“Mr. Brooks” (MGM)
Kevin Shows His Killer Instinct
Kevin Costner has made a career of playing the good guy. Now he makes a switch and takes on the role of a serial killer in the new thriller “Mr. Brooks.” This role gives him a chance to flex some heretofore unseen acting muscles. It also gives him a chance to spar with such talents as Demi Moore, William Hurt, Marg Helgenberger, Danielle Panabaker and Dane Cook.
Costner plays Earl Brooks, a well-respected businessman living in Portland, Oregon. When the film opens he is receiving the Chamber of Commerce “Man of the Year Award.” He is a good husband to his wife Emma (Helgenberger) and a good father to his daughter Jane (Panabaker).
Shortly into the film the audience sees Brooks’ alter ego, a man named Marshall played by Hurt. This man lives inside Brooks’ mind and prods him into committing horrific murders. Brooks tries to stop his evil ways but Marshall is very persuasive. One night he talks Brooks into killing a couple who lives in a fancy apartment. After the murders have been done Marshall tells Brooks that the curtains are open. He quickly closes them.
The next day a young man named “Mr. Smith” (Cook) shows up and demands to see Brooks. He has photos showing Brooks in the apartment. Instead of money, Smith wants to become Brooks’ partner in crime. He wants to learn how to be a killer.
On the home front Brooks is having problems with his college age daughter. It seems she may be more than a chip off the old block. There has been a murder at her college and suspicion points to Jane as the killer. Brooks doesn’t know whether or not to turn her in or try to protect her.
Another subplot involves Demi Moore as the police detective investigating the murder. She is a rich woman involved in a messy divorce. Brooks learns of her situation and works to use it to his advantage.
The acting is good and the plot is interesting but sometimes the pace of the movie is a little slow. Still when it is over the movie leaves you wanting more. That is why there is talk of two more “Mr. Brooks” movies.
The film is rated R for profanity, violence and nudity.
Costner didn’t reinvent the wheel with this movie but he certainly gave another aspect of his talent. He shows he does not always have to be the typical good man or even good old boy. Underneath that bland exterior lies the soul of a killer or at least the ability to play one.
In this movie “his name is Earl” but that is where any comedy links end. This is a drama that will entertain you for a couple of hours and send you out wanting to know more. Maybe that will be enough to resuscitate Kevin’s career.
I scored “Mr. Brooks” a killer 6 out of 10.
