TRUE STORY | FAMILY MOVIE REVIEW INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND KIDS

"TRUE STORY"
(2015) (Jonah Hill, James Franco) (R)

QUICK TAKE:: Drama: A disgraced New York Times journalist hopes for career redemption while writing a book about a man who's been accused of killing his wife and three young children.

PLOT:

Michael Finkel (JONAH HILL) is an acclaimed New York Times journalist who's just published a scathing article about modern day slavery in Africa. Unfortunately, it's soon revealed that he manipulated people and details in the story and, as a result, is subsequently fired. Retreating to his Montana home, Michael suddenly can't land any writing assignments, something that worries his wife, Jill (FELICITY JONES), just as much as his continued emotional distance from her.

When Michael hears that a suspected killer, Christian Longo (JAMES FRANCO), was using his identity while on the run in Mexico, the disgraced writer sees an opportunity for potential redemption and resurrection of his career. When he meets Christian, he finds him to be a calm and friendly man, unlike the sort who could allegedly kill his wife and three young children.

In exchange for teaching him how to write better and not publish the story until after his trial, Christian agrees to let Michael interview him for a story. As their relationship expands, Michael eventually realizes the material would be better suited as a novel, all while the question remains about whether Christian committed all or some of the crimes, or if he's manipulating the writer and the court system along the way.

WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT?: Fans of Hill and Franco might be interested, although they could be surprised this is a drama and not a comedy.

WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: R: For language and some disturbing material.

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