Review of Mr. Brooks (2007) by Anna B — 06 Apr 2012

The failure of this film is heartbreaking, especially since it has some true moments of brilliance in it. The use of music is strong and reminded me of Michael Mann's Manhunter. Erie, yet hauntingly beautiful. I quite enjoyed Costner in this role. The scenes where he silently prays to himself are powerful. The intteraction between Costner and William Hurt is simply fantastic and the real heart of the film. Somehow before the end that gets lost.

The failure of the film is due to " too much plot". There are nothing short of 4 seperate serial killers/wannabes in the film, not only making it unbelievalbe but also a little hokey. Can their be that many serial killers walking amongst us on a regular basis? Spread out over a longer time it might have been a little more believable. This would have worked better as a Mini-Series type of deal.. but then it would just be DEXTER (whihc is MUCHG better than this). Worst of all is the angle of following the Millionaire Cop Divorcee (Demi Moore) who is hunting multiple killers. Her plotline and character development take time away from the main plot of Mr. Brooks and sinks this ship. Demi Moore is also very mis-cast in this role. She in no way felt like a grizzled Manhunter and really just came off as an annoyance. AND we wasted time on chasing a completely other serial killer that was after her. I enjoyed the Father/Daughter relationship much more than the wasted time with Demi's character. MArk this one down as a big ol Coulda Been. To damn bad.