DVD | The Pink Panther

Rating: PG - Contains Adult Themes.
Duration: 89 mins.
Genre: Comedy.
Actors: Kevin Kline, Steve Martin, Beyoncé Knowles, Jean Reno, Emily Mortimer, David Beckham, Kristin Chenoweth.
Release Date: Available now.

Peter Sellers classic comic genius bought the world the funniest French farce ever, so it was only a matter of time before the Pink Panther was re-made.

One would have assumed that Steve Martin would be the person to be able to pull off a very dangerous attempt at re-creating a cinematic masterpiece. Sadly he doesn’t.

Martin doesn’t seem to have had much luck recently, especially where his writing ‘talents’ are utilised, as recently seen in the abysmal Shopgirl.

The re-written story goes thus; bumbling French Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Steve Martin) is bought in to solve the murder of the French football coach (a great cameo by Jason Statham, who can be seen in better form later this year in Crank) and the theft of the famous Pink Panther diamond ring. Along the way Closeau and his partner (played by Jean Reno) stumble their way from one set piece to another, with out much success at entertaining the audience.

Sure, there are moments of comedic genius, but far too much of the humour seems contrived as Martin chooses to overplay his role in situations where subtlety would have fared better.

All in all the Pink Panther would have been better left in the realms of the classics, and this seemingly aimed-at-children remake would be best if it were quickly forgotten.

Food for thought
Humour is a funny thing (pun intended). But often humour is at the expense of others. Is it really funny to laugh at other people?