The Pink Panther (2006) User Reviews

Not quite what I'd hoped for ...

[bonehead · 5/10 · 19 February 2006]

I'm rather surprised at the outpouring of positive commentary about this movie, especially by folks who are older than ten or so.

I saw this with my son in a crowded theatre, mostly children, and from the reaction, most of them thought it was hilarious. I'd been hoping for a bit more of a nod to adults - something along the lines of what there was in Bugs Bunny or, more recently, in a lot of the SpongeBob Squarepants episodes - something more than fart jokes and basic slapstick.

Unfortunately, that's pretty much all there was. I felt like I was sitting through Mr. Magoo again, except with Steve Martin instead of Leslie Nielsen. Sure, there were a couple of funny bits, but they were certainly not enough to carry the movie - a lot like MIB II in this regard, where it felt like they had a couple of jokes left over from the first that they tried to use to carry the movie.

The wonderful actors Kevin Kline and Jean Reno were wasted in their roles - though without them it would have been completely abysmal, and Beyonce does a good job as well.

In short, it wasn't bad enough that I felt I wasted my time, but I'm sure glad that I went on a free pass and didn't pay $17 for the experience. Then again, if you've got kids under the age of 12 or so, take them - they will love it, it's right up their alley - just don't expect much to be there for yourself.

Enjoyable, but not fantastic.

[jboydstun · 7/10 · 13 February 2006]

This movie unfolds slowly & tentatively, but picks up speed as it progresses...or maybe I was just too concerned with Steve Martin's interpretation of Inspector Clouseau, and I finally relaxed about halfway through the film. Well, when you're used to seeing Peter Sellers as Clouseau, it's just difficult to view anyone else in that role. But, true to the character, Steve Martin does make it his own, and actually pulls it off pretty effectively. He has always been good with physical humor, and this film is no exception.

Similarly, its difficult to adjust to seeing Kevin Kline as Inspector Dreyfus. Since this movie is a prequel, I can assume that Clouseau has yet to get completely under his skin. It was typical Kevin Kline ... dry, with a weak french accent. I was mildly disappointed because I really enjoyed his french character & accent in French Kiss several years ago.

The first few gags were very short-sided and fell flat, but once Clouseau starts looking for clues the slapstick works a little better & the film gets more enjoyable. Many of the gags are predictable (as is the plot), but what really makes them work is Martin's reactions (which I really think was the key to Peter Seller's portrayal as well).

This film was very tame, with only subtle innuendoes that most youngsters aren't likely to grasp. The audience appeared to laugh at least as much as I did. If you don't expect too much, this movie will be fun; if you expect too much, you're likely to be disappointed.

I'll tell you how I managed to enjoy it............

[Daywalkerv · 6/10 · 12 February 2006]

I went to the theater, sat down, and completely blanked out all memory of the originals. Other people in the theater kept comparing Martin to Sellers, but I just pretended like I had never seen the originals. And by the end of the movie, I could honestly say I got my Seven bucks worth. I had a couple really good laughs, and quite a few chuckles. Is Steve Martin the same as Peter Sellers? No, of course not. Is he "as good as" Peter Sellers? I went into the movie thinking that was irrelevant. Standing on its own merit, I thought the film was a decent, funny film that had a good chunk of the audience entertained. There were some scenes I didn't think were too funny..... Clouseou with the Accent Coach grated on my nerves in particular. But two scenes in particular had me cracking up.... 1.) Clouseou wiping out his ID Wallet and sending his badge's pin sailing into the chief inspector's chest. 2.) Clouseau cautiously attempting to enter his apartment and all the bullets in his revolver falling out when the cylinder swings out. All in all, a mediocre, reasonably amusing film that is easily enjoyable if you can stop comparing it with the original in your head and second guessing Martin's take on Clouseau. That being said, I would appreiciate it if no-one criticizes my grammar then calls me a twelve year old.

"Out here, due process is a bullet!"

