Steve Martin brought the famous French Inspector Jacques Clouseau back to life in 2006. Peter Sellers originated the role of the bumbling detective in the 1960s. Sellers’ Clouseau turned into a classic character, however Steve Martin managed to update the role and in his own way made the new version as endearing as the original.
In this latest film, after famous artifacts around the globe are stolen by a thief known as the Tornado, various governments set up a dream team of detectives to work together to find the thief and retrieve the items. These detectives are the best in the world. Then Jacques Clouseau is brought in to represent France, just as the famous Pink Panther diamond is the latest item to be taken by the Tornado.
The Dream Team of Detectives
While the other inspectors (played by Alfred Molina, Andy Garcia and Yuki Matsuzaki) are looking for the clues to the thefts, Clouseau is bumbling his way with his usual clumsy actions and comments.
While inspecting the Pope’s quarters after the Pope’s ring was stolen, Clouseau tells the Pontiff he seems like a very spiritual man. The others all stare at the French inspector with utter disbelief.
In the meantime, while the other detectives are putting the pieces of the puzzle together, Clouseau’s assistant Gendarme Gilbert Ponton (played beautifully by Jean Reno) is helping his boss who is looking in a whole different direction than the rest of the team. Of course.
While the team is hunting down the thief, Clouseau is also dealing with other issues. First, his attraction to his secretary (Emily Mortimer) is becoming a problem. He wants to keep their relationship a secret. Second, Ponton is kicked out of his house and comes to live with Clouseau, and brings his two spirited sons who idolize the inspector.
Through the story the other detectives are amazed that Clouseau is even thought to be in the same category as they are. Clouseau is told he is the “most small-minded nitwit.” But, true to form, the small-minded nitwit is the one who solves the crime, to the astonishment of the other detectives.
The DVD and Steve Martin
The DVD contains a bonus feature about the gags in this film. The Pink Panther 2 has more gags than the previous movie. These exaggerated gags are what give Clouseau his character and what the fans have come to love about the man.
While many movie buffs will never accept another actor playing the hapless inspector, many fans will have to admit that among today’s actors, Steve Martin is the only one who could step into the shoes of Inspector Jacques Clouseau.
- Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
- Studio: MGM
- Run Time: 92 minutes
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