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Bookmark this pageAfter the Sunset (2004)
Director: Brett Ratner
Movie review
From Time Out London
Like the more heavyweight ‘Heat’, this draws drama from the uneasy relationship between cop and criminal. Frustrated that diamond thief Max (Pierce Brosnan) has consistently eluded him, FBI agent Stan (Woody Harrelson) follows him to a tropical island where he lives, supposedly retired, with partner Lola (Salma Hayek). Stan teams up with attractive local cop Sophie (Naomie Harris) in an attempt to catch Max nabbing a priceless diamond being exhibited on a nearby cruise ship.Forced to interact on this small island, the two men begin a jokey game of cat and mouse that could have serious consequences. But hey, not that serious: this is comedy-lite that would rather contrive a situation where the two men must share a bed than create a believable, suspenseful scenario. Granted, the interplay between Harrelson and Brosnan offers some farcical pleasure, but this spreads its plot interest too thin and fails to deliver credible explanations for its characters’ actions. Don Cheadle’s Kingpin, in particular, feels like a plot pawn, and Hayek exists purely to provide decoration and token romance. There’s glamour, giggles and a couple of good heist scenes, but generally this is clumsily signposted and slow. That said, audiences seeking mild diversion might prefer approaching it as Lola does her new surroundings: ‘The challenge is to find joy in simple things’.
Author: AS
Time Out London Issue 1787: November 17-24, 2004
Cast & crew
Director: Brett Ratner
Producer: Beau Flynn, Tripp Vinson, Jay Stern
Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Woody Harrelson, Don Cheadle, Salma Hayek, Naomie Harris, Chris Penn, Russell Hornsby, Troy Garity full cast
Genre(s): Action/Adventure, Comedy, Thrillers
Rated: 12A
Duration: 100 mins
UK Release: Nov 19 2004
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