Pink Panther 2

Yesterday I splurge and spent the R9.50 (approx. a dollar) to go see Pink Panther 2, I thoroughly enjoyed the first pink Panther and being a fan of the originals I just felt I had to. Sequels are always testy grounds, I think, if you have a successful movie I believe in not jinxing it by adding many more to it. However I was pleasantly surprised by Pink Panther 2, aside from boasting a stellar international cast that includes Andy Garcia, Alfred Molina, Yuki Matsuzaki  and the beautiful Aishwarya Rai. It had a great story to go along with its fantastic cast. This dream team as they are referred in the film join  Steve Martin as he reprises he role as the clumsy Insp. Jacques Clouseau as they rally together to recover the world's treasures including the pink panther diamond stolen by the elusive Tornado a legendary thief. Clouseau dedicates himself as usual to the task at hand with great injury to those around him, aided by his trustee sidekick Ponton (Jean Reno) and doting secretary Nicole (Emily Mortimer) he heads to Rome hoping to solve the case. 

The film is filled with hilarious comedic moments that drives you off your seat in fits of laughter and emotional ones as we see Clouseau in his own way struggle with his feelings for Nicole and the attention she receives from Vicenzo (Andy Garcia) the Italian playboy. Director Harald Zwart carefully frames the movie in away that allows the audience remember that though it's a comedy there are still somewhat dramatic moments that our hero experiences. John Cleese is perfect as Chief Inspector Dreyfus I am not sure if we miss Kline all that much because Cleese brings a certain charm to the character. Notable appearances are made by Jeremy Irons and Geoffrey Palmer as black market art dealer and commissioner of police respectively.  

Pink Panther is a joy from start to finish and the perfect thing to perk you up if you've had a bad day... Just think about it at least it's not your restaurant that Clouseau burns down twice. Even the pope makes an appearance... well sort of. Go see it if you haven't!