Alex Cross

Starring: Tyler Perry, Matthew Fox, Edward Burns, Jean Reno, Carmen Ejogo, John C. McGinley, Rachel Nichols, Werner Daehn
Directed by: Rob Cohen
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Mystery
2012

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Alex Cross (Tyler Perry) searches frantically for a deadly killer (Matthew Fox) while he tries to unravel the killer's ultimate plan.

Review:

Tim: I really liked both of Morgan Freeman's "Alex Cross" movies. This partially because of the interesting crime stories from writer James Patterson (I've never read his novels, but they seem at least decent), but mostly, it's because I loved Freeman in the role. Several years later, we're effectively rebooting the franchise, and who do they get to take this very cool role? Is it a great actor like Idris Elba? A rising star? No, they get the constantly cross-dressing Tyler Perry.

I really, really tried to embrace Perry in this role. Believe it or not, this is the first time I've ever seen Perry in a film. I had reservations going in, but I hoped Perry would prove me wrong. He proved me oh so right. Perry gives a flat, lackluster, completely forgettable performance as Alex Cross. How could everyone in this film not realize that Cross IS these movies? Without him, and without the audience investing in him, nothing else matters. Perry gives a laughably bad performance. I never believed he was intelligent, and I never cared about him as a man. That undermines everything else that happens in this film. I honestly cannot think of one single moment in the entire film where Perry did anything that impressed me. He just kind of plods through the movie. He adds very little, and he just blends into the background. Perry completely ruined this movie with his underwhelming performance. It was an awful casting choice.

It was almost like the producers realized I'd hate Perry in this role, and did their absolute best to create a fantastic supporting cast around him. In the villain role, we have Matthew Fox, whom I love from "Lost". Fox completely transforms himself into a ripped, frightening killer. His intensity was impressive, and he makes a formidable villain. I actually liked him quite a bit in this role. I will say that on more than one occasion, he was guilty of over-acting, but for the most part, Fox delivers. In addition, they cast Edward Burns as Perry's partner. I have always had a soft spot for Burns. There's just something so charismatic and likable about him. I thought he was decent, although this is certainly not his best work. The Burns-Perry friendship was one of the best aspects of this film. So, for those keeping track, that's 2 actors in the supporting cast I really like. That's not it, though- we also have John C. McGinley as well. McGinley is one of the greatest television actors ever for his role of Dr. Cox on "Scrubs". I love the guy, and was very excited to see him get some work here. His performance was average- he's a better fit on the small screen. What's funny is that despite the combination of Fox, Burns, and McGinley, (all whom I really like), they can't out balance the deadweight that is Perry.

The story itself is exciting, but a bit of a mess. In the other two Alex Cross movies, it was pretty clear what Cross was trying to achieve. I felt like the story got a bit muddled here. I understand they are trying to capture a killer, but then the killer goes after them, and then resumes his original plan? It eventually makes sense, but I have to admit that while watching this movie, I asked myself what exactly was happening and why I should care. This isn't to say the whole film is bad. There's some really good scenes throughout the film. The scene in the top floor of the office building is pretty exciting (the explosion was certainly cool), the dinner scene was shocking, and the train attack was quite impressive, too. The final battle was a bit lackluster, but as a whole, it was decently entertaining.

I've been very hard on Alex Cross thus far, and for good reason. However, I have to admit that even with its flaws, I had a decent time watching this movie. Hollywood just doesn't make enough of these exciting thrillers. The cat-and-mouse game is always fun to watch, and more of these movies need to come out every year. Although this one was flawed, the film was at least mildly entertaining. I did love seeing Fox, Burns, and McGinley in this movie. While this is certainly not a good movie in any sense, I felt like there was enough here to make it not a wholly unenjoyable time. I sincerely hope that they recast Perry if they continue to make Alex Cross movies (and despite this one being a bit mediocre, I sincerely hope they do).

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 6.5



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