But Mr. Brooks was always such a quiet neighbor... This phrase is usually uttered by the neighbors of serial killers after they've been caught. But in this movie, MR. BROOKS, isn't a serial killer, he simply has an addiction to killing. He has a family; wife played by a super hot looking Marg Helenberger, and a daughter in college. Kevin Costner portrays Mr. Brooks as person first and a serial killer second. We don't hate Mr. Brooks for what he does. He has an addiction and Costner portrays that so we see Mr. Brooks is a pretty good guy with a bit of an addiction problem. What they don't see is Mr. Brook's invisible friend, his id, Marshall, played by William Hurt. Hurt is brilliant in a role that could have been overplayed. Marshall stokes the fire for Mr. Brooks addiction. As he chants the serenity prayer like his own personal mantra, somehow Marshall pushes so hard that he convinces Mr. Brooks to kill, 'just one last time'. Thing is, like all addicts, that one last time isn't. In this case it is a necessity because he gets caught by a witness with a camera. So in comes "Mr. Smith" played to serious perfection by Dane Cook, who is best known for his comedic abilities. Here's the twist, Mr. Smith enjoyed witnessing the murders so much that now he wants to be at Mr. Brook's next killing. So although he doesn't want to, he indulges Mr. Smith. Mr. Brooks must watch a lot of Law and Order. He is fastidious in his methods, borderline obsessive compulsive. He is well skilled in how not to get caught. As these murders are taking place, they are being investigated by Detective Atwood (Demi Moore). Not only was the part not cast well, the detective work was totally unbelievable. It wasn't because Mr. Brooks was so smart. Detective Atwood is going through a divorce which has made her angry and spiteful; supposedly. I just didn't buy into her act one bit. She looked like she was acting; either that or sleepwalking. However, this film was written well and it makes Mr. Brooks a suspense filled thriller. The end took such a twist I didn't know which end was up.Rating: A must see, well put together edge of your seat movie. Very well done!