Pink Panther 2006

[itspatagain · 5 March 2006]

First off, why all the reruns? Are there NO creative minds left in the movie making business? Or are they all tangled up in making dreary reality films? Steve Martin deserves something original as he is certainly an original talent. Why must we have to go into a movie with the quintessential movie of that title already firmly etched into our mind? The comparison is going to be there, try as you may to squelch it. And in so saying, I will admit this movie isn't bad, it does have the moments and the laughs. But I, for one, am tired of rehash after rehash of previously made movies - most of which can't be improved on. (Witness the hideous remake of Charley and the Chocolate Factory. That will likely be the only movie that Johnny Depp, one of the world's best actors, shouldn't have made and that was almost embarrassing to watch.) And The Pink Panther should have been left the perfect jewel that was created by Peter Sellers.

A Nutshell Review: The Pink Panther

[DICK STEEL · 7/10 · 15 February 2006]

The Pink Panther actually refers to an enormous pink diamond with a flaw in the shape of a panther, and not to Inspector Jacques Clouseau, but because of the iconic pink panther's appearance in the animated opening credits, along with the all too familiar theme by Henry Mancini, it's all too easy to associate one with the other.

Of course, many Pink Panther / Jacques Clouseau movies did deal with the pink diamond, but there are other tales weaved into the Clouseau mythos that did not. Peter Sellers owned the Clouseau role, and it is naturally a pair of big boots to fill. But I'm glad to say that Steve Martin has taken this role on bravely, and brought a new, more in-your-face slapstick dimension to Clouseau. Purists might call it blasphemy, but for the new generation, it might serve as a springboard introduction to the Sellers' version.

This movie is set early in Clouseau's career as an Inspector, prior to the first Sellers movie. It's an updated retelling however, with things like the Internet and Viagra worked into the plot. And the plot is extremely simple - the French football coach gets assassinated during a football game, and his Pink Panther diamond goes missing. Chief Inspector Dreyfus (Kevin Kline) deliberately assigns police idiot Clouseau to the case, while secretly working behind the scenes to try and track the case himself, for the medal of honor.

So we follow Clouseau and his assistant Ponton (a clean shaved Jean Reno) as they go about their investigations, bringing them to casinos, recording studios, football changing rooms, and even to New York. There are plenty of situational comedy, slapstick, and loads of subtle sexual innuendo wordplay, playing up on Clouseau's mispronunciation and double takes. But certain scenes do stretch it a bit and somehow could be omitted, like the part where he engages an American speech coach.

What made this movie enjoyable, is the casting. Steve Martin brought a sense of familiarity, and he partners Jean Reno really well. The chemistry between the two men made this movie watchable, as we see Reno breezing through this with a deliberate straight face. Match Point fans might be glad to see Emily Mortimer here as Clouseau's bespectacled secretary, and it seemed that she was there as an unexpected love interest, as well as to further certain gross humour from the start.

Beyonce Knowles stars as a singer (what else?) and she can add this role to her resume for being featured in another detective/spy franchise (the other being Mike Myers' Austin Powers). Sadly, she doesn't do much here except pout, dress sexy, perform sexy, and sing, compared to her much meatier role as Foxy Cleopatra.

But the real gem in this movie, is that of Clive Owen's appearance. Watch out for that casino scene, where he appears in a tuxedo, and in a role that gives everyone a glimpse of what he can do as 007. That suaveness, that campy drink made fun of, and easily discovered as being in her Majesty's secret service. Sadly, it's a role that's not to be, but here, he hams it up as 006 (you must listen closely to Clouseau's follow up comment on that!). It's a real blast! Alas, this film is (drumroll please) censored at a point. And that's very disappointing. I thought the whole dance sequence with Clouseau and Ponton could have contributed to more laughs. I was laughing, then stopped when the music jerked, obvious that a censor's scissors had made its effect felt. It was a bad cut, and perhaps one which was unnecessary even to keep it within PG levels.

The storyline is predictable and it's nothing to shout about. But to chase away long workday blues, then give The Pink Panther a watch, You just might be tempted to get your hands on the original series, just to see Clouseau work his magic in his other adventures.

