A crazy on the edge hit man and an average blue-collar worker meet up in a bar in Mexico and strike an odd friendship. The Matador is a dark comedy crowd pleaser with colorful and unexpected moments. Pierce Brosnan and Greg Kinnear play off one another delivering stellar performances in a completely unethical story. Say goodbye to the slick tuxedo wearing 007 and say hello to Chelsea boots, black Speedo and a cheap beer; Pierce Brosnan plays up a character that audiences will love to hate and will be surprised to see. Greg Kinnear plays his typical nice guy role without flaw, but adds a bit of spice to his reaction towards his new buddy’s murdering profession. The Matador is both shocking and creative; it’s bullfighting at its prime!
The Matador
3 Stars
A crazy on the edge hit man and an average blue-collar worker meet up in a bar in Mexico and strike an odd friendship. The Matador is a dark comedy crowd pleaser with colorful and unexpected moments. Pierce Brosnan and Greg Kinnear play off one another delivering stellar performances in a completely unethical story. Say goodbye to the slick tuxedo wearing 007 and say hello to Chelsea boots, black Speedo and a cheap beer; Pierce Brosnan plays up a character that audiences will love to hate and will be surprised to see. Greg Kinnear plays his typical nice guy role without flaw, but adds a bit of spice to his reaction towards his new buddy’s murdering profession. The Matador is both shocking and creative; it’s bullfighting at its prime!
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Julian Noble (Pierce Brosnan) a past his prime hit man chasing girls and getting drunk on Margaritas in Mexico becomes friends with a down on his luck everyday Joe, Danny Wright (Greg Kinnear). Danny is the good guy who married his high school sweetheart and took an average job to make ends meet. While trying to close a deal in Mexico he meets Julian in the hotel bar. After a few bad jokes on Julian’s part, Danny runs off a little scared and extremely uncomfortable, content with never seeing that crazy guy again.
As luck would have it, the 2 bump into each other in the lobby and Julian, in attempt to make a friend, invites Danny to an historical and local pastime, bullfighting. The 2 men strike up an odd friendship of sorts after Julian confesses his profession and gives Danny a mock hit demonstration. After the deal goes south Danny asks Julian for a favor that will save his marriage and his job.
As time goes by the 2 separate and go their own way. Julian completely looses touch with reality and his edge for killing, he wants out. Finding himself on the other end of a hit, he shows up at Danny’s door to ask a return favor, help him do one last hit. Danny agrees to his request and ultimately walks him through the complete job step by step. After all is done and over and Julian’s life is no longer at risk, he leaves a small token of his appreciation for Danny and goes on his twisted merry way.
Odd reactions, colorful moments and brilliant performances make The Matador a film worth watching. To see Pierce Brosnan walk across a hotel lobby with a beer in hand, Speedos crawling up is ass and zipped up ankle boots is absolutely priceless. Adding to the films entertainment value would be the reaction Danny and his wife had towards Julian’s murderous profession, like it was an everyday 9 to 5. She asked to see his gun and he helped him murder someone as if they were barbecuing in the backyard, great elements of the unexpected keeps the audience on their toes and not all too sure what will be coming next. Brosnan and Kinnear’s seamless ability to work off each other keeps you laughing at even the most lude moments. The Matador is a less than glamourous “hit” you won’t see coming.