Rating: Summary: Wonderful Story of Intrigue and Romance Review: This story looks at Thomas Crown, a wealthy CEO type, who has become bored with his life so he decides to become an art thief in order to spice it up. Well he gets more than he bargined for when insurance investigator Catherine Banning, played by Renee Russoe, shows up to call his bluff. The two are quickly drawn into a dangerous and passionate game of cat and mouse. I love this movie for several reasons. There is no May/December romace. These two gorgeus mature creatures look as if they should date. It is also a very glamorous film with a wonderful plot line. This is a must see.
Rating: Summary: INTRIGUING AND SIZZLING AFFAIR Review: THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR is one movie that boasts just the right mix of effervescent chemistry to save the movie from sinking into a Bond flick. Rene Russo is Catherine Benett, an insurance investigator is sent to incriminate Thomas Crown (Pierce Brosnan) for his theft of a famous painting. The movie is done in a seductively opulent manner, where Thomas Crown engages in hedonism in the lifestyle of the rich and famous - while viewers are unwittingly engaged in dreamy escapism. There are exciting moments too - the theft like the re-enactment of Trojan Horse trick is a parody; the mounting tension between Catherine and Thomas is simply a pleasure to watch. Rene Russo is delightful and proves herself to be one sexy momma. She is bold, passionate and her acting is top-notch. She handles the sexy scene with sass and the emotional scenes with finesse. Pierce Brosnan tries hard to leave behind the shadows of Bond, and is successful being the astute businessman. Their chemistry is altogether smouldering. John McTiernan (Die Hard, The 13th warrior) has altogether piece up a picture with good pacing and most importantly one fraught with genuine chemistry. Though the plot may lack substance or sink into a fluffy dream with a predictable ending, THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR is buoyant and uplifting. It is simply seductive pleasure at its best with the nostalgic tune Windmill of Your mind locked in your head as you try to figure out the magic behind AFFAIR.
Rating: Summary: If this had no middle it would be great. Review: This movie starts out with a very cool premise. I enjoyed the first few scenes of the movie, but as the "plot" went on and the movie progressed it got more and more borring. Up until a fairly neat sequence at the end that was rather surprising and a tad silly. The borring middle was not helped by Pierce's continual mumbling. I'll say again that this movie has some neat sections, but at times it was so borring I got up to go do the dishes. I would rent it, but not buy it.
Rating: Summary: Wow Review: A slick and well thought out movie. One of the best I have ever seen. Watching it reminded me of a well oiled machine, everything working and moving together. Just wish that Leary had a bigger part.
Rating: Summary: Games of the Idle Rich Review: Pierce Brosnan delivers a typically smooth and sexy performance in the Thomas Crown Affair. Comfortably in character, he plays a bored tycoon whose million dollar business deals no longer give him an adrenaline rush. He turns to another passion - art collecting, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, no less. The theft scene has a fast-paced, Bond-like theme closing with Crown's smug satisfaction as he toasts his latest Impressionist acquisition. Nevertheless, he gets more than he bargained for in the shape and form of Rene Russo who plays the equally sharp and cool international agent hired by the insurance company to retrieve the million dollar painting. She zeroes in on Crown immediately and with pure sex appeal and feminine grace, she "gets her man." Both enjoy playing the delicious cat and mouse games, each only briefly enjoying a moment of power before it's regained by the other. It's a sheer delight watching the hot chemistry between Brosnan and Russo. There's a steamy rhythmic dance sequence including the famous see-through dress, plenty of sparkling repartee, and a Caribbean island romp guaranteed to amuse even slightly the most jaded viewer. Denis Leary is the tender-hearted detective with the tough-guy exterior and Faye Dunaway is amusing as Crown's psychiatrist who is more interested in tormenting her client than in providing any sort of therapy. It's a fun couple of hours in the world of art, money, and the rich and powerful.
