True Story (2015)

ridiculous rating

Entertaining from beginning to end, it maintains the spirit of the franchise while establishing it's own seal with a fun cast

Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

True story it's not a great film, since it's based on a true story about a reporter whose identity is stolen by a killer, and when he is get in touch with the murder starts a strange relationship in order to write a book about the crimes of his new and strange pal. The result is a book that names as the film: True story. As a movie storytelling, "True story" has no surprises, except the presence of James Franco and Jonah Hill, to whom many can relate more with dumb comedy that with a serious film about killers. The movie is quite plane, since there are no flashbacks or surprising twists that you can never imagine. What it makes so compelling is the acting. At first, Jonah Hill embodies a normal character, New York Times reporter Michael Finkel, who is in to an ordeal and a personal crisis when he faces Christian Longo, embodied by Franco, a killer arrested in Cancun, Mexico, deported to the US in order to be judged. Longo's character is first presented as a naive man who seems not to kill even a fly, but his evil character is gradually unfolded by a masterful James Franco impersonification, and in the end, that naive character of the beginning turns to be a real demon, and James Franco delivers a hell of a performing on the construction of such a character. Its so impressive what he does on screen that when you realize the very soul of the killer you are complete forget that you are no longer watching a comedy actor but a SERIOUS actor. This is a masterclass on acting. And that is what makes this film so unexpected. This film is all about acting, not about the script or any other circumstances. It's probably that many think that Franco as the killer its gonna be a poor and comic rendition of his character. NFW. This is one of his most impressive performances that leave you with such a horror felling inside that you can't believe the tour de force he is delivering on here. Acting on here is everything. The eveil on Longo's character remember other similar crime portrayal's such Hannibal Lecter or John Doe's Seven.Acting: 10 Filming: 5

This is a remarkable movie with some brilliant original new ideas.When the viewer finally realizes why things were done (and I don't want to add spoilers), he will uncover his own most inner aspirations and deepest wishes.This movie should be watched very carefully. It is not a standard action/drama thriller.Amazing.

Like the name implies this is the true story of journalist Mike Finkel's relationship with convicted killer Christian Longo. Brought together by their tendencies to lie, or inflate their egos, the journalist and the convict become friends and eerily enough, learn from each other. Based on the book of the same name, this story is brought to the screen and then aptly butchered by a floundering plot, aimless direction, and slow paced action.Both Hill and Franco have Oscar nominations to their names, and though they are predominately known for their comedic roles, it makes sense to put them in a film where they explore serious topics. Still, if you're going to put two people with their backgrounds in a dramatic film, it better be a good film. Often it feels like Franco is putting us on, trying to play a child killer while hiding an insidious smirk behind the blank expression he wears for much of the film. Hill does his best, but the role isn't as meaty as past supporting performances in "The Wolf of Wall Street" or even "Moneyball." He's more subdued and anal, and it's not a look that Hill can pull off. Though each is trying to embody their characters, it doesn't feel authentic at the end of the day.The link between Finkel and Longo is well established. There are many similar things about the two, including how they journal, they want to be taken seriously as writers, and they often twist of the truth to suit their narrative. At the end of the film it's still unclear whether Finkel, seeing these imperfect similarities, is horrified or unmoved. The ending shows Longo as the calculated, willful killer who has tricked Finkel, while also charming others into believing in his plight. Was Finkel seriously shocked about learning his prison pen pal was deranged, or was he more interested in seeing how they diverged in the wood? Either way it's a muddled, uncertain film that doesn't know what it wants to say or how to say it.

'True Story' explores a scary real-life incident & tries to make an awkward friendship tale out of it. Well, almost. And sadly, not all of it works, but with some powerful moments & Strong Performances going its way, the film scores on some levels.'True Story' Synopsis: When disgraced New York Times reporter Michael Finkel (Jonah Hill) meets accused killer Christian Longo (James Franco) - who has taken on Finkel's identity - his investigation morphs into a game of cat-and-mouse.'True Story' begins grippingly & you're invested in the journey of these two disgraced men, one far more than the other of course. But, the pace slackens as the narrative proceeds. The second-hour lacks the punch, although the goings-on become quite intense in its penultimate moments. Nonetheless, the Writing needed some stronger stuff.David Kajganich & Rupert Goold's Screenplay, which is Based on the memoir of the same name by Michael Finkel, is greatly Written in parts, but doesn't come across as solid overall. As mentioned earlier, the second-hour doesn't have the moments it should have. Rupert Goold's Direction is controlled & well-done. Cinematography is atmospheric. Editing is finely done.Performance-Wise: Jonah Hill is in very good form, yet again! Hill, now a versatile actor known by all, sinks his teeth into the part & enacts the disgraced man, with great maturity. James Franco is top-notch. His performance is so good, that you actually want to believe him & want him free of the heinous crime he's accused of. Felicity Jones, besides looking stunning, takes a terrific turn, as the morally strong minded woman.On the whole, 'True Story' isn't very engaging always, but the performances are.