Move Review - THE PINK PANTHER 2
Movie critics deserve reader's sympathies. Avoiding the slings of arrows of the profession, our senses are often subjected to a multitude of bad productions and career defining lows. Nowhere is this clearer than in Pink Panther 2 which sees Steve Martin slump further into the depths of professional nadir. Seeing a once great comedian in this state is a pretty sad spectacle in a wretched outing managing to outdo its predecessor in enduring awfulness.
Tired of its many treasures being stolen by master-thief The Tornado, the French government form an elite squad. Dubbed The Dream Team, amongst its number is bumbling Inspector Clouseau (Steve Martin). Constantly the bane of Chief Dreyfuss' (John Cleese) life, the defective detective aims to get his man. Helped by his trusty assistants Ponton (Jean Reno) and Nicole (Emily Mortimer), Clouseau's peculiar skills have a habit of winning the day despite his endless mishaps.
Of Pink Panther 2's many sins, the greatest is its unrelenting humourlessness. Applying the 'laugh-free zone' term to its maximum, it has none of the elegant wit or style of the original series. The set up of gags is a prime example of its inept handling where the expected pay offs fail to match early potential. Using several moments of crude humour to liven the plot only highlights its desperation in finding cheap laughs at any price. Its complete separation from the Blake Edwards/Peter Sellers version is readily apparent, lacking any of the chaotic flair that made them such a powerful combination.
Although quite good at physical comedy, Martin possesses none of Seller's intuitive comedic abilities in wringing the most out of various situations. It would have been preferable had he found a vehicle suited to his own persona rather than taking on the mantle of one done so successfully by someone else. The only one having a good time is John Cleese who almost matches the older series' frantic spirit. The rest of the cast do what they can with the flimsy material, trying desperately not to look like they're in it just for the money.
Pink Panther 2 is a deeply unfunny experience further adding another nail in Martin's career coffin. As one who grew up watching his brilliant performances in many films, it's very depressing seeing him reduced to this. For the sake of his diminishing reputation, he should finally bow out gracefully before his remaining fans deliver their own pink slip.
Movie Review rating 0 / 10
Movie review by Patrick Moore
Pink Panther 2 released in Australia on Thursday 2nd April 2009.
If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Pink Panther 2
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
Of Pink Panther 2's many sins, the greatest is its unrelenting humourlessness. Applying the 'laugh-free zone' term to its maximum, it has none of the elegant wit or style of the original series. The set up of gags is a prime example of its inept handling where the expected pay offs fail to match early potential. Using several moments of crude humour to liven the plot only highlights its desperation in finding cheap laughs at any price. Its complete separation from the Blake Edwards/Peter Sellers version is readily apparent, lacking any of the chaotic flair that made them such a powerful combination.
Although quite good at physical comedy, Martin possesses none of Seller's intuitive comedic abilities in wringing the most out of various situations. It would have been preferable had he found a vehicle suited to his own persona rather than taking on the mantle of one done so successfully by someone else. The only one having a good time is John Cleese who almost matches the older series' frantic spirit. The rest of the cast do what they can with the flimsy material, trying desperately not to look like they're in it just for the money.
Pink Panther 2 is a deeply unfunny experience further adding another nail in Martin's career coffin. As one who grew up watching his brilliant performances in many films, it's very depressing seeing him reduced to this. For the sake of his diminishing reputation, he should finally bow out gracefully before his remaining fans deliver their own pink slip.
No comments:
Post a Comment