Review of Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007) by Reza H — 28 May 2011

The last time Atkinson will play the role of Mr. Bean, so this is a movie that die-hard fans have to watch for their last fix. I don't think it's fair to say that this movie is a sequel to Bean because it's an entirely different movie, the first film was very Hollywood whereas this movie is much closer to the original Mr. Bean series and while watching it you get the sense that it's really just one prolonged Mr. Bean episode with a better budget. There are some good laughs to be had and to be honest, Atkinson plays the role much better than he did originally in Bean. It's definately worth a watch, it's a shame it isn't out in North America yet but I suppose that's why we have the internet ;).

The ending of the movie is lackluster, not how I would want to end such an important franchise but it's important to understand the challanges that arise when making this sort of film, slapstick comedy is only funny for about five or ten minutes before it gets redundant and this film is certainly guilty of that but it has many redeeming qualities. Atkinson, as always can be counted on playing the title role well, there is a lot of French in the movie and you may find yourself lost every once in a while if subtitles are not available. Teddy doesn't appear in this movie, you don't see Bean's car (or see him tip over the 3-wheeled blue one), nor do you see his apartment at all, so be prepared not to have some of the sentimental imagery you're used to having in Bean movies. All in all, it's worth a watch but I don't see many people watching this in theaters. It'll probably be huge at rental stores and on sale. Especially if they decide not to have a wide theatrical release in North America and decide to go straight to DVD.