Mr. Brooks

In 'Mr. Brooks,' Kevin Costner stars as Earl Brooks, a successful businessman and loving father who harbors a dark secret: he is also a ruthless serial killer. Struggling to suppress his deadly addiction, Brooks finds himself torn between his family responsibilities and his sinister alter-ego, Marshall, portrayed by William Hurt. When an amateur photographer, played by Dane Cook, inadvertently witnesses one of Brooks' killings, the fallout threatens to unravel his carefully constructed façade. As the net tightens, detective Tracy Atwood, played by Demi Moore, becomes increasingly determined to bring Brooks to justice.

Mr. Brooks has garnered a mixed reception from critics. On IMDb, it holds a respectable rating of 7.3/10, reflecting audience appreciation for its gripping storyline and strong performances. Rotten Tomatoes, however, presents a more divided viewpoint with a 55% rating, indicating a mix of praise and criticism. Critics on Metacritic gave the film a score of 45/100, pointing to its polarizing nature. Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times commended Costner's performance, stating, 'Kevin Costner plays Brooks as a man of intelligence and pity.' Conversely, The New York Times criticized the film's lack of coherence, noting it 'struggles to balance its psychological drama with elements of a thriller.' Despite the faults, many critics acknowledged the film’s intriguing premise and Kevin Costner's compelling portrayal of the titular character, making 'Mr. Brooks' a provocative and chilling watch.