The Matador
Seen it?2005 | 97 min | Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (75% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.3 out of 10 from audiences and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans, anyone who likes to be kept guessing and anyone who wants a laugh. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart, tense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 37 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
The life of Danny Wright, a salesman forever on the road, veers into dangerous and surreal territory when he wanders into a Mexican bar and meets a mysterious stranger, Julian, who's very likely a hit man. Their meeting sets off a chain of events that will change their lives forever, as Wright is suddenly thrust into a far-from-mundane existence that he takes to surprisingly well … once he gets acclimated to it.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
75% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.3 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$17 million worldwide on a $10 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 65K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Fast Charlie Sunday Safe BetAlso stars Pierce Brosnan, in another hitman crime drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Desperado Sunday Safe BetAnother hitman crime thriller, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Smokin' Aces
Weeknight WatchAnother hitman crime comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Killer's Game Weeknight WatchAnother hitman action comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard Weeknight WatchAnother hitman crime comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Richard Shepard
- Pierce BrosnanJulian Noble
- Greg KinnearDanny Wright
- Hope DavisCarolyn 'Bean' Wright
- Portia DawsonGenevive
- Adam ScottPhil Garrison
- Israel TellezThe Matador
- Arlin MillerRadio DJ (voice)
- Azucena MedinaYoung Denver Fling
- Jonah MeyersonTen Year Old Boy
- Wiveca BoneraisTen Year Old Boy's Mother