Steve Martin’s pink panther family comedy doesn’t really have too many new creative jokes but if you are a Martin fan you’ll probably enjoy simply watching him in the film. What you’ll undoubtedly enjoy more is Martin’s book, an autobiography of sorts: Born Standing Up.  It chronicles his life as a standup comedian as he has certainly paid his dues. I strongly recommend that you check it out.

A scene from the first ‘Panther’ movie, the “I want like to buy a hamburger,” scene which still gets hits on You Tube is bound to become a Martin classic.  So–now we have the sequel with the addition of more characters which really don’t carry the film into the category of a “must see’ film.

Martin plays Inspector Jacques Clouseau, a role that Peter Sellers laid claim to years ago. He’s the ultimate imbecile and major thorn in the side of Inspector Dreyfus (John Cleese). One comedic scene that warrants mention is Martin’s juggling bottles of wine in a restaurant. It’s a domino effect of falling wine from multiple wine racks and Martin’s juggling skills are astonishing to watch.

The film begins as various precious National treasures are stolen from around the world: the Magna Carta, the Shroud of Turin, the Pope’s ring and a Japanese sword. An investigative international dream team is formed to recover the stolen loot which includes a Brit (Alfred Molina), an Italian (Andy Garcia) a Japanese whiz kid (Yuki Matsuzaki) and a jewel expert, an Indian beauty (Aishwarya Rai). Clouseau who has been reassigned to parking meter duty outside the Louvre has been directed to lead the dream team much to dismay of French Inspector Dreyfus.

One of my favorite actors, Jean Reno reclaims his role as his faithful partner although he doesn’t have much screen time. Emily Mortimer is also back as Clouseau’s shy love interest. Oh yes, and there’s Lily Tomlin, she plays Clouseau’s supervisor of ethics. They have meetings as she attempts to coach him on his accent and manners. These scenes are sadly too forced and contrived.

The movie also has the addition of some tween boys that karate kick and fight with Uncle Jacques. These scenes were added to broaden the family scope of the movie and I’m sure they will be funny to the under ten crowd.  As these scenes have absolutely nothing to do with the story.

Basically the movie is a series of vignettes thrown together to create different comedic situations. At times, it appears that we could actually be watching the outtakes as so many gags are simply piled on top of one another. You’ll even be treated to a song and dance routine between Reno and Martin towards the end of the film which really doesn’t serve any purpose.

Steve Martin hands down is my favorite comedian of all time. My job as a film critic is to report on the movies without bias. This one was tough as I respect Martin as the comedic genius that he is. I am hoping that he will go in a new, fresh direction and let the Pink Panther off of its leash. ‘Please give it up already!’  Au revoir!

Sarah Adamson © 2009