Steve Martin - Pink Panther 2
Stars: Steve Martin, Jean Reno, Andy Garcia, Aishwarya Rai, John Cleese,
Directed By: Harald Zwart
Released: 2009
Runtime: 92 Min.
Rated: PG
Yeah, that’s right, I watched Pink Panther 2. I know, it isn’t even close to my normal genre, but it seems that I have a soft spot for Steve Martin. I was really torn on even giving Pink Panther 2 a chance though, seeing as how the first one was such a disaster.
First off the opening credits were amazing. It was so fun to sit back and see a more “classic” opening credits than the quick glance that we have seen in films lately. The credits also played out a short featuring the Pink Panther cartoon characters. I am a sucker for old school cartoons so this absolutely made my night.
Steve Martin’s performance I feel was much better than his appearance in the first Pink Panther film. I am not sure exactly what it was, it just seemed that he slipped into the role much better this time around. The supporting cast was also much better this time around, and it didn’t seem like they had just thrown a bunch of C list actors in the mix to fill the extra spots.
As far as the story goes, it is fairly predictable, but c’mon, it is a children’s flick. Not every film can have a story that will blow your mind. Even though the story was fairly predictable it was still very entertaining. There was plenty of slapstick and Mr. Bean style humor, which I think we all expected. But what I didn’t expect was all of the adult humor in the film. I was very shocked at some of the jokes and innuendos that were made, especially seeing as how the film was only rated PG. Some of the content I felt really pushed the line for a PG flick. Personally, I could care less about the ratings, and found myself surprisingly entertained throughout most of the film.
I have read several reviews here and there and am starting to think that I may be one of the only people who actually enjoyed the film. I found it rather sad when I saw review after review giving the film one star or less. But, I have found a few things they all have in common. On big factor seems to be the fact that it was a remake. In general, remakes never live up to the original, and that is the case here, but that does not mean that it is a bad film. It is still an entertaining film, but you must look past the idea, that it is a remake. The other major argument I have seen against the film is that it has jokes that are unnecessary, and lead nowhere. There is a simple reason for this, it is a childrens film! It is not meant to “make sense.” The quicker you understand these two things, the easier it will be to enjoy the film.
I am a firm believer in the fact that your attitude can make or break your opinion on any film that you watch. It is very easy to hype a film up in your head and to be let down, or to have such a firm believing that something will suck that it will never be able to be a good film by your eyes. If you go into the film with an open mind, and are ready for some silly humor, I believe that you will enjoy this film.
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February 9, 2009
#1
I must be the only one that really enjoyed The first Pink Panther (Beyonce aside). Though it would never hold a candle to the orginal Pink Panther flicks, let alone Peter Sellers Insp Clouseu, I still felt that, unlike most remakes, it was somewhat faithful to the source material. And Steve Martin really attempted to make Closeau his own and did fairly well. If i was to pick one thing i wouldchange, is bringing back Kato. Jean Reno is talented, but he is no Kato.
So stan, if i understand, you believe that this one was better than the first?? I may have to take a look.
February 9, 2009
#2
It was better than the first Pink Panther with Steve Martin. I am not saying it is better than the original. I just wanted to make sure there is no confusion there.
Personally I really liked the addition of Andy Garcia. And like I said in my review, it really seems like Martin has settled into the role.
One gripe that I am having though is that he seems like somewhat of an intelligent Mr. Bean. I am not sure if I like that concept or not. I guess I just havent decided yet.
February 9, 2009
#3
There was no cinfusion, nothing really come close to sellers and the orginal
February 9, 2009
#4
I loved John Cleese AND Steve Martin. They used to make such fantastic movies. Steve Martin’s last funny flick was Bowfinger, and I can’t even remember Cleese’s last funny movie. But they both have already earned my undying respect for their previous works, but I’ve given up on seeing anything fresh AND funny from either one of them.
February 10, 2009
#5
Stan-Lee, you are a BRAVE man… But I’m glad you saw it and came out ok… I mist Steve Martin’s old stuff… I wish he did more 80s comedy, but for some reason he never did that many. But at least he did some very good ones.
February 10, 2009
#6
A childrens flick/film?, hmm the Peter Sellers Panther Films were all very adult if not dry as a martini…
I’m not impressed,,, Martin’s choices in comedy films have sucked since “Bowfinger”.
I fear he’s just phoning it in at this point,,,
February 10, 2009
#7
i only enjoyed Steve martins accent for certain scenes in the first one. honestly, that was the only reason i watched it. it was good for a few laughs here and there, but mainly a kids film I think.
February 10, 2009
#8
Steve Martin is one of the most talented comedic actors I have ever seen. It’s sad to see it has come to this.
February 11, 2009
#9
I really do enjoy Steve Martin, And I really enjoy him as The Pink Panther, even though the new Pink Panther flicks have been dumbed down for any idiot to enjoy. I am not really sad for Steve Martin, so much as I am for Jean Reno, a talented french actor, can play just about anything you give him (And he does case in point) but he is so much better tahn playing Martins Sidekick. I’ll Say it again, Bring Back Kato!
February 11, 2009
#10
If Steve Martin does another sequel to his movies, Make it Sgt Bilko or Bowfinger
February 11, 2009
#11
I loved Sgt Bilko AND Bowfinger, but he’d better not do a sequel for those. They’d suck hard
February 12, 2009
#12
I would take a Bowfinger sequel over another Pink Panther (suckfest) anyday !!!
February 12, 2009
#13
Oh no way man! A Bowfinger sequel will feel forced and it will never live up to the original. We will know that going in but that won’t stop us from expecting it to be just as good if not better, thus leaving us with a sour taste in our mouths. At least with Pink Panther, you know it’s gonna suck so if you can get anything out of it, you’ll leave happy.
February 12, 2009
#14
Well I’m open to anything that’s new, however Martin seems to fall back on crap he’s already stepped into…
Bowfinger, and The Jerk, are his best films, (IMO).
February 12, 2009
#15
the jerk was really good :]
February 13, 2009
#16
For some reason Martin has fallen back on his “funny face shtick…”
Notice how all the photo shots of him as Inspector C, are that same ready for oral surprise look/gay porno on deck circle pose,,,
Or am I reading to much into that ???
February 26, 2009
#17
I haven’t seen this film yet , but have seen the first . It is sad that the film is judged according to being a remake or sequel . I thought the first was very funny , and I don’t mind Beyonce’ . I am a fan of all the actors in the first , Steve..Jean Reno..Kevin Kline – we don’t see enough of these mature comic actors . Steve Martin is in his 60’s and has been a Comic his entire adult life , around 45 years . Critical expectation is too high , and I look forward to another smart comedy !