The PINK PANTHER

2006, 20th Century Fox

Live action

Rating: PG

Approx. 92 mins.

THE STORY:

When the coach of the French soccer team is murdered and his giant pink diamond (the Pink Panther) stolen, bumbling, accident-prone police detective Inspector Clouseau (Steve Martin) is brought in on a huge case. rather than expecting him to solve the case, however, the scheming Chief Inspector (Kevin Kline) hopes that Clouseau's ridiculous antics will be a distraction to the public and press as he himself solves the case and claims the Medal of Honour that has eluded him for so long.

Clouseau has many hilarious adventures and misadventures in his quest to solve the crimes, but ultimately prevails by getting both the crook and the girl.  

QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:

• damn
• stupid
• shut up

VIOLENCE:

• nothing significant

TEACHING POINTS:

• nothing significant unless you count You can't judge a book by its cover

THE UPSHOT:

After the success of Mr. Bean with the 7 year-old in the room, we thought we should try more films along the same lines. This led us, naturally, to Inspector Clouseau. The reviews I saw were not inspiring, but both the 7 year-old and the adults in the room laughed repeatedly at the sheer silliness. Is the story original and unexpected? No. Are the characters deep and multifaceted? No. Is Steve Martin's accent consistent and convincing? Absolutely not. But is it funny? Is it worth 92 minutes of your time? Yes. 

4/5