Pleasantly surprised

[bachemar · 7/10 · 14 February 2006]

While obviously nothing can hold a candle to Peter Sellers and the original Pink Panther, I was pleasantly surprised with this new installment. I went in being very skeptical, but I laughed through most of the movie, and left satisfied by the experience. Beyonce really should stick to singing, so it was good that her speaking role wasn't very big; honestly a different person for her role would have made the movie better. At the movie theater or renting it later, it is definitely worth a look. Plenty of slap-stick, and Martin's accent is more over the top than Sellers, which made some of the situations very funny. And yes, his pronunciation of "hamburger" features quite prominently in it.

One four letter word sums this piece of tripe up

[iamdanpaterson · 1/10 · 9 March 2006]

One four letter word is all that is needed to sum this piece of tripe up, and it sure as hell isn't good, okay or fair. I hated it, it is insult not only to the original but also to Martin who seems to have taken to doing these god-awful remakes that in fact only serve to butcher the memory and heritage of the original film.

Sellars turned a star performance in the Original and while it was extremely silly, it was not childish.

I would suggest a better use of your time would be to drill a hole through your hand. I therefore poo poo this film utterly and without remorse.

Hilarious

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 17 September 2006]

When the couch of the France soccer team is killed by a poisoned dart in the stadium in the end of a game, and his expensive and huge ring with the diamond Pink Panther disappears, the ambitious Chief Insp. Dreyfus (Kevin Kline) assigns the worst police inspector Jacques Clouseau (Steve Martin) to the case. His intention is to give a diversion to the press, while he uses his best men to chase the killer and thief. He assigns Gendarme Gilbert Ponton (Jean Reno) to work with Closeau and inform each step of the investigation. When Clouseau is nominated with honor to the highest prize in France, Dreyfus decides to humiliate Clouseau and take him out of the case. However Clouseau has already solved the mystery.

I found "The Pink Panther" a hilarious underrated comedy. Although having the same title, this movie is not a remake of the original "The Pink Panther", using only the character of Inspector Jacques Clouseau and the diamond pink panther. The screenplay is also written by Steve Martin, and he explores the French accent of Clouseau and scenes with Kevin Kline in a very funny way; the uncredited participation of Clive Owen in the role of agent 006 is a great moment in the film; I laughed a lot with the beautiful Emily Mortimer, particularly when she first meets Closeau in her office, and later when he takes her glasses in the ball and she hits the tree; the sexy Beyoncé Knowles and Jean Reno complete this great cast. I liked a lot and I recommend for viewers that want to laugh with simple but effective jokes. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "A Pantera Cor de Rosa" ("The Pink Panther")

Grey, dull and unimaginative

[trilok-1 · 1/10 · 9 May 2006]

I knew I would be dragged to the theatre (my girlfriend is a Steve Martin fan). So I ensured she watched the The Return of The Pink Panther (the best of the original series with Peter Sellers). She didn't find it funny enough, but did accept that, for the time the jokes were new and that Sellers as Clouseu was exceptional. But the original is still a great film. From exotic locales to a stellar cast to an intelligent script -it had it all. This version is a bore. It is by far one of the most unimaginative scripts ever written for a comedy film. Steve Martin tries to be funny and fails miserably throughout. It looks like he didn't even study Sellers' Clouseau or wanted to do his own version (our advice: don't try and improve upon perfection). The jokes and gags for the greater part of the film were predictable and childish. Beyonce, the actor, is useless. Only Jean Reno as Ponton was somewhat tolerable. Even the accents, that were so funny in the original, are a damp squib in this one. Steve Martin's french accent is as authentic as a Chinese Frankfurter. The lesser said about Kevin Kline in this film, the better. Overall avoidable on any format. Go watch the original. That's a class act.

A nice surprise!

[jluis1984 · 7/10 · 12 February 2006]

The "Pink Panther" movies, are without a doubt classics of slapstick comedy taken to perfection thanks to the talents of Blake Edwards, Heny Mancini and the legendary Peter Sellers. With that said, it was obvious that when a remake was announced, the world was shocked; and the shock was greater when Steve Martin was announced to star in the role that Sellers made famous, the Instepctor Jaques Clouseau.

