'Sunset' has great cast, locations

It is amazing the way this movie snuck past audiences last November. Just like a jewel thief, "After the Sunset" was here and gone before it could even be noticed, and that is almost a crime.\nThe movie takes viewers to the exotic islands of the Bahamas, following the exploits (or lack thereof) of lovers and retired jewel thieves Lola (the also exotic Salma Hayek) and Max (the probably not as exotic Pierce Brosnan). But their permanent retreat to paradise is crashed by clingy FBI agent Stan (Woody Harrelson), who believes that Max has come to the islands to steal the last remaining Napoleon diamond from a luxury cruise ship. This is all becomes more complicated when a local crime lord (Don Cheadle) tries to push Max into stealing the diamond for his growing criminal empire. Meanwhile, all Lola, and supposedly Max, want is to stay clean, get married and grow old together.\nThis is an interesting setup for a caper movie, but the real charm of this flick is that despite its appearance, it's not really a caper movie. It's actually some kind of combination of a romance, drama, buddy comedy and whodunit wrapped together by a twisty, clever story and fun character interactions.\nThis isn't a Bond movie, regardless of what the previews make it out to be, and Brosnan's fine performance as the main character is not left to carry the film alone. The supporting actors and actresses are put into their most suitable roles. Hayek seems comfortable as the strong, loving partner in crime and every one of her scenes benefits from her unique glow. Harrelson is perfect as the dopey but obsessive federal agent, and the always great Cheadle makes for a nice, removed villain.\nThe rest of the DVD doesn't fully complement the movie itself, but it'd be hard to decide what kind of extras to throw in with a film of such an ambiguous genre. The special features come stocked with 15 deleted scenes. Some of them were rightly left out for time's sake, but others would have significantly changed the tone of the entire movie. The alternate ending, which is highly appropriate to have in a movie with so many plot twists, is more fun to watch than the one used, but it doesn't fit with the rest of the movie. The DVD documentary is interesting if you have the time, but skip the commentary unless you love the film and know it well (the director, producer and editor talk way too much). And watch the short interview with a real ex-jewel thief as well because it's worthwhile.\n"After the Sunset" is worth checking out on DVD, but mostly just because it's a good movie. Hopefully it won't be skipped over as badly at the video store as it was in theaters.