The Matador (2005)

Brosnan's Best Role - 3.5/5

So I saw this film a while ago called 'The Matador' and I think I can honestly say it's the only film I've ever seen that I enjoyed Pierce Brosnan's performance. I'm entirely fed up of Brosnan's monotonous ramblings and one-dimensional performances these days (The Ghost Writer) which meant that his role as an outspoken hit man travelling the globe was totally refreshing. I actually saw a glimpse of his talents for once. The role brought him out of his shell and proved he can perform in the anti-hero role effectively. If you've lost you faith in Brosnan like I had I urge you to watch this film. It cannot make up for the bore that is his career but it sheds a new light on the man. The is his best film since 'Tomorrow Never Dies' and I never liked that film for his performance but rather, watching it as a young boy, for the explosions and cool cars.

I always find Greg Kinnear's bumbling performances of men lacking self-confidence enjoyable and 'The Matador' provides another similar role for him. Obviously I've never met him but he seems like a nice guy, the kind of guy you could have a beer with. He always comes across that way to me and I think that's why I enjoyed his performance here. He plays a character called Danny Wright who, after a major business setback, finds himself becoming friends with a hit man (Brosnan) and learning to relax. No it doesn't sound like one to watch but I'm not doing justice to the performances. Lets just say the film is better than it should be.

In short the film contains my favourite Brosnan performance to date and another Kinnear role that will make you smile. This won't be a movie everyone will like but it's worth a go.

The Ghost Writer (2010)

So I saw this film a week ago called 'The Ghost Writer'. Ewan McGregor plays a London based biographical writer brought in to finish the memoirs of Prime Minister Pierce Brosnan. That's really just about all I have to say about this film. It attempted to be edgy and vague in the way it portrayed the story but in turned out to be extremely boring. I don't even know what happened at the end; it was made out to be a huge twist and maybe it was just me but I didn't get how Brosnan's wife Olivia Williams being in the CIA affected anything. I was highly disappointed by the end which is normally not a feeling I get with Ewan McGregor films despite being my usual response to seeing Brosnan on the cast list. McGregor's accent was funny though! Yeah, clutching at straws here.

Really quite boring - 2.5/5

What is Roman Polanski doing directing a film like this? Why did he think it would do anything for his career? He has certainly gone downhill from the days of 'The Pianist'. So many films these days are on the subject of uncovering government conspiracies but what many of them include is a bit of action. This however had none. It was portrayed in such a serious manner with very little emotion. Olivia Williams was possibly the stand out performer in this one; she seemed to be the only one trying to act to an anywhere decent level. I must admit also that it was nice to see a glimpse of the ever wonderful Eli Wallach, who you will remember from 'The Holiday'. As you can surely see by now, this film has fairly little going for it.

I really don't know what else to say about this one. I certainly wouldn't recommend it if you are easily bored, I can guarantee you will be turning it off in the first half an hour. For those who enjoy serious political thrillers then I guess this is for you and I can see why people such as this would enjoy it. I just wasn't for me.

Would I recommend it? See above.