However, as you'd expect from Mr. Bean, a simple train trip from point A to point B soon turns into something more complicated and disastrous than could otherwise be imagined.
From his departure in London, to his eventual arrival in Cannes, Bean's holiday in France becomes subjected to tie-eating vending machines, snooty French waiters, and a rather unexpected appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. The main storyline though, focuses on Bean's accidental kidnapping of a Russian boy, who's father is one of the film festival's judges, and his attempt to return the boy to his family.
This is a very different film from Mr. Bean's first outing at the cinemas under the direction of Mel Smith. There's more physical comedy in this one, which let's face it, has always been Mr. Bean's strength. The scene of the movie has to be that of Rowan Atkinson busking in a small French town, as he dances and mimes away, limbs akimbo, to a selection of music from Shaggy to high Opera.
There's something in this movie for everyone. Fans of the original Mr. Bean series will recognize many of the same gags, only slightly altered, performed again for this film. Kids will love Bean's brand of inoffensive physical comedy and for those blokes in the audience there is the beautiful Emma De Caunes to feast their eyes on.
In saying that though, the film does tend to meander along a bit until the final song and dance conclusion, and there's probably not enough new material included to make it seem fresh rather than a bit dated. However if it's a light hearted comedic romp you're after, then this is the film for you.
- Dir: Steve Bendelack
- Cast: Rowan Atkinson, Willem Dafoe, Emma De Caunes, Max Baldry, Karel Roden
