Mr. Brooks

Earl Brooks is a successful businessman and devoted family man, but he harbors a dark secret: he is also a serial killer known as the "Thumbprint Killer." His alter ego, Marshall, constantly urges him to commit murder. When a photographer captures him at a crime scene, Brooks is drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with both the police and a vengeful accomplice.

Mr. Brooks received mixed to negative reviews from critics and was a box office disappointment. While Kevin Costner's performance and the film's premise were sometimes praised, many found the plot convoluted and the tone inconsistent, struggling to balance its thriller elements with its darker, psychological aspects.

• Praised for Kevin Costner's performance and the intriguing premise of a serial killer with a conscience.

• Criticized for a convoluted plot and an uneven tone that struggles to balance its thriller and psychological elements.

• Some found the film's dark humor and violence to be effective, while others found it gratuitous and jarring.

Google audience: Audience reviews for Mr. Brooks are largely mixed. Many appreciate the performances, particularly Kevin Costner's portrayal of a dual-natured character. However, a significant portion of viewers found the plot to be overcomplicated and lacking a satisfying resolution, with some feeling the film didn't fully deliver on its potential.

Kevin Costner initially turned down the role of Earl Brooks multiple times before finally agreeing to take it on.