Review of:After the Sunset (2004)
Director:Brett Ratner
Rating:PG-13 for sexuality, violence and language.
Starring:Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek, Woody Harrelson, Don Cheadle, Naomie Harris
When you hear that a movie is being Directed by Brett Ratner‚ the same man who brought Rush Hour 1‚ and 2‚ as well as Red Dragon along‚ it would serve you well to pay attention. Add to that simple fact that you have such stars as Pierce Brosnan‚ Salma Hayek‚ and Woody Harrelson and you know that you are in for a good time.
The film follows the character of Max “The King of Alibi’s” Burdett and his beautiful accomplice Lola (Salma Hayek). They have just arrived on Paradise Island after their biggest score with plans of retirement on their minds‚ or so we are lead to think. Stan (Woody Harrelson) thinks otherwise. With only one of the three non-flawed Napoleon Diamonds still not stolen‚ he thinks the retirement is a cover-up for something bigger. With this in mind he teams up with the local law enforcement in the form of a beautiful female cop (Naomie Harris of 28 Days Later fame)‚ in the hopes of finally catching Max in the act.
One of the most intriguing relationships in the film is between Max and Stan who have grown to admire traits in the other man over time. Although Stan’s main objective is to catch Max‚ you can also see a type of friendship develop between the two. It is like the relationship between Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise in Collateral‚ although not as lethal. Woody Harrelson does an excellent job playing a man who is ultimately obsessed with his quarry‚ and at the same time in awe of him.
In a move that actually takes away from the plot than adding to it‚ is the introduction of the character of a local gangster (Don Cheadle)‚ and his crew. This very weak side story takes away from what the focus of the film should have been (Max’s and Stan’s relationship)‚ and gives us minutes of disinterest.
There were many times I found myself laughing during this movie‚ and overall I thought it was pretty good. My main problem with it is that it did not focus on the relationships of the main characters enough. Max and Stan‚ when onscreen together‚ commanded the audiences attention. In addition, when you added the characters of the beautiful local cop‚ who Stan was falling for‚ and a settled down Lola‚ the ingredients of a very good film were present. When this tandem was off-screen, the performances of the other actors did not carry it along (Perfect time to get some popcorn).
I would recommend this film for an older audience. The screenplay‚ written by Paul Zbyszewski and Craig Rosenberg (Jurassic Park 3)‚ is very witty at times‚ and reminiscent of a buddy movie along the lines of Lethal Weapon.
So with that in mind enjoy.
