64 of 71 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The most stylish film since the original, November 10, 1999
It was hard to see how the original could be bettered and perhaps it hasn't, but it has certainly been equalled in a modern version. Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway have contempary peers in Brosnan & Russo and the direction and effects of the film are just stylish as the earlier version. The original now looks a little dated with its split screen effects and the clothes of the time, but it still manages to look good. What is wonderful about this, well I suppose it is a remake, is that is not a remake. It stands on its own and comparison with the original is not relevant, to be familiar with the original is a bonus as there are a number of very clever and subtle connections made, even to the "Windmills of you mind" theme running though a number of scenes, most notably the very sensual dance which replaces the only erotic chess game I have ever seen. The writers and director must have had a soft spot for the Thomas Crown character who gets off with a much happier ending than the McQueen version. This is also destined to be a classic film that one can watch again and again and I suspect pick up new subtleties at each viewing.
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39 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Escapist Heaven!!, July 8, 2005
I usually do not like remakes, but John McTiernan's 1999 version of "The Thomas Crown Affair," with the "oh so sexy" Pierce Brosnan, and sultry Renee Russo, (women definitely notice mega-sex appeal in another woman), is a knock-out escapist film. Many may disagree with me, but I enjoyed it more than the original 1968 movie with Steve McQueen, who I love, and Faye Dunaway. Ms Dunaway does have a cameo role here as Crown's therapist
This is entertainment, with a capital "E," at its best. Nothing deep, or arty, but after a hard day's work, relatively mindless fun is frequently good - even terrific! Thomas Crown, (Brosnan), please allow me to repeat myself, is drop-dead sexy, handsome, rich as Croesus, an expert businessman, cultured, exudes power in a nice-guy (but nevertheless ruthless) kinda way, and he's Available!! I won't go on, but you get the picture. However, as a man who has almost everything, Crown wants some more excitement in his life. He plans, so cleverly, to steal a priceless Monet painting from New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Of course he succeeds. Watching the brilliant execution of the theft is worth the price of the rental alone. Crown loves the painting - but he loves the challenge of acquiring it more.
Enter the glorious Ms. Russo, called Catherine Banning here. She is a tough, insurance investigator who, as far as pushovers go, was not born yesterday. I read that Russo actually consulted with a professional dominatrix in order to prepare for her role as the aggressive, ever so seductive Ms. Banning. She zeros in on Crown in no time, while turning the NYPD detective heading the case into quivering Jello. He notices, by the way, that apart from being a super detective, she's really easy on the eyes.
There are capers - the first one and the last, (with a touch of Magritte), are best. There is love. There's even a remarkable see-through dress, which moves with the body wearing it, to a hot Latin beat; a steamy scene on a staircase; and a fabulous, must-have soundtrack. Most importantly, in a film like this one, the chemistry between Russo and Brosnan is unbelievably outrageous! As in comedy, timing in love and sex is everything - and the timing here is perfect. Both control freaks lose their cool. I must say that everything is done tastefully, with lots of humor. The script is intelligent and witty.
I really enjoyed this movie. It's a terrific date flick too!
JANA
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59 of 72 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brosnan & Russo Light Up The Screen, December 19, 1999
This was one of the great movies of summer 99. Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo star in the remake of the 1968 Steve McQueen& Faye Dunaway movie The Thomas Crown Affair. Which personally i think the remake is so much better. This version is helmed by action ature John McTiernan who is best known for Die Hard. Shows that he isn't just an action director he can direct a romance. But what makes this movie work is the chemistry between Brosnan and Russo who sizzle and light up the screen. Pierce Brosnan who is very handsome and Rene Russo is gorgeous they are both awsome.
The script by By Kurt Wimmer and Leslie Dixon is very good and there is really never a boring part in it. The script develops the characters well and the heist scene in the art museum was really well done. The photography is great so is the jazzy music from Composer Bill Conti. Oh you can't forget the small but funny role by Faye Dunaway who was in the original. Rent this or do what ever to see it. becuase it has great chemistry between Brosnan and Russo and what is really great is that they are about the same age. But what is the stand out i think is John McTiernan who shows that he can direct other films than just action. This was maybe one of the best summer films that i saw. And it proves that Brosnan can do other projects than just 007 films. This films $68 million dollar gross should tell you that.
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