After The Sunset

Plot Summary

Max Burdett (Pierce Brosnan) and his partner, Lola (Salma Hayek), are master jewel thieves. After their last successful theft they have retired to a tropical paradise in the Bahamas. One man, FBI agent Stan Lloyd (Woody Harrelson), can't rest easy until he gets even with Max. Agent Lloyd was held responsible when Max stole a famous diamond from under his nose. Arriving in the Bahamas at the same time as a luxury cruise ship that is displaying a priceless diamond, Stan tells Max about the diamond but warns him that he will be watching his every move. Tempted by one last challenge, and in spite of protests from Lola, Max starts thinking of ways to steal the diamond but with Stan on his back it won't be easy. A game of cat and mouse ensues between the two...

Review

This action, diamond heist, movie is pretty to look at but lacks any substance. It's entertaining enough while being watched but it's instantly forgettable once it ends. Set in the Bahamas there are beautiful sandy beaches, blue sparkling sea, clear skies, sunshine and scantily clad women. With a beautiful setting and plenty of eye candy this movie has the appearance of a slick action movie but the story and characters are disappointingly lame. The story evolves around the famous "Napoleon diamond" and whether Max will take a shot at stealing it from the cruise ship. The audience isn't privy to any plans that Max has, and an opportunity is missed to create some intrigue. The story is devoid of any suspense.

The movie seems to have a bit of an identity crisis. On one hand it appears to be trying to be a slick action movie, but on the other, there is a lot of comedy. Perhaps the director should have concentrated on one or the other as it doesn't fulfil its potential on either element. However there are some very funny parts were Max and Stan find themselves in some awkward situations.

With a good cast I was expecting better. Pierce Brosnan and Woody Harrelson aren't at their best and a scantily dressed Salma Hayek is just there to look good (and she does!) but, if allowed, could have given her character more depth.

The Bottom Line: A forgettable movie that had the potential to be much better. If you rented this movie on a wet winter's evening it would be entertaining in a frivolous way but there's no need to go out of your way to see it in the cinema.

If you enjoy After The Sunset you might like to watch Ocean's Eleven, Confidence, Heartbreakers, Swordfish, or The Score.

Previewed by Niall Quinn, Premier Movie Reviews 2004.

RELATED MOVIE REVIEWS:  BRETT RATNER: The Family Man,  Red Dragon.  PIERCE BROSNAN: Die Another Day,  Evelyn,  Laws Of Attraction.  SALMA HAYEK: Once Upon A Time In Mexico.  DON CHEADLE: The Family Man,  Ocean's Eleven.

Genre: Action/Heist/Comedy

Director: Brett Ratner

Certificate: After The Sunset is rated 12's by the Irish Film Censor's Office (www.ifco.ie). Moderate violence/language and some mild sexual references.

Official Movie Website: After The Sunset

~ Main Cast ~

Pierce Brosnan

Woody Harrelson

Salma Hayek

Naomie Harris

Don Cheadle

RATING

ONLY IF YOU HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO