BEAN (1997) - ♦♦

Directed by - Mel Smith

Written by - Richard Curtis, Robin Driscoll (based on a character by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson)

Starring - Rowan Atkinson

"Bean, also occasionally followed by the subtitle The Ultimate Catastrophy Movie is not quite a catastrophe but it is a rather disappointingly dull and structured debut of one of the most universally recognisable characters in British comedy history - Mr. Bean, as interpreted by Rowan Atkinson. 

Here, the titular goofball is given the opportunity to transport a high valued painting to Los Angeles, where he is also introduced as an unlikely expert. His clumsiness and incompetence soon enough starts to almost completely sabotage the greatly delicate and culturally meaningful event. 

It is also clear from the start that the cinematic structure, at least such a cliched one, is not suited to Rowan Atkinson's antics as the beloved character, used to prance around with great freedom aided by minimalistic camera work in his universally celebrated sitcom incarnations. This restriction takes away from the fun and is highly disappointing to anyone expecting a Jacques Tati type of viewing experience. Some sequences will induce smiles, but never hearty laughs."

Comedy, UK/USA