The filmmakers and star would like you to think Mr. Brooks is a lofty examination of the nature of addiction—in this case, the affected party is addicted to hunting and killing unsuspecting human beings. A bit of that lofty psychology makes it through the gore, but what we really have is Kevin Costner exploring a role against type as the reluctant murderer egged on by his creepy alter ego (William Hurt). The clock is set ticking two ways, and effectively so: Detective Demi Moore is piecing the clues together as to who the killer is; and amateur photographer Dane Cook has compromising photos he'll release unless he's taken along on Mr. Brooks' next slaying. Dark, grim and bloody, the film will keep horror and thriller fans amused, if that's the right word.

Shelf Talk: Many of Costner's dedicated fans were scared off by this film, which grossed a tad less than his last outing as a murderer: 1993's A Perfect World. However, those same fans, as well as those of Hurt, Moore and rising young comedian Cook, could be curious to try this one in the safety of their living rooms. Cook has been making quite a name for himself, and his romantic comedy Good Luck Chuck, with Jessica Alba, is in theaters now. Also helping to draw attention to Mr. Brooks is co-star Marg Helgenberger, red hot from TV's CSI, as the killer's saintly wife and a resurgent Hurt, who's even creepier here than he was in A History of Violence. MGM distributor Fox will support the title with national ads during CSI, naturally, but also during genre shows Cold Case and Criminal Minds as well as basic cable networks. Fox also will create an inescapable presence online and on both ESPNs and during NFL games and baseball playoffs, where the male audience will likely be watching.