The Matador

Name: The Matador
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Comedy, Crime
Released: December 23, 2005
Duration: 96 min
Rating: 65
Cast: Greg Kinnear, Hope Davis, Pierce Brosnan

2005

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 36 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 180 Ratings

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8.7

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8.7	User Score Universal acclaim based on 180 Ratings

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The Matador

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Movie Details & Credits

Miramax Films | Release Date: December 23, 2005 | R

Starring: Greg Kinnear, Hope Davis, Pierce Brosnan

Summary: An offbeat comedy about a chance meeting between two middle-aged men (a hitman and a salesman).

Director: Richard Shepard

Genre(s): Drama, Thriller, Comedy, Crime

Rating: R

Runtime: 96 min

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Critic Reviews

Premiere Staff (not credited)

It's a role that essentially demystifies Brosnan's star persona, and in it he is simply sensational, funnier and more persuasively neurotic than even a devoted fan might expect. Read full review

Kevin Thomas

In The Matador, a delightfully sly diversion, Pierce Brosnan breaks the mold and turns in what might be considered the performance of his career, the kind of witty, relaxed star portrayal that recalls those of Cary Grant and other Golden Era legends. Read full review

Jack Mathews

It is no small compliment to Pierce Brosnan to say that his performance in writer-director Richard Shephard's goofy black comedy The Matador could only be rivaled by Christopher Walken. Read full review

Andrew O'Hehir

Undeniably clever. Read full review

Wesley Morris

Shepard's Matador demonstrates what an Almodovar picture would feel like without his gonzo sensibility. It's Almodovar for heterosexuals. Read full review

David Denby

The Matador teeters between comedy and moral inquiry but doesn't quite make it either way. The movie features a startling performance, however, by Pierce Brosnan. Read full review

Kyle Smith

If we send Sally Struthers money, will she be able to stop this kind of suffering from taking place in Beverly Hills? Read full review

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User Reviews

MickW.

Mar 10, 2008

Maybe not a 10 but deserves it to round out the inane comments here. It's a smart, witty laugh-fest which perhaps features too much goofy worship from Kinnear's everyman character and generates too much sympathy for Brosnan's hit-man character, if one can even find him Maybe not a 10 but deserves it to round out the inane comments here. It's a smart, witty laugh-fest which perhaps features too much goofy worship from Kinnear's everyman character and generates too much sympathy for Brosnan's hit-man character, if one can even find him savory. Speaking of Brosnan, he is PERFECT for the part, being the hilariously sharp, arrogant, psychopathic and egocentric character that he is. I think the script could have moved in a better moral and sensible direction but, as long as you just take this for cotton candy, you'll laugh your head off. The way this is filmed, it's supposed to be more of an over the top comedy which has both pros and cons. Overall, I thought this was one of the funnier surprises I've seen in a long time.… Expand