THE PINK PANTHER (2006) **1/2 How does anyone ever think that they're great enough to remake the definitive role of a legend? I guess that Steve Martin figures that if Roberto Benigni could get away with it, he could too. And I'm relieved to say that he's right. The Panther franchise has always traded in inconsistency, and if anything the first half of this film is more consistently funny that its predecessors in line. None of Steve's stuff quite reaches (well, ok maybe the cart) the stratospheric heights of Peter Sellers' and Blake Edwards' most incredible moments, but Steve's a writer that edits out the clunkers...until the second half, in which it reaches quota. Still and all it's a fun movie, a funny movie, and Beyoncé Knowles adds [swept] street cred and charm and grace (and is entirely credible) as a giant international pop star. Jean Reno lends a certain Gallic dignity to the proceedings-a backdrop for mockery-and Kevin Kline nicely updates the Herbert Lom character into a professionally corporate sleazebag of a police bureaucrat. I'm a big fan of all the Panther films, and I like it.
back to Brilliant Observations on 2120 Films page, or Index
go back home, or send me email
Reviews won't do it any more! I need sustained brilliance! I want to buy your exciting new terrorist novel!
I've already read both of your novels. Thank you, they're amazing. Now I want to check out your weekly blog on everything