The story is simply not as interesting as it sounds.

But how much of what Longo shares is the truth? How does Finkel use the information he gets? The main problem with this movie is the pay-off, or the lack thereof.

Finkel and Longo arrange to meet and what follows are a series of meetings where both men engage in a dialogue meant to extract as much information as possible from the other. Finkel is naturally curious but also smells a story that could put his career back on track. It seems that he was using Finkel's identity when he was captured in Mexico. While trying to plan the next chapter in his professional life he receives a call from a reporter looking to get an angle on the story about Longo. Finkel(Jonah Hill)is a young up and coming journalist writing for the New York Times when his career is derailed after he plays a little fast and loose with some facts of a recently published article.

True Story is based on the novel by Mike Finkel recounting his relationship with Christian Longo(James Franco), a man accused of murdering his wife and three children.