“Just consider me the best cocktail party story you ever met.”
Sure, he may look like James Bond, but the man behind this “cocktail story” is anything BUT 007….because we’ve never seen the world’s most popular Secret Agent stroll across a hotel lobby like this:
Pierce Brosnan Is “The Matador!”
Yes, Pierce Brosnan puts it all out in one of the great “non-Bond” 007 performances! Why am I telling you this?
Because I’m excited to take part in a terrific “Blogathon” titled:
“You Know My Name: The Bond Not Bond Blogathon!”
A group of movie buffs are sharing their favorite films that 007 starred in – but not as 007!
I chose Pierce Brosnan: while Sean Connery is still my favorite Bon, Brosnan was the smoothest 007, and in his career has shown himself to be completely unafraid to play against that character:
“The Matador!”
This 2005 film is a blast from start to finish! A globetrotting hitman and a struggling businessman meet in a hotel bar in Mexico City – a chance encounter that draws them together in a way neither expected – with terrific and sometimes shocking results!
Check out the trailer:
“The Matador” was written and directed by Richard Shepard. Pierce Brosnan stars as jaded hitman Julian Noble, and Greg Kinnear is the “down on his luck” Salesman Danny Wright, who gets sucked into the hitman’s world after meeting at a bar.
It’s only a matter of time before Julian tries to get Danny to join him in his escapades:
Julien: “It’ll be a good time!”
Danny: “Oh, so now killing people is a good time?”
Julien (after a pregnant pause): “Can be…”
Brosnan is profanely funny, with sharp dialogue and and story that twists and turns in the most unexpected ways…
“The Matador” is part black comedy, part buddy movie and a terrific action thriller all tied together with a “sharp as nails” script and terrific acting from both leads.
Brosnan in particular shows an incredible range: from brash arrogance to subtle melancholy – a performance that reinforces his ability to command the screen…but he’s not alone:
Hope Davis shows up as Kinnear’s wife, who hilariously asks Brosnan when her husband brings this “hitman” home:: “Did you bring your gun?”
Still, the film rests squarely on Brosnan’s broad shoulders, his ability to completely inhabit the character, with all of the flaws, bravado and humiliation that comes with it…as he said:
“Just consider me the best cocktail party story you ever met.”
Bravo Pierce!
I you want to follow ALL of the great “Non-Bond” stories, go to their website here!
Also, check them out on Twitter for this and all the coolest film reviews!
While this is a “Non-Bond” celebration, let’s not forget that 007 is there for us to enjoy anytime we want – with any Actor we want!
But who’s the best Bond? The worst 007? Let’s look at it through the lens of the movies themselves! Click here to see:
Now, as for the “best and worst” Bond theme songs:
This chart’s not far off, but I have some a much more shocking #1 on the “all time worst”!
Billie Eilish sang the most recent theme song, but here are my best and worst, plus a great mashup of them all!
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Categories: 70's Cinema, 70's Music, Action Films, Art, Books / Media, British Cinema, Cult Movies, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Movies, Pop Culture, Revenge Movies, Talent/Celebrities
johnrieber 
I haven’t seen The Matador yet, but it does sound like a fun flick. Thanks for the review! 🙂
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It’s terrific and Pierce is really terrific!
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Love this review as adore Brosnan’s comic roles even if they are unintentional. Also loved both these leading men having taches, I cant help but wonder if it’s relevant… was it? Thanks for joining with this film,
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Such an enjoyable review! I always love it when the Bond actors are in roles and films that are completely removed from the Bond franchise, or slightly parody their time as Bond. The combination of Brosnan and Kinnear sounds hilarious. Thank you for this great contribution to our Blogathon.
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Will you be surprised that if I tell you I’ve never watched any of James Bond movie?😉 I found them on Hulu so gotta try watching it since holiday is coming📺🎁🎄❄️
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There are many to choose from – try a modern classic like “Skyfall” or “Casino Royale”, then try an older one like “GoldenEye” or “Goldfinger!”
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Yay thank you john! Will try it soon🎵
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I loved this movie !! For some reason I really love hit man with a heart movies
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Good call, John. I really enjoyed that film, and Brosnan is generally very reliable in anything non-Bond.
Best wishes, Pete.
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His Bond output follows the trend: strong start weak finish…they always stay for one film too many…but since you don’t watch them, you’ve never had to suffer as we have! Thanks for commenting!
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