The Thomas Crown Affair (1999) [Blu-ray] [1999]

I'm sure there are few who don't realize that this film is a remake, and of a film that is so good that it didn't strictly need one. But here's the thing: this is good. And I mean seiously good. And let me just add that I'm a huge fan of the original film with Steve McQueen. And usually rather weary of any form of remake.The basic story is the same, with many nods and references to the original (a heart stopping scene in a glider, the appearance of original leading lady Faye Dunaway in a small supporting role, the iconic title song which is likely better known than either the original film or this newer version - it seems there is no vocal artist of note on the planet who hasn't released a cover of The Windmills of Your Mind). And yet, it's different enough to make it feel interesting. It's a really well made film with a decent script, the lines dripping with innuendo (sexual and otherwise), the sets are impossibly luxurious and elegant, and in keeping with a caper featuring a gentleman criminal, there is practically no violence, just the numerous twists and turns of a masterful cat and mouse game.Pierce Brosnan, on the height of his Bond fame, looks great and visibly enjoys the part he's playing. But even if there is just the slightest hint of smugness about him, it befits the character he is playing perfectly. Rene Russo, though perhaps not a match for Dunaway in the original, is solid throughout and she does look stunning. And even if you think you know how it's all going to end, the story is such that it allows for various outcomes, and the film will keep you guessing to the very last minute. I must admit that I prefer the ending of this film. It's really very cleverly done.The DVD is good, and subtitles are available for those who may need them. There are also several nice extra features, including a director's commentary.

Many of the re-makes I've seen have been simple money makers. They add nothing to the original films' idea and/or completely rewrite it, extracting any charm that the original might have had and attempt to cover the resultant creative wasteland with big effects and jump cuts.This is definitely not the case with McTiernans' remake. While the '68 film carries the style trump card that is Mr McQueen, Brosnan makes the character of Thomas Crown his own in '99 version. He plays it with his usual half aggravating, half amusing arrogance, whilst all the time banging heads intellectually and sparking physically with Rene Russos' half mercenary, half vulnerable Catherine Banning. Much was made of the chemistry between McQueen and Dunaway in the original and that has certainly been recreated here, if not exceeded. Denis Leary also puts in a great performance, keeping his trademark spit and venom approach to things just about under control. Dunaway makes a cameo appearance as well (I'm a sucker for cameos)The fast, relentless pace of the new movie, in my opinion, is more suited to the genre, although arguably this has been contemporised along with the technology, the '68 version having to make do with just telephones. Complimenting the pace is a nicely conceived piano heavy soundtrack, matching the protagonists by sounding quick and classy.I love the climactic scene in the museum and the final little twist that leaves you something to wonder about, but not enough to frustrate.If you are thinking of buying it I would be of the opinion that you're very unlikely to be disappointed. It's clever, suprisingly funny in parts, well written, well directed and above all, entertaining!

Great Crime Movie With A Very Complex Battle Of Wits At Play; Plus A Dash Of Sexual Frisson Within The Screen Play.Top Rated Stars To Liven The Excitement.

A still watchable caper film, possibly of the kind that doesn’t really get made very much anymore.When bored Billionaire Thomas Crown (Pierce Brosnan) steals a painting worth a fortune from a crowded museum in daylight, he doesn’t reckon on insurance investigator Catherine Banning (Rene Russo), the woman hired to get it back! Before long, a cat and mouse game of both deduction and attraction begins between the two...............who will win. It’s all hokum, but it’s hokum of a high class, with polished production values, a classy score and two great performances between the leads.Don’t expect any extras on the disc though, as the film is all there is.

A movie from the time when they could really make entertaining films rather than the high-budget, CGI infested nonsense, made by committees of marketers with no real creative ability, and “acted” by nonentity “stars”, that we are stuck with today. I heartily recommend this film as it’s a gem.

Far superior to the Steve McQueen version. A rollercoaster plot beautifully acted and cleverly staged. It also happens to be a damn fine disc. Sharp as a pin and deep colours that glow. On top of this, an involved DTS HD surround track. Go on treat yoursel. Makes one wonder why some discs can look and sound as good as this one and others, even major releases from major stdios, look so s***?

I'm quite fine with the old-fashioned menu set-up and the 90's quality of the movie. It's a terrific movie. It's got a clever story line, very humourous moments, adventure, romance, and they are both so damn stylish! I love this movie. I highly recommend it.

Good film and well packed worth a watch