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Parents' Guide to

Alex Cross

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Perry underwhelms in formulaic, violent action thriller.

Movie PG-13 2012 101 minutes
Alex Cross Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 13+

Based on 5 parent reviews

age 14+

Alex cross

I liked it it is a very big stretch from Tyler perry's norm,but I thought he showed he can do more than just be madea he showed his acting skills. The movie was good you just have to accept Tyler Perry in a different more serious role. Good job. Hope to see more outside the box from Mr Perry

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
age 2+

good

good

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (6 ):

The best part of Alex Cross is the supporting performances by actors too good to be in such a forgettable thriller. There's John C. McGinley playing Cross' politically motivated police chief; the imperious Jean Reno as a French billionaire; and Breaking Bad break-out Giancarlo Esposito as a Detroit gangster Cross goes to for help in his quest for vengeance. Also of note is the always fabulous Cecily Tyson, who's sadly reduced to playing the stereotype of the sage old voice of reason.

Sadly, even the presence of such wonderful actors can't save Alex Cross from being utterly dismal. Whether it's the lazy screenplay with its predictable outcome and derivative touches (a head in a box has never pulled the same punch since David Fincher's Seven) or the fact that Lost star Fox spends the entire movie with an over-the-top look of insanity that's almost laughable, there's just no end to the reasons to be underwhelmed by this thriller. Yes, Cross is a genius who can tell everything about everyone with his hyper-observant eyes, but some of his profiling monologues border the ridiculous. If there's any injustice this movie proves, it's that a beloved book hero has yet to get a decent movie adaptation.

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