Review of The Thomas Crown Affair (1999) by Phillipa D — 04 Jul 2013

Rene Russo was cast as Pierce Bronson's puppy-dog pet in the 1999 remake of The Thomas Crowne Affair. I remember this film being released after two very profitable James Bond movies, Goldeneye and Tomorrow Never Dies. There was nothing stopping Pierce Bronson during this run in his career. He would have his way with every woman he encountered, this includes the headstrong Russo who was so determined to defend her insurance agency and recover the artwork Pierce had stolen. A couple of thousand dollar dinners, a flight to a remote island, and some hot and sweaty lovemaking won her over quickly. The rest of the movie was a rap. The only thing that could keep this movie from being one really long diamond commercial is a few exciting heist scenes and some clever twists.

Nina Simone's "Sinnerman", played twice in the film. It captured and excited me. That song was just about the only thing that excited me in The Thomas Crowne Affair. From a woman's perspective, this kind of affair has all the ingredients to entice and enthrall. There are one-too many montages of Pierce and Russo being romantic and not enough danger, risk, and plot twists to make up for it. The film was well cast, but the main supporters, especially Dennis Leary, weren't given enough to work with. Their position in the film weighed very little.

The Thomas Crowne Affair is nothing more than the story of a billionaire playboy catching the woman who was after him, playing with her emotions, then running off with her. Pierce Bronson does such a fabulous job glamorizing the elite lifestyle and Russo is the dumbbell ready to give up everything for him and his wealth. Affairs as we know them, don't typically last forever. This movie makes every woman's dream come true that this romance might very well lead to long time love. Ick, Blah, Yack, Not my kind of movie.

2/5.