The Pink Panther

THE PINK PANTHER

by Jane Louise Boursaw

Rated PG for occasional crude and suggestive humor and language. Ok for kids 8 and up. Released in theaters Feb. 10, 2006. 3 out of 4 Reels.

Should you bring the kids? I recommend seeing this movie with an 11-year-old boy, because they'll appreciate the physical comedy, and you'll be laughing right along with him. For more on particular age groups, see "Bringing the Kids" below.

THE STORY: In this prequel to the 1964 film, Steve Martin plays the bumbling French detective, Inspector Jacques Clouseau. Nothing will ever compare to the genius of the original movies starring Peter Sellers, but if you can set them aside in your mind, there's plenty to laugh at in this movie.

When a world-famous soccer coach is murdered and his priceless "Pink Panther" diamond ring is stolen, the French government needs a master detective to solve the crime and recover the gem. Unfortunately, he's not available, so they recruit Inspector Clouseau.

The number one suspect? Stunning pop star Xania (Beyonce Knowles), girlfriend of the murdered coach. Clouseau and his chauffeur, Gendarme Ponton (Jean Reno) – an undercover cop assigned to make sure he doesn't screw up – must unmask the murderer and keep their boss, Chief Inspector Dreyfus (Kevin Kline), from taking credit for the victory. All without bringing the French legal system to a screeching halt!

BRINGING THE KIDS:

PRESCHOOLERS (ages 2-5): Little ones will be bored with this movie, and some of the PG humor isn't appropriate for kids younger than 8. Best to pop in the cartoon version of the cool cat instead. A good bet: "The Pink Panther, Classic Cartoon Collection," released on DVD Jan. 31, 2006, which features 124 cartoons produced between 1964 and 1980 in a nifty 5-disc set.

GRADE-SCHOOLERS (ages 6 – 10): Any time Steve Martin gets to do his wacky physical comedy, it's a treasure -- even moreso when you're between the ages of 6 and 10. Kids will love watching the slapstick master fall down a stairway or crash through a hotel ceiling, all the while keeping his composure. (Don't forget to give your kids the "Don't try this at home" lecture!) There are a couple of questionable scenes, including one where a Viagra pill is lost in a drain pipe, and another where Clouseau is saying "brass bowls", but it comes out "brass balls".

TWEEN / TEEN (ages 11+): Steve Martin not only stars in this movie, he also co-wrote the screenplay, allowing him to parlay his particular brand of humor into the stunts and jokes. He's truly one of those people who could be funny just standing on the street, so be prepared for laugh-out-loud moments. The bonus: pairing him with Kevin Kline, who has his own brand of deadpan humor; Jean Reno, whose acting credits range from French Kiss to Hotel Rwanda; and the lovely Beyonce Knowles. While not as inventive as the original movie (it is, after all, a remake), this film flows well if you take it for what it is – a silly comedy with a little mystery and romance thrown in. I didn't really expect to like it, but was pleasantly surprised.