Mr. Brooks starts out on a high note but devolves into a straightforward movie that doesn’t live up to its potential. Earl Brooks (Kevin Costner) is a well-loved and successful businessman, who is secretly addicted to murder. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, Earl indulges his craving as a serial killer, goaded on by “Marshall” (William Hurt). Mr. Brooks is a smart executioner who never leaves enough clues for Detective Tracy Atwood (Demi Moore) to break the case.

At first glance, Mr. Brooks is a cerebral exploration of a killer’s mind. The grisly undertones established by the visuals, moody music, and cinematography make this thriller feel like some thoughtfulness is required to understand its message. We witness the calculated yet ultimately desperate approach of Earl towards his dark hobby. The way Earl’s struggles are presented—as two distinct personalities conversing with each other—proves effective in letting the viewer know what’s going on in his head.

It’s also good to see Kevin Costner act again. Despite his perceived failures as the producer of The Postman and Waterworld, Costner proves once again that he shines when he’s in the right movie. Costner is superbly chilling as the anti-hero who’s always in control, always one step ahead of death row. Even as he learns that someone else (Mr. “Smith” played by Dane Cook) knows his secret, Earl continues acting like nothing’s happened.

Yet as the movie progresses, it becomes clear that there’s no hidden layer of complication to keep you wondering. It’s a simple cat-and-mouse game, where the twist is really no surprise. Despite the mysterious presentation, the motivations of the characters come across loud and clear. Too clear in fact, when you consider that this movie is supposed to be thought-provoking. The supporting actors don’t maximize their bit roles, choosing the obvious route when trying to convey something to the audience.

But you can’t fault this film’s accessibility. Some people may have issues with the way it glorifies serial murder, how the audience is asked to cheer for a cold-blooded killer. Yet Mr. Brooks makes it clear that its seminal protagonist will never have a quiet life, and tell us this is interesting ways. 4 fools out of five.