Mr Bean's Holiday - Review
Review by Jack Foley
IT’S been 10 years since Rowan Atkinson took his Mr Bean character into cinemas for Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie. But even he admits that not everything was right about it.
There was too much talking for starters, while the whole endeavour was tailored towards mainstream audiences and American sensibilities. Mr Bean’s Holiday, the belated sequel, attempts to go back to the origins of the character and relies more on silent comedy. But it’s still a hit-and-miss affair.
The story picks up as Bean (Atkinson) wins the top prize in a church raffle for an all-expenses trip to the South of France and packs his bags in search of some sea and sun. But his journey goes wrong from the moment he reaches Paris and unwittingly misses his train connection.
The ensuing adventure finds him being mistaken for a kidnapper after he befriends a young boy (Max Baldry) he has accidentally split from his father and winds up at the Cannes Film Festival, where Mr Bean comes to antagonise a big name film director (Willem Dafoe) who is attempting to show his art-house movie.
There’s even chance for an unlikely “romance” with a bubbly French actress (Emma de Caunes) who is also headed for the festival to see her film premiere.
On the surface, Mr Bean’s Holiday has plenty of potential. It’s directed by Steve Bendelack (of Little Britain and The League of Gentlemen’s Apocalypse fame) from a screenplay by Robin Driscoll, Hamish McColl and Simon McBurney (last seen as a shady British diplomat in The Last King of Scotland).
But while it does have the odd inspired moment (such as an impromptu piece of street theatre or the French sing-along at the end of the movie) they merely serve to highlight how disappointing the rest of the material is.
All too often the humour relies on juvenile jokes that lack the sophistication of the film’s very best moments and which contribute to an uneven tone. Older audiences may laugh at some of the arthouse nods, but they’ll be lost on the kids. And vice-versa once the more obvious stuff kicks in. The result is a frustrating experience in which more jokes miss than hit.
Of the performances, Atkinson is so comfortable in the role he could virtually be doing it with his eyes closed. But Dafoe seems to be having fun playing a pretentious director and de Caunes is enchanting as the actress and plays well off Atkinson’s humour.
A short running time also ensures that it’s all over relatively quickly. But the overall impression is that Mr Bean’s Holiday is more of a two-star package than anything top class. Viewers are therefore advised to check in with caution.
Certificate: U
Running time: 88mins
Dear Sir,
This article is an absolute rubbish. It doesn't reflect any of the great humour that Rowan Atkinson is trying to perceive to the audiences. It’s supposed to be a family movie and you make it sound like a top hit film that needs to be up to the spot. Well frankly you spoiled my appetite to go and see it, so thanks very much.
Yours,
Steve McDoherty
— Steve McDoherty Mar 31 #
Your review was too generous. This film made my flesh crawl. I have never been in a cinema watching a “comedy” with so few laughs to be heard. People were getting up and walking out within 20 minutes. Truly awful, embarrassing and a waste of time and money. My children aged 9 and 12 thought it was awful as well.
— J Cottrell Mar 31 #
You, sir, are a retard.
The very reason Jack Foley wrote this review is because people like you want to read them. Then you come along and whine about how he has spoiled your appetite to see the film, when it’s your own damn fault for wanting to browse through them yourself.
I also don’t see how you can criticise his judgement when you haven’t yet seen the film.
I agree with his review; Bean’s Holiday was a very big let-down for me. I think its time Atkinson retired the character and moved on.
Cheers,
Andrew
— Andrew Apr 1 #
Rowan Atkinson had done everything right in this movie with his character. He does not disapoint. However he is not the director of the film. It is an average film but Rowan has immense talent and the director of the film let Rowan down.
— osama bin laden Apr 1 #
I disagree with the article. Having seen the film I thought it was a light hearted comedy. Yes, it did have some dull moments but most were memorable and great fun to watch.
Atkinson still has the talent. With the right storyline and director, he could make a great hit.
— Hiral Burrell Apr 4 #
Saw the film today and I have to agree, it is a dissapointment. It starts off well enough, but after a while I was slowly losing interest.
Theres just too much padding to keep the audience's attention… Rowan Atkinson clearly puts his all into it, but is often left with little to do but pull faces and flap about.
There where certainly very few laughs in the cinema I was in.
Shame really, because it has some nice moments and some hillarious moments, but they are ultimately watered down by the rest of it.
— David Apr 6 #
I agree with this article as well, but I have to say I found it more disappointing. I left the cinema after Atkinson attempts to get on the Frenchman’s bike – I couldn’t handle how badly written it was. I had to force myself to laugh for longer when I found something remotely funny, because I was pretty sure that I wouldn’t laugh again for a long time during the film. Such a disapointment. The film may have improved by the second half, but I have my doubts. The character should now be moved aside to let Atkinson’s real talent shine through with something else.
Cheers, Maddi x
— Maddi Cameron Apr 7 #
Strongly disagree with the article. The film includes many of Rowan’s old Mr Bean tricks, which are extremely funny to watch. If you have seen all of Rowan’s past episodes of playing Bean, you will understand that it is classic Mr Bean entertainment.
— Becky Apr 8 #
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I went to see this movie. It did have its funny moments, but this late in the game, Mr Bean has become more of a cliche than a real character. I agree there was too much talking, but there were some funny moments (Arch de la defense springs to mind). If you are a bit bored on a Sunday afternoon, this film is worth a look.
