Earl Brooks (Kevin Costner) wants to stop killing people, but he’s addicted to the rush, and the voice in his head (played by William Hurt) won’t let him quit. This gets him into hot water when an aspiring killer (Dane Cook) sees him in the act and wants to tag along on a job. On the case is a cop (Demi Moore) who’s dealing with her impending divorce and an escaped convict who’s after her.
Skip it: Ridiculous casting aside, the movie is distracted by too many plot points and an even more daunting distaste for its characters. They’re all searching for their fix, but you’ll be searching for the exit.
Catch it: If you’re looking for financial advice. Brooks suggests investing in “things people can’t do without” like water and cemeteries. And who doesn’t love a guy who owns a cemetery?
Bottom line: A desensitized movie for desensitized people, “Mr. Brooks” has nothing to say. Even worse, it doesn’t have anyone interesting to say nothing about. There’s so much unexamined rage in “Mr. Brooks” that the movie plays like a training video for psychotherapists.
Even faster Paised
For complete versions of these Fast-Paised reviews, go to metromix.com.
“Knocked Up”: *** “Both the star and the movie are flabby, immature and almost always funny.”
“Gracie”: ** “This is cheese washed down with syrup. Yuck.”
“Severance”: ** “You don’t learn anything about the villains, and you won’t care about the heroes.”
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mpais@tribune.com
