Mr. Brooks: B+

Kevin Costner as a serial killer? Not likely. As a baseball player or romantic lead, absolutely. But as a deranged killer on the loose? There is no doubt many viewers will be skeptical, to say the least, to see Costner in this role. It's difficult to imagine the always genuine and charming Costner in such an austere role … until you actually see the film. Costner, as Mr. Earl Brooks, is chillingly calculated and disturbingly good at portraying a killer.\nBrooks is a successful businessman with a beautiful family, too much money to spend and a serious addiction to murder. But when Brooks is caught in the act of his favorite pasttime by a photographer, Mr. Smith (Dane Cook), rather than turning Brooks into the authorities, Smith becomes his new apprentice. Smith, wanting to feel what it's like to kill, follows Brooks and his alter ego Marshall (William Hurt) through the steps of getting away with murder. Meanwhile, Detective Tracy Atwood (Demi Moore) is on Brooks' trail and will stop at little to apprehend "the Thumbprint Killer," as he has been dubbed.\n"Mr. Brooks" is a tantalizing thriller that will keep you biting your nails throughout. Costner gives a breathtaking performance and is supported well by Moore, who is again stereotypically cast in the role of the strong woman with something to prove. The supporting cast is full of stars, and Cook's first attempt at a dramatic role comes off surprisingly well, although he also offers a few lame attempts at humor that the film would be better off without. \nRather than recycle the same old serial murder and police pursuit plotline, "Mr. Brooks" puts a new spin on Hollywood killing that will shock and awe. Furthermore, the scenes of Brooks' daily life and his obvious passion for his family will at times have audiences rooting for the killer, a morbid twist that will have them questioning their own morality.