Steve Martin reprises his role of Inspector Clouseau from the 2006 movie, The Pink Panther. After the Shroud of Turin, the Magna Carta and Japanese royal family’s Imperial sword are stolen, an international ‘dream team’ is assembled to track down the culprit, a thief known as the Tornado. Clouseau is asked to join based on his success in protecting the Pink Panther diamond in the first movie. At first, the other inspectors’ respect Clouseau, but once his incompetence becomes known, he quickly becomes the subject of their scorn and derision, leading to them kicking him off the Dream Team.

Jean Reno is back in his role as Ponton, Clouseau’s partner and John Cleese takes over for Kevin Kline in the role of Inspector Dreyfuss, Clouseau’s boss. Alfred Molina, Yuki Matsuzaki, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan round out the dream team, while Lily Tomlin shows up for some comic moments.

As a fan of the incredibly politically incorrect original series (but not having seen the first Steve Martin film), I was expecting a vastly different film. This movie wasn’t bad, and the kids in the audience seemed to enjoy it. Most of the gags are physical comedy ones, with Martin falling down, getting hit, etc. with a handful of snappy one liners tossed in for good measure. I would recommend this film as light-hearted family fun, but don’t be surprised if your children enjoy far more than you.


http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/thepinkpanther2/