Media Maven: “Mr. Brooks” Movie Review
Mr. Brooks
Kevin Costner, William Hurt, Marg Helgenberger, Demi Moore, Dane Cook
A thriller with appeal! "Mr. Brooks" is Kevin Costners foray into playing a dark leading character in film. Our hero is a murderer! We meet Mr. Brooks as he is accepting an honor for his accomplishments from fellow prominent businessmen. By all appearances Brooks has achieved the good life through hard work and climbing that ladder of success with each rung representing a gorgeous wife, a beautiful daughter, living in a mansion, philanthropy and owning a private studio which houses a pastime for creating pottery.
Looks can be deceiving and that is what makes this film so very tantalizing. Costner in his coiffed, GQ wardrobe whether at the office, home or the scene of a serial murder, looks so cool and self preserved. His alter ego, played by the superbly adroit William Hurt, serves to accessorize an impeccable man challenged by his own tormented conscience.
William Hurt, as Marshall, is the voice inside Costners head, the person in Brooks backseat and the presence in Mr. Brooks study who duplicitously has become Brooks own devil advocate in encouraging Brooks to murder for the thrill of it reasoning, Youve done it before, youll do it again. Why fight it?
The conflicted Mr. Brooks is charmingly confident, but works hard to fight his demons. He goes to AA meetings in hopes of curbing his desire to give in to his addiction. Success eludes him as a loose gun, played by an impressive Dane Cook, witnesses the murders and wants to be a part of the thrill.
Marg Helgenberger delivers a steady presence as Mr. Brooks adoring wife. Demi Moore as the hard nosed detective is less convincing. Never could I believe that someone who has been thrown from a moving van, into the air, onto the windshield of a nearby car could look as faultlessly manicured as she did while a doctor stitched up her scalp. But that is Hollywood, and the smallest of complaints for this film.
If thrillers are your interest; you will enjoy this film. It's slick, has intelligent dialogue and a smart cast of characters to perform it. If suspense films are not your favorite, dont bother going to this movie. There are a few graphic scenes that should be viewed only by the diehards of this genre.
Rumor has it that "Mr. Brooks" is the first in a trilogy. Looking forward to the next appearance of Mr. Brooks!
Rating: Four Chic Stars
Jans Movie Rating System:
5 – Top notch entertainment
4 – Compelling, Heartwarming, Thrilling, Comical
3 – The a) story b) actors c) special effects saved/made this movie.
2 – If you are bored watch it, or wait for DVD
1 – Dont bother. Too morose, too violent, too blasé, an enigma.