With everything against it, this new take on the "Pink Panther" story manages to keep the entertaining, and while not as good as the originals, it was a relief to see that the magic of the Panther was there and that for once, a remake was good on its own.

The plot is the classic Clouseau story: a murder happens, and the legendary diamond, the Pink Panther, goes missing. Clouseau (Steve Martin) is assigned to the case by Chief Inspector Dreyfus (Kevin Kline), who pretends t use Clouseau's stupidity to fool the media in order to appear himself as a hero. Dreyfus assign Clouseau a new partner, Gilbert Ponton (Jean Reno), and together they start the investigation.

The script is a very good update to Clouseau's story, and to the overall Pink Panther mystique; the sexual humor was toned down a bit, but Clouseau's ability with women remains intact. The classic slapstick that Sellers made famous is present, although Martin gives the role his own touch.

Steve Martin does a good job as Clouseau, although at times his acting goes over the top, as if he was trying too hard to fit Seller's shoes. Jean Reno, as Ponton, gives the best performance in the movie, stealing every scene where he appears. His character was a good addition to the movie and Reno makes the most of it. Kevin Kline has little screen time and probably his character will grow in sequels (if there is any).

A lot has been said about Beyoncé Knowles as Xania, and yes, she is probably the worst thing in the movie; however, it is never too annoying to hurt the movie. On the other hand, Emily Mortimer does a superb job as Closeau's secretary Nicole. They have a lot of chemistry on screen and was perfect for the role.

To summarize, this was a very entertaining movie, and a big surprise since most of the fans (including me) were expecting the worst of this movie. It will never be the same without Sellers, but Martin makes a good Inspector Clouseau that works for this times. Watch for Clive Owen's cameo, and a great introducing credits. 7/10.

cant beat sellers

[saintpergammon · 1/10 · 9 March 2006]

I think to put Steve martin to be compared with peter sellers is an insult. they could not choose a worse pathetic untalented actor. If you want to continue the film without Sellers you have to find someone with at least same respect as a comedian who can perform as close as possible to the original actor who made the series a success. Martin has nothing to compare with Peter Sellers, lousy humor of martin cant reach the class of Sellers. I cant understand how can directors make such a bad choice, they will be punished from low audience. I was a big lover of this series and I am greatly disappointed even angry with this, I hope they will realise and choose someone else if there is gonna be a next one.

A fun movie, and let's clear up a few things...

[iKramerica-1 · 8/10 · 16 February 2006]

I really enjoyed this movie. I expected the worst because of many of the comments here, but that's why they play the game, so the saying goes...

There were plenty of laughs and a simple but serviceable plot that held together for the whole film. I personally don't think Martin was trying to BE Sellers, but to do his TAKE on a character created by Sellers. Think original Clouseau + The Jerk and you get the idea.

The key is that Marin captured the spirit of the character and the film captured the spirit of the original films as well. That's all one could ask.

Jean Reno was quite good, Kevin Cline not so good. He might have taken more time to make his own Dreyfuss.

Now to clear some things up:

First: For those who lament a crappy remake of the original film, I suggest you go watch the original film. You will be surprised at how unfunny it is. Sellers is good, but the movie itself is slow and obvious. I remember loving the movie as a kid, then I tried to watch it recently and realized I was remembering the sequel. The original was really weak and boring.

Second: For those who say Martin turned Clouseau into some kind of loser, I again suggest you watch the originals. He WAS a loser. He WAS pathetic. That was the point. He was a sexual repressed, pathetic loser who lucked into solving crimes while bumbling around and trying to get laid. Martin's Clouseau fits this mold.

Third: This is not a remake, but another in a series. To suggest that the original is so sacred that another film in a series can't be made many years later is the worst kind of snobbery. Why do people treat films with such reverence but not plays or musicals? If a great star creates a character on stage, does that mean no one else can ever play that character in the history of theater? Of course not. Sorry to say, Sellars is dead. He can't come back and do it again.

Now there are things about this movie that are different than the originals in terms of tone.

