Movie Reviews
Sunset Lights Up the Sky
Reviewed by Kristen Fahs |
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 What goes better with a beautiful sunset, a lush locale and an unmatchable heist than sex, intrigue and gadgets? Indeed, After the Sunset and its cast have it all and aren’t afraid to show it. And like the old saying goes, if you’ve got it, flaunt it.
With an honest mix of sex and betrayal, it’s no wonder that Sunset garnered a PG-13 rating. The film's undertones of sexual innuendo and violence are allowably shown to viewers ages 13 and up, while such material is better suited to reside in the hearts of viewers ages 20 and older. Yet, regardless of age limits or demographic appeal, After the Sunset effectively captures the audience’s attention with its constant comedic energy and stunningly beautiful cast members.
Charmingly led by Pierce Brosnan and supported by an outstanding ensemble cast including Salma Hayek, Woody Harrelson and Naomie Harris, After the Sunset has proven to be one of the best heist movies yet to come since The Thomas Crown Affair and Ocean’s Eleven. Meant to elicit both emotional and physical responses from the audience, the film’s cast members quickly pair up to form a knockout set of duos from which relationships based on friendship, romance and sex come into play. The pairing of Max Burdett (Brosnan) and Lola Cirillo (Hayek) proves exceptionally effective, as the two characters banter back and forth with words, body language and cliffhanging, romantic intention.
 The chemistry between each pairing of characters (Brosnan/Hayek and Harrelson/Harris) is as believable as the fact that Bond likes his martinis shaken, not stirred. And indeed, some stirring of the plot does occur alongside the romantic efforts of each character. Simultaneous to the development of the various relationships in Sunset, the story of the ultimate heist unravels into our very laps.
Teetering on the verge between continuing a lifetime of thievery, with a résumé of having already stolen two of the three Napoleon diamonds in existence, and retiring in the luxuriant surroundings of Atlantis-sponsored Bahamas, Max and Lola must make their final decision: should they go out at the top of their game as undefeated masterminds, or should they succumb to temptation by pursuing the third Napoleon diamond that just so happens to be on board the weeklong Diamond Cruise that is docked in their Bahamian port of call? Well, let me just say that if you know Brosnan, you should know the answer.
Yet, let’s not ponder the what of the film, but rather the how. The how is most often the best part of a heist movie in that the audience gets to follow along in the processes involved in stealing the best prize of all: the hardest won prize, meant for the best thief in town. Indeed, gadgets come into play, but how could they not? A thief needs gadgets like a fish needs water; the two are inseparable if success is to be met.
 And what a potential for success Sunset has created by incorporating a blockbuster cast with an even richer plotline. A film can’t get much better than Sunset with respect to a generous mixing of sex appeal, desire, confliction and an unforgettable island paradise where visitors can get their slice of the island. Undeniably, Max gets his.
After the Sunset is now playing in theaters everywhere.
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