Mr. Brooks

Why it has taken me 7 years to watch this movie – I can never say.  Amongst all the serial killer movies that I have seen, this one has to be one of the most unique storylines ever.  Here, the serial killer, is the protagonist.  And if that doesn’t intrigue you, then the fact that the serial killer is played by Kevin Costner will definitely do the job.  Its playing on Television of late so try and catch up with it.

Mr. Earl Brooks (Kevin Costner) is an extremely successful businessman.  So successful that he is named man of the year for his state – Portland if I remember correctly.  Earl is married to Emma (Marg Helgenberger) and has a daughter in college Jane (Danielle Panabaker).  In short they are one small happy family with very little or actually nothing to worry about.

Except for Mr. Brooks’ small little quirk – killing people.  Brooks in fact is one of THE most sought after serial killers across the country.  He believes in the art form – if you could call it that – and actually goes to great lengths to scout for his targets, prepare for the kill and execute (literally speaking) to perfection. He also believes in leaving his trademark and therefore is known as the “Thumbprint Killer”.

Fortunately for him, no one has a clue to who he is.  Even the one person who is obsessed with putting him in the right place – Detective Tracy Atwood (Demi Moore) – has little idea about where to begin.  All seems well till the time when the meticulous Brooks actually puts a step wrong.

If Mr. Brooks doesn’t thrill you with the concept then there are 2 other things that are definitely outstanding about the movie.  The screenplay by academy award nominated Bruce A Evans (Stand By Me 1986) is all but seamless.  Costner’s ice cold performance as a serial killer is equally brilliant and will rate as one of his better performances to date for sure.

If there is something that may be not so great about Mr. Brooks it would probably be only in pace because it is a tad slow.  I believe that a topic like this one had to be fleshed out in detail and presented the same way and so didn’t complain much about it but the general audience may.  Do take time to watch this one if you can.  Will be worth it.  7 on 10.

Watch the trailer on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF0Ht0Y1QLw