The Thrilling Mr.Brooks

Never judge a movie by its name. The title of the movie does not do justice to all that lies within.

I thought Fight Club was the ultimate alter-ego movie. Mr. Brooks surely is a close second. Very very close. Probably the best in its genre. I did not expect much from the quasi-retired Mr. Costner.

Kevin is still in shape. Body and spirit. His screen presence is fantastic. He carries the movie through. He is the quintessential good man in the neighbourhood & killer by night character. He has the money, resources and drive to kill and he does.

The story begins as his love for killing resurfaces. He is blackmailed by Dane Cook, an amateur photographer. Except that our blackmailer has a different ransom. A ransom that you know will turn into disaster, right from the beginning.

The casting is fantastic. William Hurt has played one of the best supporting roles I have seen. At the least, he should be nominated.

The only thing is seem to miss is Demi Moore’s role. What was she doing there? It could have been any cop. The idea of a celeb cop is great. It balances the equation. Smart criminal-smart cop equation. But the swimming scenes are absolutely unnecessary. In the middle of a gripping movie, I am not interested in knowing how fit Demi still is and that she has no cellulite. The director ensures that their lives merge at some point. But that’s all there is. Kevin could have killed her ex-husband, or the fugitive who is chasing her. It would have made no difference.
When you think that it could not have gotten any better, the twist at the end makes everyone sit up. Many people even gasp.

Great editing, great cast and good treatment. Makes you feel that there is someone still making quality movies.

4 stars out of five. I would given more, if they had made Demi’s role a little more worthwhile.