Mr. Brooks: *1/2 (out of a possible **** stars)

Kevin Costner is still making movies? Why?!! Seriously, he’s got to be the least talented big name actor of the last twenty years. Him, or Keanu Reeves. But at least Keanu’s smart with his choices, and thus he’s ended up making several films that were good despite their star having as much acting ability as a common garden gnome. Costner used to fit this bill too, making several quality movies in the late 80's and early 90's that were good enough to overcome his obvious lack of talent (Bull Durham, Dances With Wolves, Robin Hood, The Untouchables, Field of Dreams). But no more. Waterworld and the Postman should have killed his career a decade ago, but for some unknown reason film makers keep giving him pity roles and watching helplessly as he drags their projects down into the abyss of his ineptitude. Granted, Mr. Brooks was a ridiculous story to begin with that not even a good actor could have saved, but it didn’t have to be as bad as Mr. Costner made it. My wife likes him for some reason, so we end up seeing just about every theatrical hairball he coughs up. Retire already, Kevin. Please...