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Brett Ratner has directed several mainstream films including Rush Hour (1998) and Red Dragon (2002). His latest addition to mainstream cinema is a less than mediocre cinematic experience called After the Sunset. It has several interesting premises, but Ratner never succeeds in thrusting the story in an appealing direction. Ratner does develop a sense of intrigue, as the film promotes an atmosphere that radiates charisma and lures the audience to desire the film to succeed. Instead the film remains hanging in a twilight zone where the audience eagerly anticipates the film to kick off. In previous films that Ratner has directed such as Rush Hour which brought millions to the theaters to enjoy the funny and action packed duo Chris Rock and Jackie Chan. This time the audience will feel cheated as the end credits roll before the their eyes. ***

The idea to the story surrounds the couple Max Burdett (Pierce Brosnan) and Lola Cirillo (Salma Hayek) who live on the edge stealing highly guarded jewelry. The affectionate companionship that these two have is suppose to engulf both of them and seems tense, ludicrous, and hollow. This might be one reason for why the film never takes off, as much of the story surrounds how they feel for one another. It is true that there are a couple of intimate scenes, yet these too feel a little awkward, as this is not the focus of the film. ***

The film opens with such a situation where the FBI agent Stan Lloyd (Woody Harrelson) has a strong intuition that Max will attempt to steal a colossal diamond that he is transporting. In order to prevent Max from stealing the diamond the FBI has him under surveillance, but to little aid as he turns the situation into an extraordinary robbery where the FBI looks like kindergarteners versus adults. During the heist the audience gets to see a solid idea, which is truly depicted in the Ratner spirit that many have been accustomed to through Rush Hour. Yet, the film is very unlike Rush Hour, as After the Sunset also attempts to play on humor, but does not succeed and feels awkward, unfocused, and untimely. ***

After the heist, during which Max got shot, the couple retires to a comfortable life in the Bahamas. Initially, Max and Lola enjoy retirement through fine dining and tender days in the sun. However, too much of something good can also be spoiled if one loses the meaning of life, and one only tries to relax. Restlessness begins to grow within Max while Lola picks up several hobbies such as tennis, carpentry, and snorkeling. One day out of the blue Stan appear in Max’s house, as he suspects that Max will plan a heist for the third and final Napoleonic diamond. A light is born within Max, as Stan draws his attention to this grand diamond and maybe Max will make a comeback from his retirement. ***

After the Sunset brings several stimulating ideas to the audience that Ratner could have expanded on such as the restlessness of retirement, Max’s love for Lola, the comeback from retirement, the heist, the relationship between Max and Stan, and much more. Yet, this potpourri of themes and plots is turned into a jumbled mishmash of notions and thoughts that are never drawn in a distinct direction. This leaves the viewer with much to think about, but nothing to conclude, as nothing is truly relevant to any of the characters. *** ---

After the Sunset is presented in a brilliant image, which is brought forward in a widescreen anamorphic picture with the aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The black levels are solid with a very good gray scale that stretches from next to pure white to black. There is slight edge enhancement present; however, this can be neglected, as it is only visible at a close distance from the screen. The color is offered in wide spectrum where greens and blues bring the scenery to life before the very eyes of the viewers. ***

The sound uses most of the channels throughout the film and it is best experienced on the Dolby Digital 5.1, which provides good use for both the music and sound effects. No noise or hiss is to be heard on this audio track, which enhances the visuals that are presented on the screen. Most impressive are the action scenes, which let the audience hear a good use of the surround speakers, as it is well balanced and not overwhelming. *** ---

The extras can be found in two sections, Special Features and DVD-Rom / Online Features. Most of the extras can be found in the Special Features section, which has everything from deleted scenes to interesting interviews. The information in the Special Feature section is presented in following order. ***

Deleted / Alternate Scenes – This section contains 15 deleted or alternate scenes of variable interest. These can be viewed one at the time or be played in a continuous manner with or without filmmaker commentary. The highlight among these scenes is Fishing Boat Talk where Max and Stan converse on a fishing boat trip, as this scene has a little more seriousness than the film offered. ***

Blooper Reel – This is a 5-minute short with a number of bloopers made during the shooting of the film. It is actually rather funny to hear Pierce Brosnan and the rest of the crew making mistakes, or forgetting their lines. ***

Before, During, and After the Sunset – Presents an hour and ten minute long documentary of the making of the After the Sunset. The film shows scenes from the shooting location, which induces a feeling of a home video. Nonetheless, it offers something real form the making and production of the film. ***

Charlie Rose Show Interview with Brett Ratner, Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek, and Woody Harrelson – Charlie Rose interviews the director and the actors in an 18-minute long interview where he asks questions in regards to why and how the film was shot. It is a straightforward interview, as they sit down around a table in a black background. ***

Interview with a Jewel Thief – Hands down this is the most interesting feature on the DVD, as it provides a non-fiction point of view into the life of a jewel thief. The audience gets to hear how he got into the business of theft and why he continued to be a thief. Brett Ratner carries out the interview, which goes into some detail on the adrenaline rush of the heist. The former thief provides an honest depiction of his life as a thief, which has led him, in the end, to much personal suffering. ***

Visual Effects Comparisons – Mark Helfrich who describes how some scenes had added or removed visual elements in order to enhance the visuals of the film provides the commentary for this feature. It is interesting how film can create a visual illusion of reality through digital enhancement, which elevates the visual experience. This feature is very interesting and appealing to those who are interested in filmmaking. ***

TV Spots and Trailers – This part is rather straightforward as it offers both a theatrical trailer and TV spots. In addition, this section offers some trailers of upcoming comedies, Monster-In-Law and Wedding Crashers. *** DVD-Rom / Online Features – In a separate part of the DVD the viewers can find some goodies for those who pop this DVD into their DVD-Rom drive on the computer. There are forty-some pictures from the film and of the actors. Additionally, the audience can get an opportunity to follow the script while the film is playing in the Script-to-Screen, which is a brilliant addition to the feature. There is also an InterActual enhanced DVD player in this part for those who want to have a different DVD player on the computer. Lastly, there is a number of Internet links that the audience can use in order to deepen their knowledge of the films and of New Line. *** ---