— angela Apr 9 #
Well one thing that certainly made me laugh is how he kept saying gracias to everyone in France when obviously it was Spanish
— karmen Apr 9 #
We went to see this yesterday… the worst film I’ve seen in a very long time. Hardly a laugh to be had, badly written and directed. To be honest it was frankly embarassing to sit through it all. Our kids laughed a few times but for a comedy the laughs were few and far between. Shockingly bad!
— Paul Apr 9 #
i luv mr bean
— Colin Lok Apr 10 #
The film is brilliant. I don’t know what you guys are talking about. If you feel as if it’s pathetic, or “the worst film” you’ve seen in a long time, then check the age of the audience it’s aimed towards, before going. It’s for 7-year-olds, so don’t be surprised if it lacks sophistication. I found it hilarious.
— Ricky Apr 10 #
i went to see this film with 6 other people and they thought that it was absolutely brilliant!!!!!!!
— Becky Apr 10 #
Went to see the movie with the kids and we all loved it. Classic Mr.Bean. It even got applause at the end (this is in Singapore where they love Mr.Bean).
— Tim Gibson Apr 10 #
of course this film isnt top class, its mr bean; its not supposed to be. i have yet to see the film but despite hearing bad reviews i am looking forward to the general silliness that is mr bean.
— Elise Apr 10 #
Like my teacher always said to me’ could do better!’ Took the family to see it today, none of us were impressed. Usually after watching a film together we talk about various scenes afterwards and replay the funny bits. Today we talked about something else. I have all the 25 min sit-com versios at home and watch them over and over again, I have no choice because the kids hijack the DVD player. However, you get more laughs in 5 mins from any sit-com Mr bean than in the whole of this film. Seems a lot more effort was put into the TV versions than in this film. The only time I laughed was at the chicken farm scene, didn’t see that one coming, however, all the other ‘comic’ bits where too expected or had been used in the TV sit-com versions. I will not be getting this on DVD when it comes out in six months.
— The Boss Apr 11 #
I hated this film. I am a 10-year-old who was looking forward to watching this after seeing trailers but omg what a complete let down. The parts were he was in the resturant etc were all actually from his previous shows in the 1990s.
I agree with the above comment by Andrew on the 1st April that Atkinson should retire the character Mr Bean and move on and start making movies like Johnny English! Now thats what I call acting.
— Max Khan Apr 13 #
I dont care what anyone thinks. I thought it was a great film. Worth the money I paid. If you havn’t seen it I think you should there’s nothing else like it. you try and mess your holiday like that. Go Go now!!
— the film master Apr 17 #
The film was awful, total waste of time.
— John Apr 20 #
Gotta disagree with Max Khan.
I think this film was a result of the feedback from the last film. This was more of a British comedy than the Americanised last 1 and was very similar to the tv series and I enjoyed the film. It was a welcome break from the unfunny, and deliberately offensive Little Britain style comedy.
It’s come at a good time with Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse doing what promises to be a good series. They are just doing what they know best, no over the top theme to it, just classic comedy like this film.
Hopefully this is the start of the revival of British comedy and people like Rik and Ade, Red Dwarf etc will be back on the box soon.
— Richard Apr 20 #
I am dire fan of Rowan Atkinson,so how could I miss his film? Unfortunately I watched this film in my extreme depressive mental state but amazingly when I came out I was in hilarious state. I especially liked the small movie shown in Cannes festival by one character Carnus clay. I found it a suitable satire on parallel cinema. Sometimes I wonder why do I like this character so much,I think I like his parennial efforts to find happiness in his loneliness, in this practise he creats all the mess. But finally he gets what he wants. I miss his favorite bear in this film. Over all a good time pass comedy. I will give three stars out of five.
— madhulika Apr 21 #
Absolutely amazing comedy!!! Great acting!!!Lots of funny moments!!! 100% worth seeing. 5/5 by me…
— Steven Apr 21 #
I really enjoyed watching this film! I’d recommend it to those who want to relax and forget their problems. Great humour!!! What are you waiting for??? Go see this film… I’m gonna see it at least 2 more times.
— Tom Apr 22 #
What’s wrong with you spoilers? People know that the film can’t be that bad.. Who are you trying to influence. I mean it’s Mr Bean. How awful can it be??? It met my expectations and i’m going to buy the DVD,too!
— King Apr 22 #
The film was really amusing and Mr Bean was a bit mad. I saw the film twice because it was so good. I would love to see another film of Mr Bean. I give the film 10 out of 10
— Rob Apr 22 #
I don’t understand why people think the film was a waste of time. I thoroughly enjoyed. It was extremely funny!
— Lizzie Apr 22 #
Very good for a sequel I laughed my head off in the film!
— Nick Apr 22 #
I love Mr. Bean, After seeing his TV shows it made me run out and buy a Mini. He is very funny and I am looking forward to seeing this new movie. And I will buy it when it comes out on DVD. These bad comment might stop him from making more films, so keep your bad comments to your self.
Mr. Bean rocks.
— Pinchy Apr 23 #
The article is complete crap. Mr Bean… he’s as lovable and funny as ever! I loved the movie and I’m sure u’ll love it too. Go watch it!
— Arnab Nandy Apr 25 #