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'Mr. Brooks' starts well at a black tie dinner; as Mr. Brooks (Kevin Costner) accepts the Honor of 'Portland Man of the Year' and later, goaded by his imaginary playmate "Marshall" (William Hurt), goes out and murders a young couple. He claims he wants to give up killing, but really, he finds it fun, and therein lays the seeds of a nasty and brilliant black comic thriller. Director Bruce A. Evans and Co-Writer Raynold Gideon also introduce Police Detective Tracy Atwood (Demi Moore). (Perhaps the only miscast role - but does not take away from the films pace and direction). When "Mr. Brooks" and "Marshall" are on screen all is right in this celluloid world of murder and debaucioury. Costner, normally the straight-arrow hero, gets to play with this new un-wholesome image. On the surface, Mr. Brooks really is that pillar of the community; the square, Christian box factory owner with the lovely wife, Emma (Marg Helgenberger), and college freshman daughter, Jane (Danielle Panabaker). Roiling underneath is that compulsion to destroy; the impulse he claims he wants to bring to an end, but "Marshall" is always lurking, enabling and encouraging. Personality-Wise, "Marshall" is similar to the mobster Hurt played in 'A History of Violence', cheerfully sardonic in his approach to murder. Both actors clearly have a blast as this kind of middle-aged Leopold and Loeb, All-American Killers touched by madness. When Dane Cook enters their orbit, playing Mr. Smith, a witness to one of their crimes, they treat their co-star much as Mr. Brooks regards Mr. Smith, as someone to toy with. Cook is not a bad actor himself, and holds well his own while 'Mr Brooks' & 'Marshall' truly endelve his world. Detective Atwood presents truly intriguing; adding two additional subplots as to design a back story as well. In the first, another Serial Killer (not Mr. Brooks) is out to add her hide to a Trophy Case. In the second, she is not just a Homicide Detective, she is also an Heiress - Worth $60 Million; and struggling hard not to forfeit to her young, pretty boy-toy husband Jesse ('Sex and the City's' Jason Lewis) the millions he is demanding as his just reward in their divorce settlement. Moore's subplots add a level of humanity to the "Cop" in every "Serial Killer-Flick"; making her more of a person we can get emotionally involved in as she is sucked into the vortex of "Mr Brooks" & "Marshall's" insanity. 'Mr Brooks' has all the ingredients of a delightfully twisted, sleek thriller. (Just not as 5-Star sleek as it's clear predecessor "An American Psycho" (Christian Bale - SEE MY REVIEW !!!! ) - But 'Mr Brooks' still swoons us home with intelligent, versatile madness - with a bit of extra padding. SEE THIS !!!! Pleasant Thrilling Surprise !!!!Read full review
I don't remember what compelled me to buy this film but I'm happy I did it. Kevin Costner can, in my opinion, be very good (Dances with Wolves, The Open Range, Bull Durham, For Love of the Game) or very bad (Waterworld, The Postman)and a whole lot of places in between. This performance is definitely on the upside. He plays a respectable sociopath whom you never really come to dislike and in the end actually pull for, while condeming his actions. William Hurt is excellent as his alter-ego and Demi Moore delivers as a troubled cop. The story is moving and fascinating and the demons are on display in a very real sense, i.e. they are believable and one can see one falling into the trap, to a degree, not to the extent of killing but in less corrupt but very nasty ways.
...For Kevin Costner! When my wife Tina put this on our list to rent, I thought OK, at least it has Kevin Costner in it. I didn't understand why she wanted to view it, as this genre of movie isn't usually one that she views. She was as surprised as I was at what the movie was really about. The DVD's cover didn't relay what was inside the film. Although the topic and storyline is not one we would have watched had we known what the film was about... it was riveting and the film was one we couldn't stop watching! I for one, and I know I'm probably the only one out there... that like Kevin in Water World, The Postman, and Tin Cup. Here is 180 degrees away from that type of role, and plays it very well. Too well in fact! This film is definitely one worth watching for those that like this genre of film!Read full review
This movie is stellar from EVERY angle. This is some of Costners best work in years. The entire cast, Hurt, Moore, Cook and even new comer Danielle Panabaker, are surprisingly phenomenal. From the beginning the movie is interesting and thrilling. It takes one turn, it gets more intense. Then POW! What a blow. A turn of events you didn’t see coming! Unless someone spilled (shame on them). The psychological torment is TRULY trilling. It has been a while since I have seen a masterpiece like this. The pace, is methodical. Just like the character Mr. Brooks. The actor Kevin Costner is someone you would never expect to play a killer, just like Mr. Brooks. The conscience played by William Hurt is amazing. The camera angles and lighting when he speaks are all tight and very close making it clear what happens in Mr. Books head and what is out loud. Brilliant Direction on the part of Bruce Evans to make this effective. Aditionally there are clear and consistent queues with the on off of the glass, pay attention and youll realize so much thought has gone into this. The story of Demi Moores characters divorce was really seemed to be no asset to the film and served only to make it a bit longer. In the end you realize why they did what they did but still, I agree with Creeper here, it seemed to be the one clumsy part of the script. That aside, I still found plenty here to love. Including one final surprise before the credits role. I believe you will enjoy it too. This is a must see in my book! Hope this is helpful!Read full review
All pros, no cons! A big change from Costner's usual roles. Excellent acting! Loved the ending.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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