Written by Rupert Goold and David Kajganich, based on the memoir of Michael Finkel
Starring Jonah Hill, James Franco, Felicity Jones and Robert John Burke
When disgraced New York Times reporter Michael Finkel meets accused killer Christian Longo - who has taken on Finkel's identity - his investigation morphs into a game of cat-and-mouse.
A gripping, real life court case that builds in intensity as the story moves along is overshadowed by the distracting combination of Jonah Hill and James Franco trying to be serious at the same time. I am a big supporter of Jonah Hill and his transition to becoming a dramatic actor, but I feel the casting was poorly executed for this film.
Every scene in which the two are by themselves or with other actors are suspenseful and filled with great performances. But when the two share screen time together, every facial expression feels like a lead up to the reveal that this entire thing was a prank, thus turning the direction of the story on a dime and turning it into a raunchy comedy.
Not pictured: Seth Rogen sitting just off frame behind James Franco.
The film was well intended and the story was strong enough to keep me interested. But I can't help but feel that casting the two of them opposite of each other was a good idea. Had it been Jonah Hill and another actor or James Franco and another actor, or even two completely different actors, this could have been a much stronger movie. I love the effort to keep Jonah Hill's career moving. James Franco doesn't need it. He's already been established as a dramatic actor.
Other than the casting, this was a great story. I don't know how much of it was actually factual in the true story, but it definitely kept me interested. This movie is worth checking out. Just try not to laugh when they're on screen together.
My Rating: 6.5/10
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