| Written by Jan James Stetter, on 03-07-2007 06:21 |
Media Maven: "Mr. Brooks" Movie Review
The Cincy Chic Media Maven, Jan Stetter, reviews "Mr. Brooks." See why she thinks this smart cast - from Kevin Costner and Demi Moore to Dane Cook - is a tantalizing thriller with appeal.
Mr. Brooks
Kevin Costner, William Hurt, Marg Helgenberger, Demi Moore, Dane Cook
A thriller with appeal! "Mr. Brooks" is Kevin Costner’s 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 Costner’s head, the
person in Brook’s backseat and the presence in Mr. Brook’s study who
duplicitously has become Brook’s own devil advocate in encouraging
Brooks to murder for the thrill of it reasoning, “You‘ve done it
before, you’ll 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. Brook’s 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, don’t 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
Jan’s 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 - Don’t bother. Too morose, too violent, too blasé, an enigma.
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