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Review

In this Pink Panther, Chief Inspector Dreyfus (Kevin Kline) schemes to have Inspector Clouseau (Steve Martin) take on the murder of a popular soccer coach who was wearing the famous Pink Panther diamond at the time of his death. Clouseau must find the diamond and the murderer, but wait; Dreyfus is simply laying a trap for the bumbling Clouseau so he can eventually steal the glory and at a given time, reveal who he thinks is the murderer. The audience is subjected to the usual slapstick pratfalls, clumsy karate chops and peculiar pronunciation of words so well-known to the fans of the original Clouseau, Peter Sellers. All is in vain in this pale imitation which yields not an ounce of humor, warmth or the slightest sign of life. Beyonce Knowles plays Xanio, a femme fatale who just might have the diamond. Jean Reno takes a turn as Gendarme Ponton, supposedly playing straight man to the witless Clouseau.

Blake Edwards, the original director of the Pink Panther series, provided fans with many years of laughter, as did the comic genius of Sellers. This director, Shawn Levy (Cheaper by the Dozen, Big Fat Liar) should stick to directing harmless, preteen “comedies”. Martin, another comic genius, might want to be more careful in picking his films. Steve, you can act! You musn’t need the money that badly! Kevin Kline! Take some refresher courses from the original Chief Inspector (Herbert Lom, 89 years young as of this movie). Beyonce! Keep singing. Stop trying to “act”. Jean Reno! Shame on you! The look on your face says you knew you made a mistake signing on. Emily Mortimer, not much of a part, so no foul there. A big thumbs down for all participants.

 -- Max Brinck