The Pink Panther
is an uneven but ultimately adequate comedy starring Steve Martin in the role of Inspector Clouseau
originated by Peter Sellers
. There are some very funny scenes, plus a whole lot of scenes that just don't work. The original movies were also pretty hit and miss, more so as the series went along, and the films completed after Seller's death were all miss and no hit. Like in the originals, the humor is mostly of the slapstick variety, so if that is not what you like be warned! There are also a lot of jokes based on Clouseau's bizarre accent.Martin initially seemed to me to be a poor fit to take over for Sellers, but he brings an earnestness and likability to the role that modestly won me over. Ultimately, this is the key to Martin's version of Clouseau. He means well at all times, but unknown to himself is an accidental wrecking ball toward the rest of the world.
Jean Reno is stolid as the sidekick. The writers decided to reverse the Kato surprise attack dynamic from the original series and have Clouseau attempt to attack Reno's character. There is at least one direct homage involving the attacker clinging to the ceiling in preparation for an attack. The original series got this right. The new one does not.
I don't think Kevin Kline is a good fit for the Dreyfuss role. This may be due to the script. The original Dreyfuss was initially a good man and loyal police officer who is gradually driven insane by Clouseau's ineptitude and bizarrely fortunate success. The Dreyfuss in this version has no backstory. He comes to us as a supercilious, unqualified and mean-spirited glory hound.
As an actress, Beyonce is a fine singer and a beautiful woman.
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