The Film
Tyler Perry is known for wearing multiple hats (and multiple dresses) for all of his theatrical productions. However, when he hangs up his Madea wig and sticks to one job, we get Alex Cross.
Based on James Patterson's fictional character, Alex Cross actually marks the third time that we've seen the psychologist/cop on screen. Morgan Freeman played the Cross character in 1997's Kiss the Girls and 2001's Along Came a Spider. Wisely, he stayed away from this film.
Perry steps into the character's gumshoes with mixed results. He's sort of on the fence about whether or not to accept an FBI gig, as he awaits the birth of his third child. However, there are bigger fish to fry, mainly a villain named Picasso, who is played by a tattooed, gaunt Matthew Fox (Lost's Dr. Jack!).
As a character, Alex Cross seems more like a supporting role -- at least in this movie. Ok, so the guy has a kid on the way. Big deal. Frankly, the film never lets the audience know why this guy gets his name on the marquee. He doesn't have the same zing as a Bourne, a Bond, or even a John McClane.
Instead, we get a lot of unnecessary drama strung together to make a complete movie. Even worse, some of that drama is poorly conveyed. There is a lot of really bad acting in this film, by people that seem to be genuinely good actors. Perry, Fox, Edward Burns, Jean Reno and Rachel Nichols all have cringe-worthy moments. The only one that isn't totally phoning it in is Cicely Tyson, but she's basically a blip on the screen.
Alex Cross isn't a good movie, but also isn't a total wash. The film does manage to pick up a little at the end. Unfortunately, it's too little, too late -- and too cheesy.
Want to dissect this movie a little more? Check out Joe Lozito's theatrical review of Alex Cross.
The Picture
As you can expect, Alex Cross has a nice 2.40:1 transfer. After all, director Rob Cohen has stylish, stupid flicks like The Fast and the Furious and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor on his resume. He knows how to make crap look pretty. And pretty this one is, even in its darkest moments. The colors are spot-on, the contrast is perfect, and the details are sharp. It's some delicious eye candy and nothing more.
The Sound
Alex Cross has more than its share of bullets, explosions and other moments of mayhem. Summit Entertainment has given this release a nice DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track to deliver the goods and it's just enough to keep you glued to this movie. The track has multiple explosions (and the ringing of its aftermath) to fill the soundfield, but also has some very nice directional effects, whether it's bullets spraying, helicopters or fists of fury.
The Extras
If you're looking for more info about the character, the film or anything else related to this production, you're going to have to sit through Rob Cohen's commentary track. It's not very exciting, but it's certainly comprehensive. Otherwise, there are four deleted scenes and a 5-minute short about the character, which includes a few blurbs from author James Paterson.
Final Thoughts
Despite the cool image and stellar audio, Alex Cross is a real snoozefest. The bullets and other mayhem may keep you awake, but the action and the acting are the on-screen equivalent to Ambien. Cross Alex Cross off your viewing list.
Product Details
Where to Buy:
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Video | |
| Audio | |
| Movie | |
| Extras |
