Mr. Bean's Holiday
If you're not a fan of Rowan Atkinson's Mr. Bean, I suggest that you stay far away from his new movie "Mr. Bean's Holiday." In it, he's even more childish, annoying, and rude than ever. And my kids were loving every minute of it.Part of Bean's appeal is that his bad behavior is so awkward and exaggerated in relation to the other characters around him that you can't help but laugh at the embarrassment he causes for himself. He's really just a clown without face make-up.
There's not much plot to this new film. Basically, Mr. Bean wins a holiday to the south of France. Hilarity ensues from the moment he boards the train to Paris. What's surprising is the leisurely pace of many of the scenes. This is not a Michael Bay film, with frenetic action, split-second edits, and dizzying camera angles. This movie takes its time to let Atkinson do his thing, and I appreciate that. As a parent, I also appreciate the G rating that lets me relax and watch my kids giggle over their popcorn.
I can very easily see "Mr. Bean's Holiday" becoming a cult classic on DVD, much like "Office Space" and "Napoleon Dynamite." This will be a fun one to pause, rewind, and jump ahead to favorite scenes.
If you've never experienced Mr. Bean, then you should start with his short TV sketches to see if you've got the stomach for this kind of character. If you like those old shows, then you'll love this new movie.
Permalink posted by Idaho Dad at 12:01 AM
6 Comments:
I've been a fan of Rowan Atkinson since his Black Adder days. Yeah, the movie's a bit silly but I just can't stay away from silly movies. :D
I'm a big fan of Atkinson. His stuff is classic. Black Adder is brilliant, and his Bean character, at least on the short lived television programme, was hilarious, brilliant, and poingent at the same time.
I'm not so sure about the films though.
So, are these new bits, or the TV skits turned to film?
That was my biggest complaint with the first film. I felt like I'd seen it before!
I love everything he does. From Black Adder to Mr. Bean and his work in some of the rom-coms (Four Weddings, etc.)
LA Toddler would probably like this one... but cult classic? Hmmm. Office Space leaves some big shoes to fill :)
Jared, the new movie is more in line with the TV show. It's all about Bean, where the first movie had way too much time spent on other characters.
Also, the gags in the new film are all new. Nothing recycled, except for Bean's mannerisms of course.
I'm one of those who just can't stand watching Mr. Bean. I actually just read something in the NY Times this morning about his humor not transferring well to America. I guess most of us just don't get it.
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