One is that the subject matter has been toned down a bit. Though there is the implication of sex in multiple places and a few murders (not violent and not seen), it isn't as risqué as the original, to fit a broader market one would suppose. Still not sure how they can get away with advertising it on Nickelodeon with links to NIck.com, but that's a typical Viacom/MTV problem.

But this film is a bit lighter than the original for that reason. It is still satirical, but less blatantly pop culture gag driven than a Shrek. Pink Panther takes subtle jabs at the French and their love of cycling, hatred of American food, etc. It also incorporates a very fun sequence with 006, creates gags out of Viagra, ring tones, the TSA, etc. Basically, it's current without being so tied to 2005/6 that it will feel dated later.

If you like to laugh, you'll like this movie. If you consider yourself a tough cookie for laughs, then you may not. But that's your fault, not the movie's... ;)

This movie is very good - don't believe the negativity

[tallwriterms · 6/10 · 10 February 2006]

I can't believe the high profile negative campaign against this film. It's hard enough to make a remake or a comedy alone, but to make both well is amazing. Let's see some of these negative people try to write comedy themselves. There's no doubt Kevin Kline sacrificed his role for the benefit of Martin (a very supportive role taking a lot of physical torment)and the "pronounciation joke" runs a bit too long, but people of all ages (still using an animated beginning, innuendo jokes that only teenagers will get, etc. help pull in the younger, family audiences) will enjoy this quality film that cast and crew made sure to get right. Very entertaining! It'll open much bigger than industry predictions and make steady box office. Hopefully they make a sequel and continue the series.

I'm sorry people. it just wasn't funny

[hyde_park_inc · 2/10 · 10 March 2006]

After my friend dragged me out of the house for pizza and a movie. We were going to go watch Capote. But that movie wasn't shown where we were. So I thought i just go see Pink Panther, I mean how bad could it be? Bad! Real bad. I mean this was the kind of movie I would expect to see Steve martin in but not Jean Reno or Kevin Kline. I thought i would laugh et some of the stupid jokes that would appear but nothing, nada, sipduda or something. I have never been so tempted to walk out of a movie in my life but i couldn't cause then they would have won. But if you like to watch these kinds of movies like American band camp then by all means see the thing. I suppose somebody has to like it. But i suspect a lot of people Don't like it. This has nothing to do with the previous films, I just hated this one for what was.

Shockingly funny and delightfully entertaining

[BillPaul · 7/10 · 3 February 2006]

If you liked the original "Pink Panther" you will enjoy this new rendition. Being a lover of the original, it was with great trepidation that I went to see this particular version of the bunglingly, incompetent, but nonetheless lovable, Inspector Clouseau. I have always loved to see Steve Martin in films of all types, but never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate him being able pull off even a rudimentary Peter Sellers imitation. Well, Martin did a fantastic job and understood his limitations. The 21st-century Inspector Clouseau is fresh and imaginative. Sexual innuendos were prevalent throughout the film, but done in such a fashion that children under the age of 12 really did not know what was so funny to all of the adults, other than the slapstick humor. There was one particular scene which all of the adults were laughing at hilariously and my niece, who will be 12 in a couple of months, leaned over and asked me what was so funny about the blue pill. I told her quickly that I would explain later, but I didn't tell her how much later. Is the film as great as the original? No! It is, however, not the same script and therefore should not be compared entirely with the original. The film is delightfully entertaining and given the current length of films, mercifully only an hour and a half long. My biggest complaints were that the new Inspector Clouseau was not incompetent enough and actually was able to really figure out some things, instead of simply bumbling into everything accidentally. I additionally did not think that Kevin Kline, whom I normally enjoy in all films, proved to be convincing as Chief Inspector Dreyfus. It is too bad they couldn't use the aging, but indefatigable Herbert Lom for the role. On the plus side I found Clouseau's new sidekick, Jean Reno, to be a delightful improvement. I, a self-professed lover of slapstick humor, gave this film 7.5 of 10 and found it worthy of a ticket.

The film is good, but not as the originals of course.

[Rikakus · 7/10 · 10 February 2006]

I must say that when I first heard of the film I had low expectations for it because I knew nobody could possibly match Peter Sellers as Clouseau. Steve Martin doesn't isn't as good as Sellers, but he is still quite funny.

