After the Sunset Review
by Homer Yen (homer_yen AT yahoo DOT com)November 22nd, 2004
Breezy "After the Sunset"
Two things happen around this time of year. Temperatures begin to fall. And, stressed out managers push employees to do more as the end of the year approaches and numbers need to be met. "After the Sunset" gives us a chance to put aside these concerns by allowing us to vicariously enjoy a window of tropical bliss.
If part of a film's goal is to provide some escapism, then this film does that quite well. It's a marvelous travelogue, for its setting is the Atlantis Resort in the Grand Bahamas. I'm particularly excited to see that because I'll be vacationing their next week and if paradise had a picture, what you see on screen sure comes close.
Storywise, the film only has mild ambitions, but manages to keep you entertained. It starts off with an improbable but slick diamond heist in which our main characters, lovers and thieves Max (Pierce Brosnan) and Lola (Salma Hayek), steal a priceless diamond. They carry this heist out at the expense of FBI agent Stan (a countryboy-esque Woody Harrelson). While Max and Lola head off to retire, Stan follows them to the Bahamas because he believes that they will try to steal another diamond from a cruise ship that is docked there.
This is a crafty heist film, and it gives you that easygoing sense that crime is good, seductive, and sexy. It's ok to think naughty thoughts at times. Here, glamour and the good life are all within your grasp. It's hard not to admire the meticulous plotting that goes into bypassing alarms, avoiding security guards, and creating a rock-solid alibi. This is a role that suits Brosnan. Dashing, suave, and quick on his feet, we've seen him purloin goodies before whether it was in the splendid "The Thomas Crown Affair" or from his earlier TV days as the mysterious TV detective Remington Steele.
That's pretty much all you need to know just like all you need to do at the Atlantis is to charge everything to your room. Just sit back and enjoy the hospitality of the islands. However, I enjoyed this film because of its message.
It offers good lessons. First, Stan has been on the trail of Max for several years, but has nothing to show for it. Our resigned agent begins to accept the fact that he is not quite as good as his quarry. Instead of beating himself over it, he tries to learn Max's methods hoping for an opportunity to beat him at his own game. Lesson: learn from someone better than you.
Second, Stan envies Max's freedom. As Max puts it, why would he want to steal a diamond when he already has everything that he needs. Lesson: true freedom is a function of time and money.
Third, Lola recognizes that this temptation may get Max caught with everybody keeping an eye on him. And she knows that Max is very focused when tempted. So, she threatens to leave. Lesson: replace one fear with a bigger fear to get one moving in the right direction.
Despite a grossly underdeveloped character (Don Cheadle's as a criminal head) and some question as to the believability of the execution of the heists, "After the Sunset" does manage to please. It's like lying back in a hammock on a beach watching the sunset. And charging drinks with umbrellas to your room.
Grade: B
S: 1 out of 3
L: 0 out of 3
V: 1 out of 3
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