Mr. Brooks (2007)

Overall rating from 1 to 100: 75

O Masterpiece (95-100)
X Excellent (75-94)
O Good video rental (60-74)
O Merely OK (50-59)
O Pure mediocrity (30-49)
O Medusa: don't watch (1-29)

Review by Jason Pyles / June 8, 2007

The hunger has returned to Mr. Brooks’ brain. It never really left.

We are informed about this mysterious hunger as the movie begins. We see Earl Brooks (Kevin Costner) engaged in fervent prayers of desperation. Then we see him receiving the “Man of the Year” award in Portland, Oregon, where he runs a box factory.

Yes, we are quickly at ease with Mr. Brooks. He has a lovely wife, Emma (Marg Helgenberger, “CSI – Las Vegas”) and a daughter, Jane (Danielle Panabaker). Indeed, Mr. Brooks seems like he’s nearly perfect.

Except, Mr. Brooks talks to Marshall (William Hurt), whom no else can see or hear. Marshall seems to be the devil on Mr. Brooks’ shoulder, always tempting him to do evil ... serious evil. Now, in case the trailers haven’t ruined it for you, I won’t reveal the nature of Mr. Brooks’ evil addiction for which he hungers. I had no idea, and it made the movie better for me.

Mr. Brooks and his imaginary friend (or alter ego), Marshall, are incredibly intelligent. But during one indulgence, a young man who comes to be known as Mr. Smith (Dane Cook) learns of Mr. Brooks’ dark and secret life. Instead of exposing Brooks, Mr. Smith wishes to learn how to engage in Mr. Brooks’ devilish ways.

That is all I will describe. I apologize for being so vague. But the pleasure of this movie is all of its surprises. In other movies of this sort, there is only one person who is like Brooks. In this movie, however, there are multiple evildoers; some are scarier than Brooks, others are not as scary. All of them add to the intrigue and suspense.

“Mr. Brooks” definitely earns its R rating with its graphic violence, sexual content and language. And yes, I personally find that regrettable. Nevertheless, the writing and acting are well done. “Mr. Brooks” is involving, intelligent, and unique, a rarer and rarer find in today’s cinema.

Directed by Bruce A. Evans
Kevin Costner / Demi Moore / William Hurt
120 min. Thriller / Crime
MPAA: R (for strong bloody violence, some graphic sexual content, nudity and language)

Copyright 2007.
JP0125 : 324