Review of Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007) by William C — 09 Jul 2015

Rating-4.5/10.

Mr Bean's Holiday is a movie version(second of that) to the popular TV series of well, Bean. But of course as the title alludes to this is Mr Bean going on holiday and wins a prize to go to France, but when does anything go right for Mr Bean. Now this is surely a movie only some can enjoy and many not, it's the kind of plot that doesn't work but the film has it's moments of laughter and even slight heart so there is a lot to discuss.

Now Mr Bean yet again gets into a little trouble, and his near stereotypical mental institution tendencies make him hard to see as a real person just walking about the street. Rowan Atkinson who is behind it all does play him well all in all though and he is one reason I give this rating a slight bit higher, the cast is full of names but it is Atkinson who out does them all, his brand of comedy really coming out for all to see.

I wasn't so keen on the story of it all, I won't ruin it for anyone who hasn't seen it but it gets a little messy and the humour isn't exactly placed very well, the movie can have long droughts of no comedy and then many jokes all at once. I also wasn't over keen on the writing, Hamish McColl and Robin Driscoll don't bring much out, and with Bean hardly saying a word you could say I'm being unfair but some parts I just feel are not written well and seem too much like TV.

I do however love the locations, this is one film that is absolutely beautiful to look at and really does make you want to go on that prize holiday too(just without the silly goings on). The film also boasts a particularly French and fine score, Howard Goodall makes this great to listen too as well, ascetically it is a fine piece of work, just maybe the plot needs a tune up. I felt this movie does need a touch from some of Atkinson's previous colleagues such as Richard Curtis maybe to come on, with Curtis creating Mr Bean and writing the previous movie, it would have given them a second chance to make Bean great again but on the big screen.

I will add a more positive note though to all this rather negative wording I am using. I have great respect for Atkinson and Mr Bean, it is hard to go make a movie 10 years on from a mixed response movie and hope it be well reviewed(which this is not). I do think this is partly enjoyable though, let your inner child out and don't criticise too much and this can be absolutely hilarious, maybe not always for me but I expect some to fall in love with Mr Bean.

Overall a comedy I wouldn't recommend but wouldn't completely shut down either, give it a go if this is your type of slapstick like humour and you may like it a lot. I think we have maybe seen the last of Bean on the cinema screen now forever, and unless they find a new person to be him, I don't see Rowan Atkinson coming in to do another one, would love to see one last go but I doubt it very much.