The Matador (Widescreen Edition)

An excellent movie about an aging assassin who makes friends with a down on his luck salesman. Just when you think you have it figured out, there's a twist which makes you believe in the basic humanity of even the possible darkest of people. Pierce Brosnan is outstanding as the assassin in the latter years with quirky behaviour.

Looks like Danny Wright (Greg Kinnear) an out of work salesman is making a come back in Mexico City. He is celebrating at the bar. Julian Noble (Pierce Brosnan) is also in Mexico City to make a killing. It is Julian's birthday and he too goes to the bar to celebrate. Naturally the too shall meet. After a shaky greeting they exchange job information and become friends.

The question is where does this friendship lead and what do we learn form it?"

The title comes from a scene at a bullfight which is used as a metaphor.

The story can be scene again in essence in the movie "Real Men" (1987) which contains a little S&M but not as sleazy as this version..

Wanna watch Pierce Brosnan send up his own performance as James Bond? Actually, this off beat buddy-comedy has a lot more going for it than that, with a quirky and original story and good performances all around, but its leading man does deserve special attention. Julian Noble's libido isn't sexy, it's sleazy; his alcoholism isn't cool, it's sad; and his profession most certainly doesn't make him a hero. And, despite all this, Brosnan makes us connect with Julian in a way we never could with James, definitely the best work of his career.

Don't let the box art fool you, this is not an action movie. Julian may be a hit man, but the film is really about his unlikely friendship with salesman Danny Wright. This fact may disappoint some people, but focusing on the characters rather than on action sequences or absurd antics sets this film apart from your standard buddy-comedy.

Extras
There's the standard making-of featurette here and some deleted/extended scenes, nothing to write home about. The two radio programs included out Shepard's (the director) efforts to get the film made and are actually worth a listen, although they feel a little out of place on a visual medium. There are two commentary tracks, one with just the director and one with him Brosnan, and Kinnear. Both are good, although there's a fair amount of overlap in the information. Shepard's solo one probably would've sufficed.

Presentation
The transfer looks sharp, although it's clear this was an indie film and not a slick Hollywood production. The slight-grittiness works well with the film's tone and I don't think that a Blu-Ray upgrade is necessary.

Bottom Line
Those eager to see something new done with the 'Buddy' formula should check this movie out. This is definitely a dramatic-comedy, not an action-comedy and should be approached as such. The humour is pretty good, although it's the characters that make this movie something special.