Movie Review: Pink Panther 2

Comic legend Steve Martin reprises his role as Inspector Jacques Clouseau and co-writes the screenplay which entertains, but occasionally feels like a template for predictable, yet enjoyable visual gags. Based on director Blake Edwards’ Pink Panther film series, this crime comedy utilizes a cast of prominent actors, giving each at least one strong function within a solid plot.

Martin portrays Clouseau as a brilliant bumbler who still falls, quite literally, into situations where he can solve the crime… or at least temporarily quell it. Clouseau’s fingerprint gag near the beginning creates a fine line between Clouseau’s self-awareness and logical actions, which often result in laughs. “No, please disturb me,” says Clouseau as a woman asks to sit by him on plane. Clouseau’s clueless behavior is perfectly pitched as he pays attention to the important details while the supplemental events mine the comedy.

Veteran British actress Emily Mortimer plays Clouseau’s assistant/love interest Nicole. Their romantic relationship expands based on a special evening in Rome that includes a great sight gag involving every person in a restaurant. “We must never forget not to remember it,” says Nicole about that night as they try to keep their relationship secret in the workplace. Clouseau doesn’t always have the right words, but he does know when to take advantage of his reputation, even giving the audience little hints that he does take his work seriously.

Filmmakers also boost Clouseau’s observation talents throughout the quickly paced one hour and 27 minute plot as he matches up with a “dream team” of international detectives. This team must stop “Le Tornado”, a thief stealing prominent treasures including the Shroud of Turin, The Imperial Sword, the Magna Carta and, of course, the Pink Panther diamond.

Each detective matches with their nation’s respective treasure well. Andy Garcia plays Italian detective Vicenzo, who also takes a romantic interest in Nicole. Alfred Molina plays British detective Pepperidge and Yuki Matsuzaki plays Japanese detective Kenji. Clouseau’s antics test the group’s patience — as Kenji says, “I had to quit being a Buddhist, because I get so angry.” Aishwarya Rai Bachchan also joins the team as a crime expert — not a strong star-building role for the huge international Bollywood star, but she does make an impression. Clouseau’s observational “throwdown” with Pepperidge informs the team of Clouseau’s talents, which makes their tolerance of his tomfoolery throughout the investigation more plausible.

Article Author: Tall Writer

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