Alex Cross

      Alex Cross (2012) is very loosely based on the novel Cross by James Patterson. The similarities between the book and the film are few and far between though. I have never read a James Patterson novel.  The only reason I have followed this one is because of Tyler Perry (Good Deeds, Star Trek, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, The Family That Preys). Yes, I am aware that he did not direct, produce or write Alex Cross.  I just really like Tyler Perry! It was very cool to see him doing something so different. I have to say I am a little nervous to read the book now. I may not have read any of his books I have however seen the other movies based on his Alex Cross books, Kiss The Girls (1997) and Along Came A Spider (2001). Pretty frightening and disturbing stuff. 

      If you have seen Kiss The Girls or Along Came A Spider you will be prepared for Alex Cross. It is not for the faint of heart, as they say. (Whoever “they” are) There are a couple of steamy sex scenes, there is torture and the killer, Picasso, is just evil. If you liked Matthew Fox (Vantage Point, We are Marshall, Smokin’ Aces) in Lost (2004-2010) you may not want to watch this movie. He is absolutely terrifying as Picasso. He looks terrible, shaved head, too thin, and crazy eyes. Matthew went all out for this role, strict diet, crazy workout routine. It paid off. His portrayal of Picasso will forever change your view of him and you will never get it out of your head. It reminded me of watching Harrison Ford (American Graffiti, The Frisco Kid, Blade Runner, Witness) in What Lies Beneath (2000). Creepy!

      The casting was actually really good.  I liked Edward Burns (Saving Private Ryan, 27 Dresses, Man on a Ledge, She’s the One).  He was wonderful as Thomas Kane, Alex’s partner, and he has some very funny, quotable lines.  In an intense murder mystery you always need some comic relief.  Edward delivers. Cicely Tyson (Fried Green Tomatoes, The Help, Diary of a Mad Black Woman) is wonderful as Nana Mama, Alex’s grandmother. I always enjoy watching her. It was a little weird seeing John C. McGinley (Point Break, Se7en, The Rock, Wild Hogs) He is the Captain and I had a hard time seeing him in that role.  He was great; don’t get me wrong, he did well. It’s just that, well, for some reason I couldn’t get Dr. Perry Cox out of my head.  I didn’t even watch Scrubs (2001-2010) all that much but still…. I kept picturing him saying “your not going to make a very good Dr. if your head keeps exploding like that” I don’t know, whatever.

      Tyler Perry was wonderful, as usual, and Alex Cross delivers. If you are looking for a good shoot ‘em up, cop goes off the deep end, crazy serial killer movie, here you go. Enjoy!