After the Sunset (2004)
Pierce Brosnan, Selma Hayek, Woody Harrelson

A Master Jewel Thief Comes Out of Retirement. I was very disappointed in After the Sunset; I expected so much more from this cast. However, I don't think the actors had much to work with this time. It's a good premise but somewhere along the way, that gets lost. At the beginning of the movie, Selma Hayek is shown making long cat-like contortions for no apparent reason. Although Hayek's body is very nice, it does not improve the movie. Pierce Brosnan who plays retired master thief Max Burdett, is supposed to appear (I think) world-weary but for some reason he just looks unkempt. Hayek is his partner and sexy lover. Bored Max Burdett is tempted to pull one last big heist just for the heck of it. His lover objects, so she tries to dissuade him by making love with him. Does he attempt to steal the jewel anyway? You bet. FBI agent Stan Lloyd (Woody Harrelson) shows up on the same Caribbean Island and suspects that Burdett has not really retired. As you watch, you see that there is a certain grudging respect between thief and cop and they end up literally being strange bedfellows.

Although this film is a crime, action, drama film, Woody Harrelson brings a certain charm and lightness to it. The ending is a complete and amusing surprise. Film noir fans may be interested in After the Sunset” because the color has a “noir” feel to it; the scenery is lush and gorgeous. However, there is simply not enough 'meat' to this movie.

Rated PG-13

~Vanette Ryanes

Vanette Ryanes is a true movie maven. She has been an avid movie fan for more than 35 years and has a video library of 200 plus movies. She has a vast knowledge of classic black and white, noir and vintage color movies. If you have questions about movies contact Vanette, (Vannie to her friends) for answers, advice and recommendations. 

Also see:

The Constant Gardner
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Stealth


I recommend these big heist films.

The Thomas Crown Affair (1968) Color. I love everything about this movie. Steve McQueen is millionaire Thomas Crown, a legitimate businessman and a big heist man who robs for the thrill of it. His latest caper is a bank in Boston. His plan is truly amazing, and it's exciting for the viewer to watch it come together. McQueen stays cool all through the movie and his slightly mocking smile gives the audience an idea just how huge his ego is. It never occurs to him that he will be caught. His character is the epitome of "Never let'um see you sweat". Faye Dunaway is Vicky Anderson an insurance investigator who has her own large ego and always get her man. The scene at the airport where we first see Dunaway is awesome, it is very much like the Bette Davis scene as she steps off the ship in the 1942 movie “Now Voyager”. There is no doubt about who is in charge. Faye Dunaway and Steve McQueen are playful, sexy and delightful to watch as they play cat and mouse with each other. I believe that at the time this movie was released their on screen kiss held the record for "longest kiss in movie history." This really is a must see or must see again movie.

The Pink Panther (1964) Color. This is an excellent comedy, crime, mystery movie. It is the first and I think the best of the “Pink Panther” series. One of the reasons is that it was not made with 'series' in mind. Peter Sellers was at his best as the inept and egotistical Inspector Jacques Clouseau. David Niven is the smooth master thief who plans to steal a large valuable flawed diamond (there is a panther figure in the stone). Along the way, he manages to steal the affections of Clouseau's wife (Capucine) as well. Claudia Cardinale is very beautiful and dewy eyed as the owner of the priceless jewel.

Ocean's Eleven (2001) Color. This “Ocean’s Eleven”, definitely moves faster than the earlier Frank Sinatra vehicle. It's the same, but so different. I went to this movie with mixed feelings because the remake are almost never as good as the original. The movie is good, everyone is the cast is good and there is real action. In this remake George Clooney is perfect as Danny Ocean, Julia Roberts is his ex. The movie also stars Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Andy Garcia, Bernie Mac. It was good to see Carl Reiner and Elliott Gould again. Watch Scott Caan (son of actor James Caan) as Turk Malloy and Casey Affleck (Ben's brother) as Virgil Malloy; they are over the top good. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I also liked the cameo's--you get to see a lot of 'old-time' Vegas show people playing themselves. Do yourself a favor and rent the 1960 version of Ocean's 11 (1960), if you want to see Frank Sinatra and his gang in action. The famous "Rat Pack" is robbing Las Vegas casinos and partying all the way. I do find it a little slow moving, but there is just something about the Rat Pack's style that makes you stay with the movie. The ending is WOW. “Oceans 11” is in my collection because these actors were a special breed that we probably will not see the likes of again.

Photo: After the Sunset movie poster Allposters.com