"The Matador" Review

"The Matador," starring Pierce Brosnan and Greg Kinnear, opened at theaters nationwide yesterday. I had the chance to check it out with a friend of mine. Even though my friend fell asleep during ten minutes of the film, because she claims she was tired, I was wide awake and enjoyed every minute of it.

Those who are used to seeing Brosnan as a hunk or a hero (or both) will need to be prepared for something different this time around. In this film, he plays the role of a hitman who begins to lose his touch with the multiple jobs he has to perform. With that come delusions, panic attacks, nervous sweats, blurred vision, and emotional breakdowns. How does Brosnan cope with all this? Alcohol and sex. But, even drinking and the horizontal mambo can't counter all of his troubles enough and he must look for something else to aid him in countering his inner struggles.

Greg Kinnear is a businessman who's been in quite the slump for oh, the past, couple years or so. He and his partner are sent off to Mexico City to make a presentation which could potentially end his horrendous cold streak. After the presentation, he and his partner are overly optimistic at what will result from their supposedly grand performance. Oddly enough, Brosnan is in Mexico City at this time, as well, to do what he does best (outside of drinking and getting busy in other ways), assassinating (or facilitating as he likes to call it).

That is where the two stars of the film meet, at a bar in Mexico City. For those that go see the movie will realize, Brosnan is not the smoothest of talkers in this film and does not impress Kinnear when they first meet. But, as time goes on, both characters see how the other may be useful to their endeavors.

What results is solid dialogue, a great performance from Brosnan, and unique one-liners that would put "Anchorman" to shame. This is probably the best I've seen Brosnan. He's quick, witty, and has some great lines. There are some punchlines in this film (particularly for Brosnan's character) that are so unique, I honestly don't think I've ever heard them before. On a couple of them, I had to think twice before laughing, thinking to myself, "Did he really just say what I think he said?" The supporting cast does a fine job, but Brosnan steals the show in the funniest film of the new year (thus far).

Grade (for comedy): 8/10
Grade (for overall): 7/10