Alex Cross Movie Review

Picasso is played by Matthew Fox (“Lost”), who lost some 35 pounds for the role, giving him a near-emaciated look that only accentuates his evilness. Here, his face is all sharp angles and sinister smiles that make him appear every bit as serpentine as the throbbing vein slithering up his forehead. It’s a remarkable physical transformation, and one that signals an admirable commitment to the role. Like Perry, though, Fox’s performance ranges from predictable to unremarkable.

The resulting film, despite its occasional outbursts of action and tension, is less an action film than a psychological thriller, although even there it fumbles the ball. The most fascinating thing about a story like this — that is, one about a smart and psychotic killer being tracked by a shrink — is what’s going on in the killer’s head. Why does he do what he does? What made him the monster that he is?

“Alex Cross” doesn’t seem at all interested in answering — or even asking — such questions. Rather, it opts for a clumsy and messy argument that the ends justify the means. And even then it glosses over the fact that Cross has to barter a little piece of his soul in the process.

Obviously, the producers of “Alex Cross” have high hopes for a franchise — and they might get it yet. If there’s anything the “Madea” films has taught Hollywood, it’s to not underestimate the power of Perry.

If a sequel does happen, however, I have one suggestion: give Perry his wig back. Because “CSI: Madea” seems far more appealing to me than another film like the slack “Alex Cross.”

Article First Appeared @http://www.nola.com/movies/index.ssf/2012/10/alex_cross_movie_review.html

 

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