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# ‘The Matador’ impresses and so does Brosnan
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/match-point-lights-up-the-screen/
- Published: 2005-12-30T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T08:27:24.000Z
- Author: Dan Dunn
- Tags: Entertainment, Santa Monica, #archive-import

Pierce Brosnan and Greg Kinnear are the unlikeliest of buddies in this outrageously entertaining dark comedy from writer/director Richard Shepard, a “one to watch” talent whose prior biggest credit was directing the pilot episode of the TV show “Criminal Minds.” Shepard’s “Matador” is funny, stylish and beguilingly dodgy, traits embodied by leading man Brosnan, delivering perhaps the most impressive performance of his career as burnt-out hitman Julian Noble.

After years as a leading “facilitator of fatalities,” Julian has been overcome by a debilitating self-loathing that severely limits his lethal effectiveness. In Mexico City, Julian meets and befriends down-on-his-luck Denver businessman Danny Wright (Greg Kinnear) in whom he sees an unusual opportunity for redemption. If Brosnan is all retro-chic swagger and outrageousness, Kinnear is a study in restraint. His comedic timing and knack for effective self-deprecation make Danny a straight man with a penchant for veering off course. Hope Davis is terrific as Danny’s wife, Bean, who becomes the emotional center around which Julian and Danny’s curious relationship revolves.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 30, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/123005.pdf?ref=smdp.com)