Mr. Brooks
Alongside Frailty, this is easily one of the best and stunningly original horror films of the last 10 years, even if it takes the twist of Fight Club and makes it into the main premise of the film. As the title character, Costner brilliantly underplays his sociopath serial killer to perfection, showing how cool and cunning one can be with such an ugly habit, and having him attend rehab meetings for his “addiction” is an awesome touch. Demi Moore gives a Career Best performance as the poor little rich girl cop on his trail. Dane Cook as the would-be protegee acts a little too immature at times, but it works as a stark contrast to Costner’s perfectionist. William Hurt continues his stunning career resurgence as Brooks’ imaginary friend, surprising us with the little touches he brings from one scene to the next. Helgenberger brings the right style to the unknowing wife, and Danielle Panabaker is cuteness personified as the daughter. The rest of the cast are pretty much spot-on all the way down (it’s nice to see 24’s Reiko Aylesworth pop up here as well). The script unveils one wicked sick twist after another, adding shocking new elements to the story almost up to the end. The score is evocative of the old-school work of Michael Mann, and brings an atmosphere that is at once cool and creepy. Director Bruce Evans shows us he is going places here, and the shock ending brings everything together, even if it is a minor cheat. In the end, probably one of the best psychological horror films ever made…
10/10