Story
Yves Glaunt, a famous French soccer coach, is murdered by a poison dart while celebrating a win, and his Pink Panther diamond ring is stolen. Chief Inspector Dreyfuss (Kevin Kline) is determined to win the prestigious Medal of Honour, having been nominated seven times previously without success. To achieve his dream, he devises the following plot. He will hire the most inept, useless detective in France to officially oversee the case, Meanwhile Dreyfuss, with his elite team, will work behind the scenes to crack the case. Thus Clouseau (Steve Martin) is brought into the case. He is assisted by the reliable Detective Ponton (Jean Reno), who has to report back to Dreyfuss. Clouseau is also ably assisted by his beautiful secretary Nicole (Emily Mortimer).
Clouseau has the unfortunate ability to create havoc wherever he goes and remain oblivious to it. This gets him into some dire and funny predicaments. His quest to catch the murderer leads him to America in pursuit of Glaunt’s girlfriend (Beyonce Knowles). In order to blend in, Clouseau has voice training to learn American English. He has some trouble learning and is sent back in shame to France, where he’s taken off the case. Clouseau, however, has other ideas.
Themes
Mild comic violence
Violence
This movie contains a lot of slapstick, cartoon-style violence. For example: Violent scenes that are not particularly funny include:
Sexual references
There are some sexual references, including:
- As Clouseau helps Nicole down from a ladder, she lands facing him in a sitting position on his shoulders, with his face buried in her crotch.
- Clouseau’s face is in Nicole’s bosom on another occasion.
- In one scene, Nicole begins to choke so Clouseau grabs her from behind to help. Puton walks in the room and it looks as though they could be having sex.
- Clouseau and Puton have to share a double bed in a motel room. They discuss the women in their lives.
- Glaunt’s girlfriend wears quite low-cut dresses and uses her sexuality to charm Clouseau.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
None
Nudity and sexual activity
None
Product placement
McDonalds is featured in the movie.
Coarse language
This movie contains occasional mild coarse language.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Steve Martin gives an excellent performance as the bumbling and inept Inspector Clouseau. His interpretation of the character makes Clauseau personable and very funny. Pink Panther will appeal to older children and adults. As light entertainment, this movie has a very simple message – it doesn’t pay to be devious.
You could point out to your child how violence is used for comic effect, and talk about how this kind of violence in real life would hurt people. You could also discuss the issue of sex being used to gain advantage.