The Tailor of Panama (2001)

Dumb. Stupid. Requires short attention span. I'm not talking about the movie, but rather the people who have critically lambasted this intelligent, stylish adaptation of John Le Carre's novel. Kudos to John Boorman, Pierce Bronsnan, Geoffrey Rush and a stellar cast. If you looking for an alternative to braindead blockbusters and regurgitated teenage comedies, then you've stumbled upon the right film. Imagine the complete antithesis of James Bond, a man who puts self before king and country, and loves them and leaves them with relish - enter Brosnan's Andy Osnard. Sit back and watch with sheer delight as this corrupt British spook pulls the strings that sets the U.S. on course for a second invasion of Panama. Misinformation is the game, and Osnard is planning to get rich on it. His pawn is the tailor of the title, Harry Pendel (brilliantly played by Geoffrey Rush). The film moves a snappy pace, the dialogue is witty and often times hilarious, and the cinematography, music and editing are all first rate. Who cares if two shots of a jet in the air scream bad CGI? That's not what this film is about. We're talking intelligent plotting, great writing, excellent acting, and another sexy, devilish turn for Brosnan that is slightly reminiscent of his Thomas Crown character. Brosnan, in my opinion, always fares best when he's playing against Bond type -- and here he excels. DO NOT listen to the naysayers on this one -- unless GODZILLA or ARMAGGEDON are your favorite movies. If you appreciate the dense, textured films of the late 60's-early 70's, then this one is for you. They sure don't make them like this anymore and you wouldn't know that they had with regard to Tailor, since Columbia's flying this one way under the radar. As always, they must be figuring that it'll play to the over 35 demo, so why even bother promoting it. Sad times these are, folks, when a first rate entertainment like this is ignored at the box office, and ignored by its own distributors. But there's always another Scream, American Pie and Halloween around the corner, so viva la cinema. Highest rating.