to thrill seekers who may find it a dull affair.… Expand
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8
VincentLieAug 2, 2015
Franco, Hill and Jones delivers an impressive performance. Goold gives the movie amazing, almost creepy undertones. With some soft-spoken, but grasping scenes the movie really is extraordinary.

While some of the critics write that they areFranco, Hill and Jones delivers an impressive performance. Goold gives the movie amazing, almost creepy undertones. With some soft-spoken, but grasping scenes the movie really is extraordinary.

While some of the critics write that they are disappointed with the lack of depth in the movie, I think that the movie goes perfectly deep into the relationship between Longo and Finkel. Like Goold said, ' with a psychopathic character like Longo, there is two ways to go at it. One is to psychologically understand him, and i think the movie is almost trying to do the opposite. Maybe there is something evil in the world, or something around that idea, that is what the movie is trying to express '
Goold did not want to go too deep in the relationship between Longo and Finkel. He wanted it to stay at a distance, and give the viewer a chance of their own to understand Longo.

If you want a action filled movie that you forget ten seconds after you've seen it, this isn't the movie for you.
If you on the other hand want a almost slow paced movie, with a lot of undertones that will leave you thinking about it for days, this is definitely a must watch!… Expand
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9
jakebondy61Apr 19, 2016
This movie to me was intense, emotional, and extremely well acted. Though it may not be very eventful, it doesn't really need to be. The events in this movie are manipulative acts between the characters.
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5
LORDFILMOct 22, 2015
To start off I am a huge James Franco and Jonah Hill fan.
The pacing of the film is hard to follow when you start off and the match cuts seem to tie together in the end but frustrate you on the get go.
This movie to me would be put underTo start off I am a huge James Franco and Jonah Hill fan.
The pacing of the film is hard to follow when you start off and the match cuts seem to tie together in the end but frustrate you on the get go.
This movie to me would be put under the psychological thriller about man vs. man, man vs. self.
In the end you figure out that narcissistic behavior was the motive the whole time and devalues all the footage you saw before the end resolution.
If you like twists and are fans of the two, you will be pleased by the non-fiction attempt but disappointed in the execution of story telling.
Overall I enjoyed watching the film but I will definitely not give the film a second viewing.
2/5… Expand
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6
aadityamudharApr 18, 2016
Led by two very capable performances from Jonah Hill and James Franco, True Story is set up for success with Rupert Goold's David Fincher-influenced direction. It's effectively slow paced - however, with very little punch for conclusion.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
JSkellingtonJan 31, 2016
The beginning of the movie was gold, but near the end the movie started to look like it was botched and just a waste... Actors are good, costumes are good too, everything is good, if only the script near the end would have kept consistency,The beginning of the movie was gold, but near the end the movie started to look like it was botched and just a waste... Actors are good, costumes are good too, everything is good, if only the script near the end would have kept consistency, it would probably have been one of the best movies I'd have watched in 2016.
5/10… Expand
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1
BroyaxJan 7, 2020
Un machin assez classique mais moins procédurier qu'attendu, sauf vers la fin tout de même, lorsqu'il faut statuer sur l'enfoirnaze supposé ou l'innocent injustement accusé (encore un complot) d'avoir zigouillé toute sa famille.

Le douteUn machin assez classique mais moins procédurier qu'attendu, sauf vers la fin tout de même, lorsqu'il faut statuer sur l'enfoirnaze supposé ou l'innocent injustement accusé (encore un complot) d'avoir zigouillé toute sa famille.

Le doute s'installe cependant, comme dans bien des films de ce genre et il faut reconnaître à James Franco de laisser poindre quelque hésitation... mais pas bien longtemps. De façon somme toute prévisible dans cette espèce d'étrange relation entre le fouille-merde en quête du Pulitzer et la duplicité du taulard à la recherche de publicité, le film s'enlise pesamment et inexorablement jusqu'au procès.

Tout ça pour aboutir à un pétard mouillé et tout ça pour ça, à somnoler devant ce film d'une lenteur incroyable ! heureusement que la très jolie Felicity Jones est là, elle nous a presque réveillé. Une petite actrice à suivre, dans de bien meilleurs films que cette vraie daube (à oublier aussi sec) j'espère.… Expand
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8
DawdlingPoetNov 23, 2021
This is really quite a compelling watch. It seems quite slow and it didn't especially grab me at first but as the plot starts to build, it becomes more engrossing and interesting. Suffice to say, things aren't as simple as you may initiallyThis is really quite a compelling watch. It seems quite slow and it didn't especially grab me at first but as the plot starts to build, it becomes more engrossing and interesting. Suffice to say, things aren't as simple as you may initially think. I was intrigued to see this as this certainly stars Jonah Hill in a different role to his perhaps more usual stoner/sex centered comedy characters. Obviously the fact that this is, I assume, based on a true story gives it an extra element of intrigue and I was particularly intrigued by the identity theft angle (if you can call it that?) with the accused murderer referring to himself as the ex-journalist.

This film tells an interesting story and with intriguing characters, although it is quite a dark and somewhat harrowing watch due to the themes involved - its also quite thought provoking and so I'd recommend it on that basis.… Expand
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