Pink Panther/Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - 2-Disc Set (DVD)

PINK PANTHER: Reviving the beloved comedy franchise THE PINK PANTHER, the brilliant Steve Martin returns to his slapstick physical-comedy roots. After years of flirting with the world of high culture--from his hilarious New Yorker pieces to his critically acclaimed novella, SHOPGIRL--Martin is back to doing what he became famous for: splitting our sides with laughter. Here he reinvents the character of Inspector Clouseau, the hapless, bungling detective with the overwrought French accent and metaphorically huge head. With his black beret and Pepe LaPew moustache, the policeman is called on to solve a high-profile crime, making a series of hilariously clumsy missteps along the way. The story centers on a familiar murder-heist narrative. A famous soccer coach meets an untimely death by homicide (via poisoned dart), leaving behind Xania, his beautiful and famous fiancee (pop star Beyonce Knowles), who is devastated. Not only has Xania lost her intended, but she also finds that her engagement ring--the fabled pink panther diamond--is missing. Inspector Closeau`s boss, Inspector Dreyfus (a topnotch Kevin Kline), decides to give the case to his incompetent inferior, scheming to take over at just the right moment in order to win the coveted Medal of Honor. With his reverent sidekick, Ponton (Jean Reno), and adoring secretary, Nicole (Emily Mortimer), Clouseau tackles the case as only he can, destroying evidence, fumbling names and pronunciations, insulting victims, and all the while attempting to charm the gorgeous Xania in his inimitably uproarious style. DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS: Brash small-time con man (Steve Martin) meets fake prince in exile (Michael Caine) in this outrageous comedy of backstabbing, elaborate lies, and dirty tricks as the two men battle for the prime fleecing territory of a European resort. A wager between the two over duping an American heiress out of her money sends the stakes higher, as the loser must leave town. However, a wily swindler a Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.