Rating: Summary: It was okay Review: I did not see the original. However I think it is interesting that they included Faye Dunaway, who was in the original, as a therapist in the remake. Unfortunately I don't find it believable that the type of character Thomas Crowne appears to be, would frequent a shrink. I found a number of flaws with this movie. You can see the character Thomas Crowne is "bored" and takes risks with his life and obviously his freedom. However, you don't get a real insight into the why he does this. As for Rene Russo's role, it is equally as shallow. They have some hints at many former partners, but the why the dissatisfaction and why she is in the business of investigating insurance fraud is only broadly spoken to. She too quickly bonds to Pierce Brosnan's character while turning him in simultaneously. This is where reading the book can add so much more insight. They are two good actors and worked well together. Pierce Brosnan's reserve as well as Renee Russo's were a perfect fit for the characters. I found the film enjoyable and both robbery scenes well done.
Rating: Summary: Mixed feelings Review: An elegant, polite actioner. Brosnan acts with debonair sophistication, as well as a certain light-hearted restraint. He reminded me of an updated Peter O'Toole in How to Steal A Million. The main drawback is the mismatched casting of the leading lady. Heavy-handed Rene Russo is miscast, a bull in a china shop, as if someone brought a big-boned hag in drag to a formal dinner.
Rating: Summary: What can I say.. Review: The plot is weak, but it's Pierce Brosnan and that should be reason enough for any self respecting woman to rent and or buy this movie. I like the original version for acting, but this reccent version for looks. Thou must see the movie
Rating: Summary: I've watched it twice, now going for third time! Review: Good replay value, no bloody violence & smart remarks.Certainly stands in line with Sneakers and The Hunt for Red October.
Rating: Summary: Brosnan And Russo Sizzle Review: A wealthy businessman with an eye for art meets his match in the clever and romantic, suspenseful, "The Thomas Crown Affair," directed by John McTiernan. Thomas Crown (Pierce Brosnan) stages an intricately planned heist of an art museum, and successfully makes off with a Monet worth millions. Enter the insurance investigator, the crafty Catherine Banning (Rene Russo), and the game is on. While detective Michael McCann (Denis Leary) follows the bread-crumb trail left for him by Crown, Banning sees through it immediately, and zeros in on Crown from the beginning. But how to nail him? Therein lies the heart of the story, as Banning goes right to it. She tells Crown that she knows he did it; Crown responds by taking her to dinner, then proceeds to court her, without ever admitting or denying her allegations. Then it's head to head, as they each vie for the pole position, and the sparks begin to fly. McTiernan shows some style here as he leads his stars through their interlude of discovery. He wisely avoids any showy displays and lets the tightly wound suspense of the story play out through the charismatic performances of Brosnan and Russo. Brosnan fits the part of Crown perfectly; there are shades of Bond, perhaps, and even a bit of "Remington Steele here," but he makes Crown his own man, a separate entity which he plays with aplomb. Russo has never been better, nor looked better, and makes Banning a force to be reckoned with; there's a worldly sophistication to her, an intelligent confidence that lets you know there's something always cooking beneath the surface. The chemistry between the two sizzles, and how refreshing it is to see romance develop between two mature adults, as opposed to the more prevalent screen pairings Hollywood usually has to offer (Connery and Zeta-Jones in "Entrapment," for example); it lends credibility to the story and makes the proceedings all that more interesting. There's some memorable scenes here, especially the initial caper, when Crown purloins the Monet, and later on, the "bowler-hat" sequence that takes place in the museum. In something of an homage to the original 1968 "Crown," Banning is taken aloft by Crown in his glider, which proves to be visually stunning, and adds a placid moment that fits in well with the overall film. The supporting cast includes Faye Dunaway (Crown's psychiatrist), Ben Gazzara (Andrew), Frankie Faison (Detective Paretti), Fritz Weaver (John) and Charles Keating (Friedrich). McTiernan has fashioned a romantic caper that is satisfying to both the eye and the mind; and with an imaginative plot and the performances of Brosnan and Russo, "The Thomas Crown Affair" is a success on all fronts. Compared, especially, to many of the contemporary movies that purport romance and suspense, this one is the real deal. It's like a breath of fresh air that's risen above the prevailing smog of mediocrity. If you're looking for quality, and a film that delivers on it's promise, you've come to the right place. This is one you do not want to miss.
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