"Identity is a secret. Identity is a mystery. Identity is a killer," so says the movie's tagline. Identity is a blower.

It's a sad state of affairs when the best part of a movie is its repetitious slogan. Unfortunately, Identity loses itself (get it?) amidst the fatal flaw of many modern thrillers - an overly convoluted plot in which there is no way to even guess at the film's ending because of some perverse use of deus ex machina. Anyone seen Reindeer Games? If not, don't, you're a better person because of it. If so, you know what I mean.

The film tritely begins on a dark and stormy night where 10 strangers end up stranded at seedy motel through a series of strange occurrences. Unfortunately for nine of the 10 individuals, character number 10 happens to a serial killer who, unsurprisingly, escapes.

All hell breaks loose when "people started dying" as protagonist Ed (played by the too-soft-for-the-role John Cusack) later explains.

Speaking of Cusack's obnoxious line from the trailer, let me back up a moment. The film's ending is impossible to predict unless you've seen the trailer. Within 15 minutes of the film's start, you'll begin to think "Wait a minute, didn't I see the unrealized plot spoiler in the trailer?"

What more can one expect from screenwriter Michael Cooney, whose credits include the laughable horror flicks Jack Frost and Jack Frost 2: Revenge of the Mutant Killer Snowman? Decent cinematography and a few cool, albeit disturbing deaths aside, the film gets worse as the plot "thickens" to a halt. All forms of reality dissipate, allowing for a nice excuse around any of the numerous plot holes that linger after the film's end.

At the very least, one can find entertainment in the surprisingly solid ensemble cast. Despite what I said earlier, I'm a closet Cusack fan and although he may not fit the part, he endeavors admirably with the role. Supporting character Ray Liotta is in a much more on-target role, although his character's motives are thrown out the window by the film's so-intricate-it's-simple ending.

I also must state that this is the first Amanda Peet movie I've seen in which I haven't wanted to see her die. And the fact that the film doesn't try and force her into any trite romantic situations among the male leads only helps redeem the movie from the brink of celluloid oblivion.

If I had left 15 minutes before the film ended, perhaps this would have been a kinder review. Unfortunately, nothing can save a potentially decent movie from a terrible script. Identity is nothing more than an underage kid with a fake ID who made it into the bar but got kicked out when he couldn't hold his liquor.