Home of the Brave: Veterans of the war in Iraq (Samuel L. Jackson, Jessica Biel, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson) come home to Spokane, Wash., where they try to adjust to civilian life. The movie tugs too hard at our heartstrings, but it's the first major studio release to tackle this subject, so attention must be paid.
-KENT WILLIAMS
Mr. Brooks: Kevin Costner plays a buttoned-down family man who leads a double life as a serial killer. The film doesn't pull off its tonal shifts very well, but Costner gives a great performance, as does William Hurt as his id-come-to-life.
-MARJORIE BAUMGARTEN
