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Here's a look at the new movie I saw this week.

True Story
Starring: Jonah Hill, James Franco, and Felicity Jones
Synopsis: As a society, we seem obsessed with true crime stories. We have documentaries that examine crimes. News magazines on TV often look in-depth at cases. And some of our most famous non-fiction books, like Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood,” take a harsh look at real crimes and the people responsible for them. “True Story” is a true crime story that’s based on a journalist — Michael Finkel — and the subject of his book — Christian Longo. It is about the crime, but more importantly it’s about the author, his subject and what’s motivating his search. In society, we often seem to focus on true crime stories as a way to understand evil in the world. The more normal someone appeared before they committed these acts, the more we try to understand why. In some ways, exploring the people responsible for these acts are a means of trying to understand something unlikeable or dark inside ourselves. That defines Finkel’s journey, and it’s what makes “True Story” so engrossing. This film is based on a true story and the book Finkel wrote about his experiences before, during and after the trial. Writer/director Rupert Goold — who worked on the screenplay with David Kajganich — does a nice job of digging into this story and digging into the lives of these characters. The story is told in such a way that it keeps you on edge, never quite sure where things are headed or what the end goal is for Longo. Another fascinating aspect of this production is its casting. When you see a film is headlined by Jonah Hill and James Franco it’s natural to assume it will be a comedy. Though both are talented comedians, they’ve both earned Academy Award nominations for more layered and complex roles. In this film, both sink into more dramatic parts. Franco plays Longo as complex and, at times, creepy. He’s got a calm manner and seems to be longing for friendship, but you’re never sure how culpable he is in the crimes of which he’s been accused. His interactions with Finkel and — at one point — with Jill are unsettling, as is his demeanor in the courtroom and on the witness stand during the trial. Finkel is a different kind of role for Hill. He’s in a leading man position in a dramatic film, and he handles the part well. We see a lot of this journey through Finkel’s eyes, and Hill helps convey that. Finkel was a man in the midst of a personal crisis, feeling ashamed, lost, and seeking redemption. But this film shows he sought that in the wrong place, and it changed the course of his life even to this day. “True Story” isn’t quite a great film. The story is well told and the actors perform their parts well, but it feels like a little something is missing. But it is an engrossing film, and it offers a story and performances that are unexpected. That’s quite an achievement for a little film like this.
Rating: R for language and some disturbing material. Enter with caution.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

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Friday, April 24 — "The Water Diviner," "The Age of Adaline," "Little Boy"