Identity Theft (2009)

I think this is a really good take on a style of movie. Many of us have seen mainstream movies that have a body swap element or something similar, and I tend to find most of them get a bit corny or create an angle, only to let it fizzle and fade out without properly exploring it. This movie does a great job of creating a world that has rules, and sticking to a proper plot. Sure it's not perfect, and better cameras would have helped, but as for the movie itself, it's very good.

I love James works, though this is my second favorite of his movies, The Hit Girl is my favorite of his movies. It could have been better if it had been longer but otherwise it is a decent movie and worth watching.

I first discovered IDENTITY THEFT (2009) By Three Degrees Off Center Productions almost a full year ago, and haven't bought it until now. I had a feeling that it could be something special, but I also worried that I would end up shutting it off ten minutes into the film. Let me tell you, I was quite impressed. Now, this is a "low budget" / "no budget" film, and the acting of some of the characters is quite mediocre -- and the quality of the audio cameras certainly isn't what it would be for a movie with a budget of a few million - but I recommend this film because of the great storyline. And, Laura Weintraub. If you are interested in this movie, buy it! More than likely, you will be very pleased. And watch until the end of the credits.

To share what I think of this production, must first tell what I expected. I learned of the existence of this movie by accident. Actually searching for real electronic "Identity Theft". I'm working in the software industry. Computer and software security is one of my main interests. I thought it was an excellent idea for a plot and it was. I was a little afraid that the whole thing would be focused on a theme like boy in girl's body and so, and it wasn't. The movie has a plot and is exciting to watch. Never get me wrong. This is a low budget film, created by people with tons of enthusiasm. It reminds me a little of a group of my friends who already put together a piece and played it in a theater. I love to watch those exploits. It often gives a more satisfied feeling afterwards then watching mainstream productions. It feels more "real" and you feel that the people who do such a thing really go for it. If you don't expect a "Hollywood production", you'll be happy to have witnessed this movie. I say, buy it, and meanwhile you support people with great ideas without a million dollar budget and tons of personnel to get their coffee. And hopefully, they will create another fun story for us to watch. We can use more of those things.

This movie is far better than "The Wand of Change" and other Three Degrees off Center productions on YouTube. Those series are pretty funny and are free samples of James' work. This is now my favorite body swap movie. It does not follow the "cosmic lesson, order must be restored" formula seen in every other body swap movie like the three Freaky Friday movies, Big, A Saintly Switch, and others. Goodbye Charlie, Switch, and Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde also follow that formula. Even the Nutty Professor and Damn Yankees learn their lessons in the end. The self-serving body thief who has lived throughout centuries is an original concept to this movie. All the acting was very good. I particularly liked Rachel Hardy's performance, so funny! I think she'd be great on SNL. I don't want to give anything away, but this movie breaks the formula, what you think will happen won't happen. I was still thinking about this movie and laughing several days later. I wish it had been longer, but the diary bonus did help. I think most people would enjoy this movie, but it would be particularly well worth the $20 to anyone who loves body swap movies. It would also be of value to anyone looking to make a movie on an almost zero budget. Wikipedia has a body swap entry for those interested in learning more about this genre of film. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_swap

The story is paper-thin, the script is juvenile beyond belief, and the acting is just flat out atrocious. As an avid movie watcher and someone who appreciates low budget and independent movies, I can honestly say that this one was not enjoyable at all and left me feeling dumber for having wasted my time watching it. Nowhere near good enough to be a good independent movie nor near good enough to become any kind of cult classic. If you're looking for good movies that share some similar themes as this one, try It's A Boy/Girl Thing, Switch, Zerophilia, or Xchange.

It was what I expected, although, I thought it could've been a little longer. The movie itself was everything James A. Ward billed it as. Well written and lovingly acted. All together well done.

Ok,so After viewing Hit Girl(see my review) for a second time,and once again reading all the other positive reviews here.I decided too give this one a shot.Not as funny as Hit Girl Identity theft takes on a lighter tone in the laugh department.It does have its moments though.I found it funnier trying too explain it over the phone too a friend.If you want a different kind of tale don't want too sit in front of the tub for 2 hrs this one clocks in at 66 minutes.The R-rating seems very light,some suggestive scenes through out but nothing overly exposing or volger. I round this down from a 3.5(not a option)-I found some parts kind of slow,and that in turn got me a little board for a short time.Anyway in a Nut shell: Matt Walker is at the moment the luckiest guy in the world he just won the Cal-lotto for 50 mil. In two weeks hes set.He does of course have a grubby best friend Brian. who is already hitting him for a tab at a club. At the club Matt meets Karen.Matt takes Karen home.Matt wakes up as Karen.Confused yet? Well Matt sure is ,he finds out the woman he took home is a body snatcher-a man who through the ages has been jumping bodies before death or out of being board with it.To make matters worse the woman is wanted by the police,lives with a brute of a man, and huge amount of debt..Matt is far from happy about this.While the former Karen plots to keep her new form and spend the money,.What is Matt too do can he get home-can he depend on help from his best friend Brian who's been learing at him scene he walk through the door.Or maybe his ex-Lisa will help,she easyier to convince,but he dumped her just prior to the switch. Buy this movie and find out.