Bean - The Ultimate Disaster Movie DVD > Reviews > The ultimate funny movie!

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Liked it
Story	Outstanding
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Special Effects	Standard
How does it compare to similar films?	Good

Advantages:	Imaginative, never know what's coming next, funny
Disadvantages:	Doesn't suit everyone's sense of humour

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Most people are aware of Mr Bean, but I've tried to explain it anyway for those who don't know, so sorry if it insults your intelligence at all!

The film was made in 1997.

It was directed by Mel Smith, who hasn't directed many fims, but does a good job anyway on this film.

The film's writers include Rowan Atkinson (also starring in the film and very well-known for comedy writing) and Richard Curtis (also known for comedy writing). The 2 have often worked together, most famously on Blackadder, but don't think that if you like Blackadder, you'll like Bean, as they are completely different -the humour is targetted at different people.

The cast include Rowan Atkinson (Blackadder, Johnny English), Peter MacNicol (Ally Mcbeal, Ghostbusters 2), mainly and also Pamela Reed.

The running time is 85 mins.

The certificate is PG.

It is an English film, but, as it was filmed in America and has a few American actors, it does come across as slightly American.

The story features Mr Bean, a ridiculously silly man who ends up in the trickiest situations but somehow wangles his way out of it. Mr Bean works in an art gallery, and the board at the art gallery have to send someone over to America for the displaying of a famous painting - Whistler's mother. They just want to get rid of him really, as he's useless, knows nothing about art and falls asleep in the gallery all the time. So with Mr Bean let lose on America, this is where it become 'the ultimate disaster movie'.

I would say there are three important characters in the film; Mr Bean, David and Alison. Mr Bean, whom I talked about above a little is played by Rowan Atkinson. Rowan does his usual comedy in this film and if you love him usually, then you'll love him in this too - no doubt. Bean just gets himself in a mess quite often, is very stupid, but does manage to save himself a fair few times. He provides the majority of the comedy in the movie and is constantly pulling a funny face or doing something unusual. The second character is David - Peter MacNicol. He is the head of the family who Mr Bean goes to stay with. He is just a fairly normal guy, who reacts as most people would to Mr Bean. He is amazing in theis film though - his acting is great. His wife, Alison - excellently played by Pamela Reed - is one of the few females with a big part and is particularly good whne having arguements with David. She adds a feminine charm and more down-to-earth and practical side to the film. Her acting, is faultless, like Rowan and Peter.

The music in the film is average. Some famous songs are in it - like 'Picture of you' by Boyzone - but the soundtrack isn't anything to write home about.

The film, I would say, doesn't suit a particular age group, sex or anything else. But, I wouldn't say it was suitable for anyone at all. The humour used in it is really a child's humour - some adults find it funny, some kids don't. My advice would be to watch a bit of a Bean episode and see if you find that funny. If not, you probably won't find the film funny. If not - as I am not sure they're on TV anymore - then watch 'Chucklebrothers'. If you find that humourous, then you'll like this film. It does have a good story at the heart of it anyway, so even if it isn't your type of humour, then maybe you should watch it anyway. It is a PG, as I said earlier. I think was given this certificate, instead of U, because of the slight language and sex reference. But, trust me, these are slight. Mr Bean does stick his middle finger up a few times, but not maliciously and he does it because he doesn't know it's swearing. I first watched this film as a 7 year old, and I didn;t understand the sex reference - it just flew over my head. I think it would be the same for most kids, so I would say any aged child will be fine. I would base whether you choose to buy it on whether it is your sort of humour or not.

The film holds your attention throughout - there are no dull bits.

I have seen the DVD on Amazon for £6.97 and it is usually around that price in HMV (maybe a little more).

My opinion of the film is that it is typical Rowan Atkinson. It's got a great story and great actors, but it isn't to everybody's taste.