Martin recalls his earlier, funnier self in 'The Pink Panther'

The prospect of reviving Peter Sellers' "Pink Panther" character, Inspector Jacques Clouseau, may not tickle anyone pink, but Steve Martin's version isn't nearly as bad as you'd think.

Sony Pictures 'The Pink Panther' C+ The verdict: So-so, but Martin sparkles. Director: Shawn Levy Starring: Steve Martin, Kevin Kline, Jean Reno, Emily Mortimer, Beyoncé Knowles Run time: 93 minutes Release date: Feb. 10, 2006 Rating: PG for occasional crude and suggestive humor and language. See showtimes On the web Official movie site View the trailer    Trailers require Quicktime Rate 'The Pink Panther'   Go see it   Make it a matinee   Wait to rent   Don't bother Voter Limit: Once per Hour View Poll Results

Admittedly, the signs weren't good. Martin's "The Pink Panther" was bounced from its prominent late summer opening — it had been the featured August release in Entertainment Weekly's summer roundup — to the traditional Hollywood dumping ground of February. It was caught up in Sony's acquisition of MGM. And the trailers looked miserable.

However, while "The Pink Panther" may not be out-and-out terrific, Martin certainly is. Stepping into Sellers' stumblebum shoes, he delivers the sort of focused, funny performance we haven't seen from him in some time.

The plot (not that it matters) concerns a murdered French soccer coach and the theft of the titular gem. Inspector Kevin Kline (whose sloppy accent changes from English to French to American in a single sentence) summons Clouseau to solve the crime, figuring he'll make a mess of things. Then Kline can take over the case, find the murderer and the Pink Panther diamond and win the Medal of Honor. Or something like that.

Jean Reno and "Match Point's" Emily Mortimer are appealing in limited roles as Clouseau's assistants. Beyoncé Knowles, as the dead man's ex and the prime suspect, stands there looking lovely. Sadly, her eyes have hardened since her "Austin Powers" days.

But the reason to see "The Pink Panther" is Martin. Whether wrapping his tongue around an outrageous French accent or creating mayhem with some inspired physical comedy, Martin recalls his earlier, funnier self in movies like "All of Me" and "The Man With Two Brains." (A scene with a dialect coach in which he attempts to pronounce the word "hamburger" like a bona fide American is a beaut.)

Unfortunately, the movie is directed by Shawn Levy, who teamed with Martin on the first "Cheaper by the Dozen" picture. When the star is off-screen, the film goes flatter than, well, a "Cheaper by the Dozen" picture.

Still, Clouseau's onscreen a lot. So count your blessings. Finally, after a disappointing dry spell for funny stuff, Martin has given a film his full comic attention. And in doing so, he recaptures ours.

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