The Pink Panther

They did the impossible…they made a so-called remake/prequel of “The Pink Panther” that is funnier than the originals…this has only been done once before in movies (I. E. “The Producers”) but never on this scale… But first let me say that this is not a remake but rather a tribute to Peter Sellers and the original Pink Panther films. To be fair it was never meant to be a remake but was unfortunately labeled that. Instead it is Steve Martin, Kevin Kline, and Jean Reno taking on the roles of the original characters and making them their own. Sure Steve Martin has Inspector Clouseau’s exaggerated French accent and his mannerisms but he gives Clouseau a modern day twist and he and rest fit right in with today’s modern world. I don’t know how Steve Martin kept a straight face but he did and says everything with such a dry wit, that you actually believe he is Clouseau. Kevin Kline (from “A Fish Called Wanda”) mimics a fantastic Chief Dreyfus, with his dastardliness and sly undertakings. Jean Reno is wonderful as always. Even Beyonce, who plays the coach’s girlfriend, is surprisingly a great actor. I know she was great in “Goldmember” but that is a different humor than this, this role needed to be a bit more serious, not to mention keeping a straight face around these three hilarious comedians. The movie only plays as a prequel so as to introduce the characters to new-comers to these films and as a reminder to long-time fans such as me. The plot is actually intriguing and carries the story well, which is surprising to say the least compared with a lot of today’s comedies. A soccer coach is murdered at a stadium filled with thousands of suspects and his Pink Panther Diamond is stolen. I wont reveal anymore because I believe that movies as great as this need to be seen without any knowledge of the events to be fully enjoyed. Is it really that funny? For me it’s one of the funniest live-action comedies of all-time but to others it may just simply be non-stop hilarity. A word of warning however: if you didn’t like the originals u won’t like this but then why are you interested in reading this? It contains the same comedy style as the originals and yet all the jokes seem fresh and most definitely inspired by the originals, only they are more looney, zany, and, yes, even more risqué then the originals. It even has the same introduction style as the originals; that’s right the Pink Panther cartoon starts the film and it was just like old times again… So in my opinion, an instant comedy classic, for young and old, I laughed at every joke, and was never bored or felt uncomfortable at any time. Go see it NOW and remember “Think Pink! ”.