Alex Cross Movies & TV Shows, Ranked – Indian Rupee Forecast

As a long-time fan of James Patterson’s Alex Cross novels, I have to say that my journey with this character has been nothing short of exhilarating! From the gripping thrillers of the early films to the riveting drama of the Amazon Prime Video series “Cross,” I’ve seen this character evolve in a way that mirrors our own society.

The Alex Cross series of films draws inspiration from the book series penned by renowned crime thriller writer James Patterson. Since its inception in 1993, this collection has grown to include 34 novels, keeping readers captivated with the story of its protagonist, Alex Cross, a forensic psychologist, police officer in D.C., widower, and father. Throughout the series, he faces challenges in protecting his family, the city, and himself from dangerous criminal elements. As he battles relentless adversaries intent on taking his life, nurtures strong bonds with his children, and manages a complex personal life, Cross is constantly tested. Given the wealth of material available, filmmakers and showrunners have ample resources to draw upon.

The most recent production is called “Cross“, a Prime Video streaming series that has garnered positive reviews and much acclaim for Aldis Hodge’s portrayal of the title character. Notably, before the creation of “Cross“, there were three films produced based on the Alex Cross books. These films featured Morgan Freeman and Tyler Perry in the lead role, and here is a comparison of their performances with that of “Cross“.

4 Alex Cross (2012)

To my delight, I must confess that the latest Alex Cross film, released in 2012 starring Tyler Perry, was unfortunately a letdown. The poor performance of this movie led to the cancellation of its proposed sequel, “Double Cross.” In “Alex Cross,” we follow our protagonist as he delves into the chilling case of a murderer known as Picasso (Matthew Fox). Working alongside his partner, Detective Tommy Kane (Edward Burns), Alex Cross is relentless in his pursuit of the villain. His determination intensifies when the criminal’s actions hit closer to home.

Perry’s Version of Alex Cross Was Lambasted

The film “Alex Cross” struggled to make a profit at the box office, receiving widespread criticism for its script, direction, acting, and even its promotional tagline. Tyler Perry received a Razzie Award for Worst Actor, and Roger Ebert’s scathing review suggested that the movie might have been more successful if Madea, one of Perry’s well-known comedic characters, had been in the lead role instead. With a long gap since the last release in 2001, a shift from Paramount Pictures to Lionsgate films, and Morgan Freeman being replaced by Tyler Perry, “Alex Cross” was an apparent effort to rekindle public interest but ultimately fell short.

3 Along Came a Spider (2001)

The movie “Along Came a Spider,” which was the second installment featuring Morgan Freeman as Alex Cross, had a standalone storyline different from the first film. It revolves around Cross investigating the kidnapping of a Senator’s daughter by a man known as Soneji, or “The Spider,” portrayed by Michael Wincott. Amid his mourning for a fallen partner in an undercover operation, Cross is compelled to put aside his personal troubles to capture the kidnapper and rescue the girl. Screenwriter Marc Moss adapted the screenplay from James Patterson’s book of the same name, making alterations to crucial aspects of the story, such as elements of Cross’ personal life, the backstory and motives of the suspect, and the final outcome of the case. Perhaps it would have been better if he had stayed more faithful to the book…

Morgan Freeman Was The Only Bright Spot in Along Came a Spider

Despite earning $105.2 million against a budget of $28 million, the film Along Came a Spider was met with unfavorable reviews by critics. They criticized it as an overly complex plot, filled with tedious, expository dialogue. The story had glaring inconsistencies, and the once-genius main character was transformed into a stereotypical, predictable hero. However, Morgan Freeman’s performance was widely acclaimed and even earned him a NAACP award nomination. In a shrewd commentary, Roger Ebert expressed his thoughts by saying, “Actors should be awarded Oscars not for the good movies they star in, but for the poorly made films they manage to endure.

2 Kiss the Girls (1997)

The initial Alex Cross movie, titled “Kiss the Girls,” stands out as the most impressive among adaptations, even though it didn’t achieve blockbuster status. Emulating a neo-noir aesthetic similar to Freeman’s previous work in “Se7en,” although not quite as effectively, director Gary Fleder introduced Alex Cross to cinema for the first time. Morgan Freeman excels in his portrayal of Cross, delving into the investigation of a character called Casanova who kidnaps women, including Cross’ college-aged niece and Dr. Kate McTiernan, portrayed by Ashley Judd.

Kiss the Girls was the Best-Received of the Alex Cross Films

In terms of a thriller, “Kiss the Girls” garnered varied opinions. Some critics felt the narrative was somewhat disjointed and lengthy. On the other hand, others were quite positive, praising David Klass for his well-crafted dialogue that stood out in the thriller genre. They also appreciated the complexity of the main characters. Both Freeman and Judd were commended for their acting abilities and commitment to their roles. As Feldman’s second feature film, “Kiss the Girls” was successful in bringing Alex Cross from the page to the screen, marking a significant milestone. It appears to have resonated with new viewers as well, climbing the Netflix charts when it became available for streaming in June 2024.

1 ‘Cross’ (2024)

In the month of November 2024, Amazon Prime Video unveiled an original series titled “Cross“, based on Patterson’s books. In this adaptation, Aldis Hodge portrayed Alex Cross, offering a fresh perspective compared to previous interpretations. Greg Archer from MovieWeb found the series quite captivating, expressing in his review that “Cross is an intense, heart-racing journey, skillfully woven with a somber and tender artistic thread, following Hodge as detective and forensic psychologist Alex Cross in his relentless pursuit of a murderer. It’s some of Hodge’s finest performances, indeed, and a role that truly showcases his acting abilities.

As a devoted viewer, I found the first season’s narrative deeply engaging as it delved into my protagonist’s life transformation following his wife’s demise and the probe into the homicide of a Black Lives Matter advocate. The dramatic interplay between a white police chief, a Black detective, and a fractured community served to amplify the palpable tension on-screen. In an exclusive interview with Geeks of Color, screenwriter Ben Watkins revealed the compelling reasons behind the series’ choice to tackle a racially charged narrative.

In today’s world, when crafting a narrative about a Black detective, it’s crucial not to sidestep the issues of social, economic, and racial justice. These topics are at the forefront of discussions between law enforcement and the Black community, and they should be addressed in your story if you aim for authenticity and honesty.

Cross’ Success Has Reignited Interest in the Alex Cross Character

I find it incredibly captivating how this series has transported the character into modern times by delving into the contemporary challenges he would encounter at work. This approach adds a tangible authenticity that sets it apart from previous on-screen portrayals of Alex Cross, such as those seen in yesteryear’s films. In fact, even acclaimed author James Patterson himself has praised the series for its grittier interpretation.

In a relatively short span since its release, the Amazon series titled Cross has garnered praise for its timely themes and intriguing mysteries that keep viewers hooked. Audiences have expressed their appreciation for its binge-worthy nature and applauded Hodge for moving the storyline forward effectively. Unlike typical crime dramas, this show demonstrates that the character had hidden depths to captivate both longtime and new fans alike. Fortunately, Cross has already been greenlit for a second season.

2024-11-25 05:33