The Thomas Crown Affair [Blu-ray]
Studio: Tcfhe/mgm Release Date: 04/06/2010 Run time: 113 minutes Rating: RFor the Hollywood remake rule, which dictates that an update of an older film be inferior to the original in almost every aspect, The Thomas Crown Affair stands as a glorious exception. The original 1968 film, starring a dapper Steve McQueen and a radiant Faye Dunaway, was a diverting pop confection of mod clothes and nifty break-ins, but not much more. John McTiernan’s new version, though, cranks up the entertainment factor to mach speed, turning what was a languid flick into a high-adrenaline caper romance. Thomas Crown (Pierce Brosnan) is now a man of industry who likes to indulge in a little high-priced art theft on the side; Catherine Banning (Rene Russo) is the insurance investigator determined to get on his tail in more ways than one. If you’re thinking cat-and-mouse game, think again–it’s more like cat vs. smarter cat, as both the thief and the investigator try to outwit each other and nothing is off-limits, especially after they start a highly charged love affair that’s a heated mix of business and pleasure. What makes this Thomas Crown more enjoyable than its predecesor is McTiernan’s attention to detail in both the set action pieces (no surprise from the man who helmed Die Hard with precision accuracy) and the developing romance, the witty and intelligent script by Leslie Dixon (she wrote the love scenes) and Kurt Wimmer (he wrote the action scenes), and, most of all, its two stunning leads (both over 40 to boot), combustible both in and out of bed. Brosnan, usually held prisoner in the James Bond straitjacket, lets loose with both a relaxed sensuality and a comic spirit he’s rarely expressed before. The film, however, pretty much belongs to Russo, who doesn’t just steal the spotlight, but bends it to her will. Beautiful, stylish, smart, self-possessed, incredibly sexy, she’s practically a walking icon; it’s no wonder Crown falls for her hook, line, and sinker. With Denis Leary as a police detective smitten with Russo, and Faye Dunaway in a throwaway but wholly enjoyable cameo as Brosnan’s therapist. –Mark Englehart
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(out of 350 reviews)
Review by Ross Pays for The Thomas Crown Affair [Blu-ray]
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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.
Review by Jana L. Perskie for The Thomas Crown Affair [Blu-ray]
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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
Review by Ben hayden for The Thomas Crown Affair [Blu-ray]
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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.
Review by Melimar for The Thomas Crown Affair [Blu-ray]
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High quality DVD !As I watched again and again the (new) Thomas Crown Affair, I realize I came to enjoy it more and more. Dense entertainment: action, tumultuous and steamy romance, inspired direction from McTiernan (“Die Hard”, “The Hunt for Red October”), and appropriate musical score. Good performances from Brosnan, Russo and Leary. A tour-de-force for Rene Russo (“tougher” in her portrayal of the insurance agent than Faye Dunaway in the original affair), considering the fact that in real life she is very much unlike the character she plays in this movie (see Russo’s press and TV interviews). Kudos for Pierce Brosnan – much better and diversified delivery here than in all his three James Bond impersonations. (The wonder of the last 007, “The World Is Not Enough”, is Sophie Marceau – not just good looking, but a good actress !)No, I am not saying we should ever go out steal Manet, Monet, Degas, … as a passe-temps, but, we do like this film because no matter who we are, deep-down in our subconscious mind lies the desire to be successful, which, somehow means being wealthy enough to allow us to indulge, satisfy all our needs, whims, and caprices, to be “rewarded” with an absorbing and adventurous life.Pierce Brosnan and Renee Russo’s affair is, perhaps, more alert, technical, and graphic (adapted for the 90′s) than the original one involving Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. I have distinct praise for the 99 rendition of this fantasy, but I believe Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway are better actors (watch their other films), and their 68 performance is just better. Do not trust me ! Watch both films on DVD or VHS, and decide. Steve McQueen has presence, is sure of himself (that is what makes a man sexy !), and Faye Dunaway does not have to wear a see-through dress to make us feel she is sophisticated, beautiful, and desirable. The dialogues there are shorter, sparse, and to the point. Exquisite direction (and good use of the split-screen tech) from Norman Jewison teaming with Michel Legrand who raved us with the Oscar winner “Windmills of My Mind”. The 68 “chess seduction scene” (subtle touching, teasing, warm eyes) has no equal in the 99 film, and the “chemistry” between the characters played by McQueen and Dunaway is more intense.There is more entertainment packed in the 99 film, while there is more film in the 68 entertainment ! Enjoy both affairs !
Review by Machiavelli for The Thomas Crown Affair [Blu-ray]
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I saw this at the cinema and went back for a second look. This was one of the coolest films of the late summer (in the UK): Brosnan is in 007 mode as the eponymous hero, a likeable art-thief/international businessman. Russo is Hot with a capital H and takes her clothes off to boot. Some great set pieces make this a fun movie and a must-have DVD