AFTER THE SUNSET (2004)

Directed By: Brett Ratner 
Written By: Craig Rosenberg & Paul Zbyszewski 
Story By: Paul Zbyszewski 
Cinematography By: Dante Spinotti 
Editor: Mark Helfrich 
Music By: Lalo Schifrin 


Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek, Woody Harrelson, Naomie Harris, Don Cheadle, Chris Penn, Mykelti Williamson, Troy Garity, Obba Babatunde, Russell Hornsby, Michael Bowen, Jeff Garlin, Lisa Thornhill, Kate Walsh, Tom McGowan, Rachael Harris 

 After a successful last score, a master thief retires to an island paradise. His lifelong nemesis, a crafty FBI agent, washes ashore to ensure he's making good on his promise. The pair soon enters into a new game of cat-and-mouse.


This is nothing but THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR 2, because this movie plays similarly. Even though there is no Rene Russo and the names have been changed. Rene Russo is replaced by the best thing in this movie Salma Hayek who the producers wisely keep in a barely there bikini throughout the rest of the movie. Which is why the film is set mostly in the tropics.

This film plays more like a comedy than anything else, with a little action thrown in. The only thriller aspect throughout the film is the constant double crosses and seeking of revenge. As well as plenty of heists. Though you are never scared for the protagonist and if he will get caught or not because there is no real tension on the script and the characters already seem a step ahead.

You pretty much know what's going to happen he whole film. Even as the premise seems to be what happens after the sunset. What happens after the happily ever after. You get the good life which is new but you might still miss the old one that it overpowers you.

Everyone in the film looks relaxed and laid back more like this is a working vacation. So it seems like they are having a good time. Playing almost like a plotted home video with sharp visuals.

Even the reliable Don Cheadle pops in to play a villainous heavy (in paycheck mode. Though seems to be having fun as he is always draped by henchwomen) this is his second time and film working with director Brett Ratner. At least he looks like he is having fun What more can one say about Director Brett Ratner. He is the consummate Hollywood playboy , director. His films are all flash with no depth, rapid Editing. No account for paces. Here and usually it seems like giving a Horny teenager who got through film school without taking a film appreciation course. Then let him loose with a budget and a camera that is what watching a Brett Ratner film is like, plus he seems like a director who makes films only to new and be around hot women, because his films are stocked with them. I'm not complaining but they are there for no reason, other than of course eye candy. If made by a different director the story might have more stayed on track with less distractions. Though at least the film has a kind of charming tongue in cheek quality that feels like a well put together dance.

He seems to have gotten his career riding the coat tails of comedian Chris Tucker at first. That is why he seems to be the ultimate hollywood director. He does have talent but he seems to go against it every time he makes a movie. You can't five him credit for originality. He's not the worst filmmaker out there. He is just so typical. Though one can't hate him even though there are plenty of critics who do. I believe he has one good movie in him. Most filmmakers do.

John Stockwell was originally slated to direct, but dropped out of the production in the summer of 2003. Pierce Brosnan and Brett Ratner were hoping to collaborate on the next James Bond movie, but after that fell through with Bond producers, they decided to maintain their relationship, and do this instead.

The film is your typical, I'm retired but I want to try one last job. Not for the payoff. Just to prove I can do it and the old cop from the past is determined to bust him and the theif’s love interest is all you promised to retire. You do this I'm leaving with plenty of double and triple crosses.

The film is more a fantasy than anything.


GRADE: C