Pink Panther 2

IMPORT-

The Pink Panther series has been something that for years has been remade, remixed, and many times ruined. Son of the Pink Panther anyone? But it seems that today's response to remakes is to say, 'why would they do that?' or 'just leave it be.' I agree when the case is The Karate Kid, which is set to be remade with Will Smith's son. However in the case of the Pink Panther, I disagree. First and foremost is that the first actual Pink Panther was not that good. Besides the brilliant Closeau creation by Peter Sellers it was rather boring. Secondly the original run of Panther movies had six in total, and they varied in style and definitely in quality. By the end it just was a chance to see Sellers dress in different costumes and make funny voices. It was that style that they seemed to be inspired by when doing the Steve Martin Pink Panther movies.

Even if this new Panther movies were done exceptionally well I'm not sure that they would catch on. That particular style of comedy is not really on the radar at the moment. Physical humor, and one with almost sketch like characters have taken a back seat in the present Apatow reality based comedies. However we can't really argue this point because these new Panther movies are not that good. They seem to be a bit more worried that they are kid friendly, and will do well in foreign markets. (see big international star names)

This movie does suffer from a ridiculously boring, and easily figured out script. Also it is jam packed with 'stars'. I would really enjoy just seeing Steve Martin and John Cleese go at it. Those two were the two most consistently funny characters in the movie. The business with the assistant is boring, but Jean Reno is a well placed character. I would watch this is you are a fan of the old ones, and a Steve Martin fan. It would really be nice to see them shake the gloss, and the overly pg rating to make a good detective movie with Martin's Closeau at the center. Or even them to go comedic like in the REVENGE OF THE PINK PANTHER where Dreyfuss, in this played by Cleese, gets out of the pysch ward and tries to kill Closeau.

In the end are these remakes needed? No. But it would be hard to find any comedian who doesn't want to do this character or something like it because it is such a joy. I usually get caught up in it for a day or so afterwards. And it would be hard to find any viewer who wouldn't want to watch. So I guess the question should be, 'If we could make some good Panther movies should we do it? The answer to that is yes. So there you have it MGM studios, go make a good one. And for the record I think 'A Shot in the Dark' is the best Panther movie of them all.