Alex Cross (02/05/2013)

Rated PG-13 for violence including disturbing images, sexual content, language, drug references, and nudity.

Starring Matthew Fox, Tyler Perry, Edward Burns, Jean Reno, Cicely Tyson, Giancarlo Esposito…

Directed by Rob Cohen (Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, DragonHeart)

Alex Cross is just another example of a good book turned into a really disappointing movie.

I probably am sharing from a biased perspective, because I’ve read every Patterson novel with his character Alex Cross, and the movie didn’t even approach the quality of the books.

The movie tells the story of Cross and his team as they tangle with one of the most intelligent and skilled hired killers (Fox) they’ve ever encountered.

The movie makers really did a good job at character development. Perry was a very believable Alex Cross. The only other Alex Cross we’ve seen is from Morgan Freeman in the films Kiss the Girls (1997) and Along Came a Spider (2001), both films waaaaaaaaay more true to the book. But, as much as I love Freeman, and fully disclosing that both those films were way better films, Morgan Freeman is not the guy to play Patterson’s character Alex Cross. Cross is supposed to be a big guy, a boxer… well… do I need to even continue? Morgan Freeman is neither of those. Perry was convincing as Cross, it was the screenwriting that failed.

Mathew Fox was amazing as the sadistic killer, Picasso. Fox went through a strict diet and workout schedule to lose a ton of body fat… and Fox wasn’t a big guy to begin with. The result was a freaky, gangly character with darting eyes… great stuff. One of the better “bad guys” I’ve seen.

But unfortunately, a good lead character and a freakishly impressive bad guy couldn’t save this loose adaption of Patterson’s novels. The plot was predictable, the storyline was forced, and the film really required you to check your brain at the door when entering the theatre (Hey, look, the bad guy can beat up amazing fighters in the ring with ease, but can’t tangle with a cop?)

It’s best to just skip this one.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Nope. Don’t let the PG-13 rating fool you into thinking it’s okay for a 13-year-old. The film has several very sensual moments with plenty of eye-candy, including a scene where you see two people having sex (no nudity, just plenty of motion), only to discuss their relationship later and agree, “It’s only been two months, we need to give this relationship more time.” I guess sex is something that doesn’t require a serious relationship?

Conversation Starter: (with some spoilers- so don’t read below if you intend to see the film and don’t want it spoiled)

1. How much did Alex and Tommy value relationships (with each other, and their ladies)? Give an example.


2. When they each suffered the loss of their loved ones, how did they respond? Do you think it was a healthy response?


3. Is it okay to bend the law if the end result is catching a bad guy? So was it okay for them to mug that cop, steal evidence, and help a felon go free… all for the “greater good” of catching Picasso?


4. Read the following scriptures:
   
   2 Chron. 19:7
   Fear the LORD and judge with integrity, for the LORD our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.

   Prov. 10:9
   People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.

   1 John 3:7
   Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous.

   
   What do these verses say about integrity and doing what is right?


5. Does this mean only obey the rules when they make sense or are convenient? Explain.


6. What are some rules or guidelines that are hard for you to keep? Why would it be good to keep to these guidelines even though it’s hard?


7. When we do what is right, do you think others notice? Who do we represent? (1 John3:7)