The movie is a laugh riot. Tough some of the jokes fall flat, most of the jokes are so funny and you'll laugh all the way. Every actor makes a good performance, yes, even Beyonce.

If you like the originals, you'll definitely like this one unless you immediately hate it because Peter Sellers isn't Clouseau. Anyways, the movie is funny and it's a good way to spend a day at the cinema.

Rating: 3 of 4 stars. (Good way to spend your time.)

A lot less than I expected

[punk_NYC · 1/10 · 25 February 2006]

I expected this movie to be really good but instead I was disappointed with the boring performance by all the actors in this movie it was just dull and pointless, the story went nowhere and for me it was not even that funny at all! The only funny part was the hamburger part where he's trying to say the word with an American accent but that was shown in the commercials so much that it ruined it for the movie! Steve Martin has done so much better in his other movies such as Cheaper By The Dozen that this was such a let down! I don't recommend watching this you'll only walk out of the theater yawning! I give it a 1/10! Not to mention how boring Beyonce was and then it all ends up being some professional trainer guy who steals the diamond, i'd be better off watching the cartoon at home!

Cointains 1 scene spoiler but summarizes the movie, the music and the video in general

[patrickjohnroy · 7/10 · 13 February 2006]

In a nutshell... "The dummy may not be what you where expecting… The intellectual may not be also." I had the time to go watch a funny movie, I believe is called The Pink Panther with Steve Martin playing a French inspector something Clouseau? If you have the time to go see it, it's hilarious, and I think would be a movie for your entire family. I could definitely associate with clumsy, quirky, yet honest and that word for taking thing by the book… loyal… eccentric… advocate? Well, there are a few hilarious scenes through the movie that will keep you smiling, laughing and drift you into the world of the Pink Panther. The Inspector Clouseau in one scene plays the bad guy cop and he then plays the good guy cop, while interrogating the suspect. Walk out of the room, and then quickly back in…. I'm pretty sure you can image how funny it is with Steve Martin, right! Usually it's supposed to be two different cops!!! :) I don't want a spoil the scenes but, I can't help but feel like inspector Clouseau will win the hearts of anyone that is having a hard time with their boss. That would be the average person out there that feels they are trying their best but still feel like others look think they are nerdy or pathetic. Trying to do the best of a job when someone higher up is perhaps looking for credit or for some other motive. This is obviously a story about how we can be used like a pond. And how it can backfire. The movie won't get an award for cinema work. It was a little chunky, in the sense that the video seemed to cut funny a couple time. The music and folly music could have been a lot better. As a musician you notice these things and I think the composer for the orchestration was either short on time or simply lacked some innovation to develop the pink panther theme a little more. The one song within the movie may however win the hearts of the less demanding. I give it 7 for the superb laughs and great feeling! -2 for the bad filming! -1.5 for the music!

An Insult to the Series

[SoncoChairman · 1/10 · 17 February 2006]

From the beginning I knew a prequel to the PINK PANTHER series would be an abomination. I did not, however, think it would be worse than I expected. I went to see the movie because I am a fan of Steve Martin and his writing. His attempt at either imitating or recreating the Clouseau role (whichever it was) was, in the very least, a failed accomplishment. The beauty of the Sellers "Clouseau" was the subtlety that Sellers brought to the character. He was clumsy as opposed to stupid. The real humor in the originals is that Clouseau would solve the case, more or less, by accident through his faults. Thus when he received acclaim it was that much more humorous. Martin's "Clouseau" is stupid and vain and has no likable traits. He actually has some police skills that help him in the end, but are not in the vain of Clouseau. He is NOT Clouseau. Why would anyone want to recreate a character that was perfect? Some may say to introduce the series to a new generation. I say buy the DVDs. They are well worth the investment. There is one good scene in the film, which revolves around a cameo by Clive Owen. Granted the scene contains inside jokes but if you get them then you'll laugh. However the scene has nothing to do with the story of the film and Steve Martin should be ashamed of himself for writing such rubbish. The bottom line Peter Sellers must turning over in his grave, but I am sure he's glad he is dead so he does not have to see his legacy damaged.

