The 1990s 'Mr Bean' TV series spawned huge success through the medium of silent comedy, apprently based on the work of Charlie Chaplin. It's hard to describe how a man who says nothing and drives a bright green mini can really be entertaining; however Rowan Atkinson's facial expressions and talent made it genuine laugh out loud comedy. So when a Mr. Bean movie was released, I was quite eager for more.
Unfortunately Bean doesn't seem to work on film, due to the introduction of a plot; in complete contrast with the TV show where Mr Bean would just turn up at random places, armed with whatever he finds in his extensive pockets. Bean also properly talks with people in the movie, which rather ruins the effect of the 'silent comedian'. While the film is still written by Richard Curtis and Robin Driscoll, who scripted the original television classics, and while Rowan Atkinson is still supplying the role of Mr. Bean, it's clearly not the same brand of comedy.
With that said, there are some strong elements of pure ludicrous humour to the film, despite some areas being more suitable for a 5 year old. Rowan Atkinson, a legend who is admired for his comical talents, appears to have forgotten his role somewhat. He overemphasizes the Bean character too much, using obvious and, quite frankly, lamebrained expressions and movements. Watching a man giggle isn't funny! What's even more frustrating about the Bean movie is the fact some gags are repeated from the TV series, such as on an aeroplane where he explodes a half-full airsick bag. Aside from this sense of deja-vu, there are still a few laughs to be had throughout the film, with good physical comedy and clowning around.
Bean on the big screen is branded as "The Ultimate Disaster Movie", which isn't really a fitting name. He's not a disaster, he's just a man with obscure methods of doing things, who occasionally gets unlucky. Anyway, the main story plot is Mr Bean is sent to an American art museum, pretending to be a professor, as his colleagues back in England want to get rid of him. Whilst the Americans gradually realize he's no art expert, he already starts creating havoc in many locations; the most humourous being in an airport, in a hospital and in a theme park. And, of course, in an art gallery.
Whilst Rowan Atkinson has lost the essence of the character in the translation to film, he's still the best actor in the film. The other actors, whilst not doing a bad job, are nothing exceptional, except for the small kid Kevin, despite his limited appearance. The music that accompanies the Bean movie is mostly popular music of the late nineties, such as Boyzone and Gabrielle. It's not really anything special or particularly fitting, although it was pleasing to have the Beach Boys blurting out of the speaker at one point.
After Mr. Bean has, apparently, caused disaster in America, he then rectifies all his problems conveniently at the hospital, and within a few more minutes the movie is all over too quickly. The ending is lame and predictable; and after already watching an hour of Mr Bean, it's boring too. And if you thought the DVD Extras would cheer you up, well, you were misled. One trailer, that's all there is, and whilst it illuminates the movie to be better than it really is, it also contains somewhat irrelevant disaster scenes.
Whilst Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie is good for a few slapstick laughs the first time around, it has no replay value, unlike the TV episodes. The second time I watched it I barely laughed twice. There are no DVD extras, although if there were any deleted scenes they probably wouldn't be that interesting anyway. You're not missing out on much if you haven't seen the Bean movie already, and whilst the DVD can be obtained at a rock-bottom price, it'd be better to wait for a repeat on ITV than to bother buying. A disappointment.
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Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
I love Mr Bean, in this, on TV, wherever, good review, very helpful
darkangelwing 27.05.2006 17:55
Saw this in the cinema day of it's release, absolutely amazing stuff he series's were hilarious wish they'd show em again on the BBC, great review man
eve6kicksass 26.05.2006 13:38
Excellent review there...very well written. I was disappointed with the movie primarily it repeated some stuff from the tv series (particularly the head-in-the-turkey thing); however, I still enjoyed the film immensely....Atkinson alone makes it worth watching. By the way, did you know the sequel is coming out next year?....It's called FRENCH BEAN...where Mr. Bean wreaks havoc in Southern France...no joke!!! Chris :))
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![Bean - The Ultimate Disaster Movie [DVD] [1997]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78546253.jpg "Bean - The Ultimate Disaster Movie [DVD] [1997]")
Apr 10th, 2006
(Apr 11th, 2006)
very helpful by (100%):
