User reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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")

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.

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.

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... ;)

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.

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.

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.

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.

I liked this movie, i think i could have waited for the DVD, but it was a very enjoyable movie, for young and old alike. It was extremely funny, and the general attitude and demeanor of the inspector (steve Martin) is hilarious. A great movie for the whole family!The way he acts is so funny, and reminds me of Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean. The misinterpretations of his French accent provide comic situations and many funny one-liners. I would recommend this movie to someone who wants to have a good time at the movies and won't squirt soda out of their noses from laughing to hard. An absolute knee-snapper. It may look stupid, but i would take a second look. Its so funny!

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.

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.

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.