Steve Martin is Clouseau

[padresteve · 7/10 · 10 February 2006]

Without trying to be Peter Sellers, Steve Martin is Clouseau. I found the movie funny and had wondered if it would be possible for it to be as funny as the Sellers' version. Steve Martin could make a franchise as the new Jacques Clouseau. Martin has a quirky accent and his physical humor makes him the right successor to the late great Peter Sellers. In my view Kevin Kline will need to grow more into the role of Chief Inspector Dreyfus, maybe he will get the twitch in the eye made famous by Herbert Lom. It will be interesting to see if there are follow-ups to this film, maybe we could see Christopher Walken as an opponent for Clouseau.

Ze film eez secure!

[lee_eisenberg · 8/10 · 1 July 2006]

When "The Pink Panther" came out earlier this year, it seems like many critics panned it, accusing it of being another ridiculous flick that uses a series of lamebrain gags as an excuse for a plot. THAT'S NOT TRUE AT ALL, YOU NUMBSKULL CRITICS!!!!!!!!! Yes, the movie's completely silly, but that's right up Steve Martin's alley. The plot has a coach getting murdered at a soccer game and his ring - featuring the title diamond - mysteriously disappearing. Who better to take the case than Insp. Jacques Clouseau? So yes, this is total slapstick, but that's what the original series was. I agree with a previous reviewer that Steve Martin wasn't trying to be Peter Sellers, but was rather putting his own spin on the role, while the movie was poking fun at French pomp. As Commissioner Dreyfus - you know, the guy who hates Clouseau? - Kevin Kline is more subdued than usual, but it's great to see what happens to him due to Clouseau's incompetence. I couldn't determine that Xania (Beyonce Knowles) was 100% necessary, but Ponton (Jean Reno) was great, and Nicole (Emily Mortimer) was...well, hubba hubba! All in all, this movie has clues about lots of things. Also starring Henry Czerny and Kristin Chenowith.

Pink Panther

[crazy_chick0000 · 7/10 · 17 February 2006]

OK so not all movies are good. Pink Panther was, how should I say this, very interesting. it was quite a movie. Although you had some laughs and things like that, this is just one of those movies where you see it one time and it is good for that time only. You put it away and watch it 3 years later and it is good again. Beyonce did her thing in this movie. I give her props. Her acting skills aren't just all that though. Steve Martin made this movie. I don't think no one else could have played the roll like he did. Maybe Jim Carey, but he also is a bit of an over actor. Steve made it happen. Way to go Steve. Above all, this was a really interesting film.

A Funeral Of Sorts

[Andrea-Orsini-1 · 1/10 · 7 March 2006]

I knew, of course I knew it couldn't really be anything like the original - The word original in itself tells you something. But I went because I love and respect Steve Martin and thought that perhaps he had some ace up his sleeve and was going to delight and surprise everybody. Stupid me, really. But I couldn't possibly have imagine that the movie was going to be the moronic disaster it turned out to be. Not a moment of real comedy, not a moment! Leave poor Clouseau in peace! Invent something new! Greed, I imagine is at the center of it all. The famous franchise syndrome. Let's beat the whole thing to death, without realizing that it's been dead now for quite some time. The scenes between Kevin Kline and Steve Martin should have been classic (They were funnier in Grand Canyon) instead a sad forced unconvincing attempt to justify their pay checks. I'm totally disappointed and depressed.

Funny for Kids and Adults

[irongumby · 7/10 · 14 February 2006]

I saw an advanced screening of The Pink Panther and man were the kids there geared up--they were all singing the song and everything. I found this movie quite amusing and had never even seen the original Pink Panthers... probably like most of the kids. I found the humor on target and hardly cheesy, and enjoyed the adult humor that blew right over the kids' heads; It was great. Steve Martin does a wonderful job! The movie was written to pack in plenty of jokes that I can't wait to see any additional deleted scenes and blooper reels that might come out on DVD. If I had some kids, I'd definitely take them to this movie for a good time.