Story
Pink Panther 2 is the sequel to the 2006 remake of the beloved 1960s Pink Panther movie. It reintroduces an array of well-known characters and familiar slapstick comedy routines that featured in the first remake. The bungling French detective Inspector Clouseau (Steve Martin) is reinstated to the status of crime-solver extraordinaire by his boss, Inspector Dreyfus (Kevin Kline). But the seemingly charitable move is actually a ploy for Inspector Dreyfus to further his own career. He intends to swoop in and save the day after Inspector Clouseau botches the case.
Clouseau has been given the task of solving the high-profile murder of a famous soccer coach and recovering the missing Pink Panther diamond stolen from his grieving and beautiful fiance, Xania (Beyonce Knowles). As expected, Inspector Clouseau has several mishaps and adventures along the way, which hamper his crime-solving attempts. Fortunately, the hapless detective has the support of his loyal sidekick Ponton (Jean Reno) and adoring secretary Nicole (Emily Mortimer). They help him through a myriad of fumbles, misinterpretations and mispronunciations.
Themes
Crime
Violence
This movie contains frequent slapstick violence and accidental harm, some of which may be imitated by children. The violence includes people being hit, dragged behind cars, falling downstairs and running into things. There is no acknowledgement of the consequences or impact of the violence. Examples of more serious violence include the following:
- A famous soccer coach is killed by a poisoned dart.
- One of the characters is shot in the head and killed.
- Xania holds Nicole hostage with a gun.
- Inspector Clouseau is shot by Xania.
- Children attack Inspector Clouseau, and he responds by holding them over a balcony.
- Armed police use force.
Content that may disturb children
Under 8
In addition to the violent scenes and scary visual images mentioned above, there are some scenes in this movie that could scare or disturb children under eight. For example:
- Ponton is distressed about his separation from his wife and family.
- Inspector Clouseau falls from a building.
- Ponton’s children inflict violence on Inspector Clouseau and cause property damage. Clouseau responds by holding the children over a balcony.
- There are images of dead people in the movie, although they are not shown dying.
- Clouseau receives an electric shock.
- Fire engulfs a building.
From 8-13
Most children in this age group are unlikely to be disturbed by anything in this movie.
Over 13
Children in this age group are unlikely to be disturbed by anything in this movie.
Sexual references
This movie contains a high level of sexual innuendo, female objectification and sexualised talk and imagery. For example:
- Several times characters discuss ‘sexy women’ using descriptive language such as, ‘cleavage’, ‘bending over’, ‘undulating thighs’ and ‘making babies with a woman all day long’.
- There is a scene where innocent behaviour is misconstrued as a sexual act.
- One of the characters takes a sexual enhancement pill.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
There is some use of substances in this movie. For example, people drink wine over dinner.
Nudity and sexual activity
This movie contains some nudity and sexual activity. For example, a man squeezes a woman’s buttocks, and there are women in low-cut and tight clothing.
Product placement
The following products are displayed or used in this movie: Peugot, Radioshack, Landrover, Ebay and Smart car.
Coarse language
This movie contains some coarse language and name-calling.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Pink Panther 2 features a great array of Hollywood names, but fails to provide many genuine laughs for the audience. Very young children are likely to be disturbed by some scenes, but older children might enjoy the slapstick humour. The main message from this movie is that crime does not pay because the truth will be discovered in the end.
Values in this movie that you might wish to reinforce with your children include:
- the importance of love and family
- respect for others, even if they are different from you.
This movie could also give you the opportunity to discuss with your children the real-life consequences of:
- damaging property
- lying and deception
- stealing
- the violence seen in the film
- saying denigrating things to people.
You could also discuss the portrayal of women in the film.