Movie Review: Mr. Brooks

Released: 2007

Reviewed: 1.18.10
Star rating: 5 out of 5

Kevin Costner (Earl), Demi Moore (Tracy), Dane Cook (Mr. Smith), William Hurt (Marshall), Marg Helgenberger (Emma), Danielle Panabaker (Jane), Ruben Santiago-Hudson (Hawkins).

Earl is a serial killer battling his own alter ego, Marshall, who has a fondness for murder. After making a mistake during a murder Earl is in danger of being exposed to the police who are closing in even as he struggles to control his quickly disintegrating life.

This one starts with some brief character development before jumping right into the action and setting the plot for the rest of the film. Earl's mental health problems and the fact he is a serial killer are exposed to the audience from the beginning leaving us to wonder what surprises the film has in store. After Earl's precise methods are showcased for a while the surprises start and continue right up until the exciting ending to the film.

Costner played a serial killer wonderfully bringing emotion and lack of emotion as needed to portray the mental illness of his character. Moore did nicely supporting as did Cook who was also well cast. Hurt delivered a dark side that was absolutely essential to the film while Panabaker was a joy to watch.

Camera work, sets and backgrounds were all nicely done and appropriate. Sound and dialogue were also well done and added a quality feel to the film. Special effects consisted mainly of gore scenes and were also nicely done.

Overall this is a wonderful psychological thriller and one of the best portrayals of a serial killer to be seen in years. The level of detail exhibited by Earl was truly impressive. The film exhibits strong quality at all levels and with a story that will leave you on the edge of your seat you don't want to miss this one!

With plenty of violence, gore, mild nudity, and some sexual content save this for older teens and above.