Parents' Guide to American Murderer

The hunt for criminal on the run Brown is interesting but not extraordinarily cinematic. The looming question is: Why tell Brown's story? His criminal acts, as portrayed in American Murderer, are despicable, but they don't rise to the level of some others who top the FBI's Most Wanted list. Psychological insights can be compelling in these types of stories, but little is offered other than to suggest that Brown was following in the footsteps of his father -- and even that's underwhelming. The FBI agent (Ryan Phillippe) hot on Brown's trail lacks dimension; it feels like Brown is just another perp he has to pursue. Movies aren't made about just any suspect or just another investigation -- viewers need to feel like they're watching THE case and THE suspect in the career of an investigator. Otherwise, why bother?

At least, due to Pelphrey's fantastic performance, Brown isn't portrayed with empathy or made aspirational. The movie depicts Brown as a cocky, world-class scumbag. He's loud, obnoxious, and bereft of morals or conscience. If the film had a different ending, audiences might want to see more nuance, but Brown isn't a guy who particularly deserves compassion. And kudos to the hair and wardrobe departments: Pelphrey's blonde spikes, co-star Idina Menzel's aggressive bangs, and the belly-baring blouses nail the early 2000s setting. But beyond those impressive elements, the reason that anyone would want to spend time retracing the steps of a jerk like Brown proves elusive.