The Pink Panther 2

Starring: Steve Martin, Jean Reno, Emily Mortimer, Andy Garcia, Alfred Molina, Jeremy Irons, John Cleese, Lily Tomlin
Directed by: Harald Zwart
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Crime
2009

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Inspector Clousseau (Steve Martin) joins a team of international investigators to track down the legendary Tornado thief.

Review:

Tim: I was certainly not a fan of Steve Martin's portrayal of Inspector Clousseau in the remake of The Pink Panther, so I was a bit dismayed that this sequel was pushed forward. I didn't have high expectations, and as anticipated, this film is even worse than the previous one. I'm certain that this will be the final film in this ill-fated remake endeavor.

The biggest problem with this film is that it's simply not funny. This is billed as a comedy, but it's just a poorly-written, boring movie. It's ridiculous, beyond belief, and shoddily made. I was not engaged in the least at any point in the film. This is a movie we've all seen numerous times before.

I appreciate the energy Steve Martin brings to the role, but that's about it. His accent is awful and he's just so over-the-top at all times. His Inspector isn't just bumbling, he's idiotic. It is hard to root for someone who's just not very likable or engaging. Martin desperately needs to find something else to do, because this role is not doing him any favors. He is just making an idiot out of himself here.

This film managed to attract too many good actors for such a disappointing result. Jean Reno is once again slumming it, and once again looks ridiculous and out of place. Emily Mortimer has a bit more to do this time around, but this is obviously not a film she'll want to remember. I'm not surprised Kevin Kline opted not to return here (good move!), but inexplicably, John Cleese was willing to step in. Cleese is funny, but he does not have much to work with. I am shocked that Andy Garcia, Alfred Molina, and especially Jeremy Irons all signed on for this film. They look out of place throughout the entire film. It was such a weird experience watching this film- the cast is incredible, but the script is so awful that they all just look bad. I really felt a mix of sympathy and bewilderment at watching so many great actors taking part in such a stupid movie.

The Pink Panther 2 is such a disappointment. These Steve Martin-as-Inspector Clousseau movies have really given this franchise a bad taste. This film is not funny, it's poorly written, and features a lot of redundant, trite moments and cliches. Even at 92 minutes, this film was hard to get through. The great cast makes it slightly less painful, but this is a forgettable, weak film.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 4.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Pink Panther, Cheaper by the Dozen