Review of The Matador (2005) by Joel M — 05 Oct 2008

"Ole" down & relax and read my film review of the dazzling flick "The Matador" and I promise you no bull! This film is a sure prize winner in sheer entertainment value. Pierce Brosnan stars as Julian Noble, a not so noble hit-man who is hit by an enduring loneliness condition.

Greg Kinnear co-stars as Danny Wright, a "always do the wright thing" salesman who desperately tries to close a business deal which will turn his recent wretched fate for the better. Hope Davis co-stars as Bean, the supporting perky Mrs.

Wright who like Danny is grieving the loss of their only son a couple of years back. However, the focus of "The Matador" is on the startling friendship of Julian and Danny. The antithesis pair meet in a Mexico City hotel bar.

After their alcoholic journey in Margaritaville, Julian invites Danny to a Mexico City bullfight and before you know it the audacious Julian has the insipid Danny by the horns by having this odd couple befriended.

What follows is an unpredictable exhilarating story of friendship, morality, and devotion. It also happens to be a comic delight! Brosnan's bullseye performance as Noble deserves a Noble Acting Peace Prize.

The former Bondman plays against stereotype and shakes & stirs you in a way that adds up as a surefire hit. Kinnear continues his "actor auto focus" consistency with another impressive performance.

And I hope more filmgoers while now know what Hope Davis is probably the most underrated actress working in films today. Her superb work here as Bean might even get her a spin-off film called Mrs. Bean! Writer-Director Richard Shepard's effort could now classify him as a "Good Shepard" Director.

Richard's directorial craftiness and cunning scribe was embodied with entertainment richness. My next hit is to encourage you to witness "The Matador" in cinematic action! It will not kill you! Matador!!! Matador!!!! ***** Excellent.