After the Sunset not complex, but still a great romantic comedy caper

Crystal Hohenthaner

Crystal Hohenthaner

If you’ve seen the previews you know the plot. A diamond thief named Max, played by Pierce Brosnan, and his accomplice girlfriend, played by Salma Hayek, move to a tropical island in an attempt to retire.

Unfortunately, in the face of unending luxury Max becomes bored and temptation, in the form of the huge diamond in a nearby port, begins to seduce the antsy thief.

While the diamond waits off-shore, Max is being watched by Woody Harrelson, playing an adorably bumbling FBI agent who is determined to catch Max in the act.

If you are in search of a few mildly tense thrills, a couple of laughs, a bit of a love story and a classic anti-hero to root for, After the Sunset delivers.

The plot takes very few twists and turns – Max’s girlfriend warns him not to steal the diamond, saying, “We’re retired, Max.”

I actually found myself wondering if Max was ever going to steal the diamond. By the end I wanted him to steal the diamond, get the girl, make friends with the FBI agent and somehow get away with it all.

As an added bonus for anyone interested in chests, be warned everyone gets as naked as people can get in a PG-13 movie.

Although After the Sunset deals with possibly deep themes and ideas, like whether to choose the simple life and love or chase the big score, don’t expect this little romp of a movie to reveal any deep meaningful truths.

It is what it is – a romantic action comedy with a little bit of romance, a little bit of action and a little bit of comedy.

For me it was exactly what the doctor ordered. It offered me two hours of an interesting tale that I didn’t have to think too hard about and I liked it!

Four Stars

(out of five)

#1.885625:2452491350.jpg:after-the-sunset.jpg:Pierce Brosnan and Salma Hayek dance in After the Sunset, a romantic comedy crime caper that premiered in Brookings Nov. 12. The movie also stars Woody Harrelson as a bumbling FBI agent.: