HANG on, I'm confused. I thought Pierce Brosnan wasn't playing James Bond anymore? I thought we would be forever deprived of that subtle Irish charm and wit.

How wrong I was, for he's back.

He might have left behind the tuxedo for mothballing, but he still has the gadgets, the cars and the women.

Brosnan plays Max Burdett, a retired jewel thief, who decides to hang up his night-vision goggles and relax in the Caribbean with his girlfriend Lola (Salma Hayek). However, things do not run smoothly for the couple as they find themselves under constant surveillance from FBI agent Stan Lloyd (Woody Harrelson).

Lloyd refuses to believe Burdett has gone straight and is convinced he will catch him stealing a priceless diamond, which is only in town for a week.

It could have all descended into a petty comedy, filled with pretty actors who just show up, smile and collect their pay cheque. But the reason that this works, I believe, can be mainly attributed to director Brett Ratner (Red Dragon, Rush Hour).

Some great camera work and the ability to obviously get the most out of his actors leaves you absorbed into the storyline without realising it.

There are honest comical moments, which give the film genuine charm. And Brosnan does what he is best at - being charming and smooth - while Harrelson is surprisingly good as his adversary.

However, there are downfalls. I must admit that Hayek is one of my favourite actresses, mainly for two reasons that I cannot mention in a family newspaper. But these two reasons are constantly on display - it's pointless and, quite frankly, distracting.

The comedy element works up to a point but sometimes the film pushes its luck, especially towards the end, which leaves loose threads.

It's an entertaining way to waste a couple of hours, but don't expect it to win any Oscars.

And I didn't even make a joke about Hayek and Golden Globes. Doh!