Casting, costumes, locations, lighting, sets, stunts and everyone that makes a movie what it is are all superb. And Steve Martin and whoever else was involved with the re-creation, script and direction of Inspector Clouseau's character are comedy geniuses. It's so very funny, i think my favourite detail is his voice raising incredulity of (in PP2) why the Tornado suddenly "stops". it makes me laugh just thinking of it. along with the hilarious deliveries of;a kitten? who cares (when Ponton says it may be a trap)i think i'm very good at it (insight into Pope being spiritual)good one the case is closed then i am probably sitting on it (hat)and there is so much more, the couple of seconds scene of Clouseau walking from his taxi to Hotel entrance to meet Beyoncey is perfection. A character of great depth has been created.Watch without prejudice

As with the best remakes out there, the 2006 version of 'The Pink Panther' never tries to copy or outdo the the original, instead presenting its own unique spin on things. The plot is entirely different with only the mysterious whereabouts of an enchanting pink ring in common and none of the supporting characters are the same as in the first two Blake Edwards 'Pink Panther' films. Kevin Kline's character is no doubt inspired by Herbert Lom from 'A Shot in the Dark', but Kline provides his own looks of indignation and astonishment to create a fresh new character. Steve Martin is surprisingly quite palatable as Inspector Clouseau (his good cop/bad cop double act is very funny) even if he does not possess the knack that Peter Sellers had for carrying on as if nothing happened after doing something clumsy. The remake also puts in Clouseau in centre focus, which is something that the original 1963 film of course failed to do. The 2006 version is not all good news though. There are several groan-inducing gags in the mix, ranging from Clouseau making fun of a Russian character's accent, to failing to learn to speak like an American, to some very out-of-place flatulence humour. As far as remakes go though, 'The Pink Panther' is a more accomplished effort than it is often given credit for. The supporting cast are top of the line too, ranging from Clive Owen in a hilarious parody of James Bond, to a not easily amused Jean Reno, placed under Clouseau's wing, to a delightfully over-the- top Jason Statham as the elusive ring's recently deceased owner.

While Steve Martin is no Peter Sellers he still managed to pull of the role of inspector Clouseau quite well. And this 2006 remake or revival of the classic comedies is quite an entertaining movie.The story is fun, entertaining and well-paced, with a nice amount of slapstick comedy, funny dialogue and the right feeling that the old classics had. And in that sense director Shawn Levy really nailed it right on the head."The Pink Panther" has a great cast ensemble. Steve Martin is of course excellent in these types of comedies and he was so rightly cast for the role of Clouseau. Kevin Kline and Jean Reno also complimented the movie quite well in their individual roles. It was a nice surprise to see Jason Statham in a movie such as this.If you enjoyed the old Peter Sellers classics then you will also like the 2006 version, and that is for certain. It is a good, fun and wholeheartedly movie that can be watched by the entire Family. If you haven't seen this movie yet, you should take the time to do so.

The Pink Panther (2006): Dir: Shawn Levy / Cast: Steve Martin, Kevin Kline, Jean Reno, Emily Mortimer, Beyonce Knowles: Comic remake about being a fish out of water. Although the Peter Sellers version is classic, this version remains underrated and is a lot funnier than given credit for. Standard plot involves a murdered football coach and the missing Pink Panther diamond. Inspector Drefus wishes to solve the case and hires Inspector Clouseau as a decoy. Often funny but the ending is actually rather clever. Director Shawn Levy handles the slapstick elements well. He previously directed Martin in Cheaper by the Dozen. Martin is no Peter Sellers but he is hilarious playing off Clouseau's well meaning nature. He brings similarities from the Sellers performances while also adding his own brand of physical genius. Kevin Kline as Drefus is a decent foil, wanting to solve the plot but ultimately falling victim to Clouseau's actions. Jean Reno does well as Clouseau's partner, hired by Drefus to report progress yet he grows fond of Clouseau's bizarre methods. Emily Mortimer steals scenes as Clouseau's secretary who counters the standard elements of the role when she becomes an aid to Clouseau during climatic moments. Beyonce Knowles appears so that the studio can have a marketing pitch. Give or take, this version holds up well and given a more uplifting sendoff. Score: 7 ½ / 10