Watch The Matador

"The Matador" is an engaging and offbeat comedy-drama that tells the story of a hitman named Julian Noble, played by Pierce Brosnan, who has been in the business for too long and is starting to lose touch with his humanity. When he meets a down-on-his-luck businessman named Danny Wright, played by Greg Kinnear, the two become unlikely friends, with Julian opening up to Danny about his life and work.

The film is set in Mexico City and delves into the world of contract killing with a sense of humor that is both dark and light-hearted. Julian is a fascinating character, with his loud shirts, brash manner and heavy drinking, and Brosnan brings him to life with an engaging performance that shows off his range as an actor.

Kinnear's performance as Danny is also notable, with his character's decency and sense of morality providing a strong contrast to Julian's unscrupulousness. Through their relationship, the film explores themes of redemption, friendship, and the nature of humanity.

Around the midpoint of the film, there is a tonal shift that introduces a more serious and emotional strand to the story. Hope Davis plays Danny's wife, Carolyn, and her presence adds a layer of depth to the film's exploration of marriage, family, and identity.

The Matador is a character study that hits all the right notes, thanks in large part to the strong performances of its three leads. Brosnan, in particular, is a revelation, shedding his suave James Bond image to inhabit a character who is complex, flawed, and deeply human.

The film's director, Richard Shepard, infuses it with a stylish flair and a sense of energy that keeps the audience engaged throughout. The cinematography is particularly striking, with the vibrant colors of Mexico City's streets providing a vivid backdrop to the characters' experiences.

Overall, "The Matador" is a smart and entertaining film that offers a fresh take on the hitman genre. With its memorable characters, clever writing, and strong performances, it is a film that is well worth watching. It will make you laugh, it will make you think, and it will make you appreciate the unpredictable nature of life and the power of friendship.

The Matador is a 2006 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 65.