Pink Panther The Movie Review

Went and saw Pink Panther tonight, after I grubbed down on some hardcore happy hour treats at McCormicks. Ashley and I went to the new movie theatre in Lincoln Square (the spot where Google just bought offices). It was pretty expensive, $9.50 a ticket, but I will say it was a nice theatre. Stadium seating, and the seats were covered in leather. Large drink and popcorn came out to another $10 but in all not too expensive considering we had dinner and drinks for $20 (including tip). Anyway, onto the review.

The movie is pretty good if you are looking for a laugh. I don't see it coming up for an Oscar, but the slapstick comedy was Class A. Watching the movie, I couldn't think of a better actor to portray Inspector Jacques Clouseau, besides the great Peter Sellers. This film is supposed to be a prequel to the famous series, however after seeing it it seems more like a "Million Little Pieces" prequel considering how it seems more like a remake, but not really a remake. It offers just enough new content and plot to be out of the remake category.

Anyway, the premise is simple - the famous Pink Panther Diamond is missing and someone gets killed and it is up to the dumbass French police to solve the case. Chief Inspector, played by Kevin Kline, enlists Clouseau as a decoy in order to take the heat of the press so that the chief may locate the diamond and the murderer. That's the basic plot. If you haven't ever seen the Pink Panther movies, I suggest you watch the originals first. Actually, on second thought you should watch the new one first, and then you can watch the originals so you can truly appreciate Peter Sellers.

The dialogue was okay, not that I was expecting much. Steve Martin does a great job at creating a french english accent (Kevin Kline needs some work though). Jean Reno does a great job as Gendarme Gilbert Ponton, the inspector assigned with keeping tabs on Clouseau. Beyonce could have been substituted for anyone. I think it was clear that the casting director was looking for someone to fill seats rather than provide substance to the film. I liked her in Austin Powers Goldmember, but she really hasn't proved to me she's an actress. Noboby else really jumps out at me, except that the chick playing Nicole was kinda cute.

In all the movie was good for its purpose, and that is a film to let you forget about tax season, bills, the crappy Survivor season, and let you laugh. I'll give it a 2.5 out of 5 only because it's a comedy and isn't necessary to be on the big screen to enjoy. If you have another movie you want to see in the theater, check it out and remember to rent this one later.