The Matador
By Irv Slifkin -- Video Business, 5/22/2006
Story Line: Julian Noble (Brosnan), a burned-out hit man, befriends salesman Danny Wright (Kinnear) in a hotel bar in Mexico City. Noble tells the Wright about his occupation and soon enlists the salesman to help out on a job. Eventually, Noble depends on Wright to navigate him through a mid-life crisis.
Bottom Line: Brosnan plays the anti-James Bond in this engaging, down-and-dirty dark comedy. He sizzles as a slick but desperate assassin, looking to befriend the mild Kinnear and his wife (Davis). Some of the bits in this surprise-filled tale are priceless, particularly Brosnan's walk through a luxury hotel clad in only a Speedo and cowboy boots. Though The Matador proved to be too arty for mass audiences and a little too mainstream in subject and tone for the arthouse crowd, this film is sure to find a strong DVD following upon release. Future cult status is certain.
Color, R (mature themes, language, sexual situations, violence), 96 min., DVD only $28.95Street: July 4, Prebook: May 30
DVD: director/cast commentaries, featurette, deleted and extended scenes
First Run: L, Jan. 2006, $12 mil.
Cast: Pierce Brosnan (The Thomas Crown Affair), Greg Kinnear (Bad News Bears), Hope Davis (About Schmidt), Phillip Baker Hall (In Good Company)
Director: Richard Shepard
GENIUS
