James In "Mr Bean's Holiday" from British Director Steve Bendelack the world-famous Rowan Atkinson character gets a wider canvas than the TV show allowed him, speaks - just a little, and perhaps tames his darker side somewhat. As a bonus, many of the French settings are gorgeous, and a certain rather pleasing chemistry develops between Bean and a Russian boy played by (authentically-Russian-speaking) Brit child actor Max(im) Baldry; only for this to extend rather neatly into a small circle once it starts to include the archetypal carefree and beautiful (and Mini-driving) young French lady played just superbly - without much effort at all - by Emma de Caunes. The fact that this young beauty allows her character to join Bean in doing certain comedic and occasionally even dumb things offers a huge and joyful - and sexy - kick for the viewer. It is thanks largely to the benevolence and acceptance personified by this character (Sabine - and what else could she be called, really?) that, in this section of the film at least, misfit Bean somehow begins to fit in, and it's a delight, rather than a disappointment, and one only highlighted by a conflict-cooperation scenario evolving with the aid of a pretentious American film director encountered previously by the key characters and nicely done by actor Willem Dafoe - who sends himself up very proficiently indeed.In a way that harks back to many a musical you've seen, this all crescendoes into our entire cast plus a host of extras parading along Cannes beach and singing along with Charles Trenet's "La Mer". It's a surprisingly powerful and truly heartwarming ending, and one we've reached via what are, in the film's terms, a series of entirely logical steps (including steps taken off a tallish building, via a descending step-like series of vehicles!!). This is Harold Lloyd in 2007.Similar logical steps leading to crazy disaster and mayhem are taken earlier on in the film, too, as Atkinson's Bean moves through a series of escalating mishaps that frustrate the audience (almost to their limits?) at regular intervals as his basically well-meaning wish to help out sees him lose luggage, ticket, passport and so on, and thus inevitably condemns him to fall foul of authority figures. There is a great deal of Laurel and Hardy in this scenario, which contrasts markedly - if effectively and even necessarily - with the above-described second half of the film. Again reminiscent of some aspects of Stan and Ollie are gags that leave one feeling momentarily queasy, but of course do Bean no lasting harm - Bean doing oysters and langoustines in a station restaurant is a case in point, and may indeed prove "hard to swallow" for the viewer!A key question might be how many of the gags really came straight out of Atkinson's head, but the likely answer would seem to be "many", and of course this also at times denotes innocent silliness turning to what is - by Bean standards at least - sly or vengeful or pseudo-competitive activity.The fact that this gives way to feelgood later on may represent a slight betrayal of the character's heritage, but on the whole it's rewarding for the viewer. Probably essential and wise too, since a whole film on the lines of the first half might prove too waring and wearying. Overall, this eclectic approach continually minds us of Laurel and Hardy and Chaplin, occasionally even Keaton or the aforesaid Lloyd. However, since we're in France, thoughts are also inevitably going to stray to the tradition of the great Jacques Tati. It then becomes most interesting for the more careful and aware viewer to assess how clever Atkinson's dumb act can look in the esteemed company the above comedians represent. All in all, the answer for me would be "pretty clever", and I found much to admire in the film's handling of itself.

rabbe It doesn't happen very often to me, but I think this film actually gets better with repeat viewings. Ten years after release, the criticisms at the time seem pretty petty; the film really works as an extension of the TV series and an homage to, on one end, the European comedy tradition of Jaques Tati, and on the other end, silent movie slapstick. And the references to pretentious cinema auteurs seems even more relevant today than ten years ago. The film has a nice, slow pace I appreciate more and more, and it's expertly produced and photographed. The supporting cast is good, especially French Emma de Caunes, who manages to portray some extraordinary sweet normalcy, as a contrast to Mr Beans antics.

NestorNestor 'Mr. Bean's Holiday' might not be as hilarious like the TV-series and it will never reach comedy classic status, but it's quite enjoyable lighthearted film. The gags (like in the first movie) are reused old ones from the series and their outcome is somewhat predictable, but compared to the first feature Bean film, in 'Holiday' they are much better integrated into a story and they actually movie the film along while the first film had some sort of story just for an excuse to show Mr. Beans eccentricities on big screen to American audiences. 'Holiday' had some unexplainable warmth that gives you the good feeling while watching this film even if the most Mr. Bean's shenanigans have been seen million times before. Hilarious addition was Willem Dafoe's in love with himself filmmaker. That gave the film nice satire element also showing higher than everybody else artist who is just another shallow materialist (while being artsy director, he still does commercials).Almost ten years have passed after it's release, but 'Mr. Bean's Holiday' is easy to visit again after couple of years.

J-M I don't know why this only has 6.3. Sure maybe not like the originals, but still really funny. It doesn't need to be like the 1990's to be funny. I laughed so freaking hard when i saw this. So for something be funny, it doesn't have to be like the originals. I mean both the originals and this Mr. Bean's holiday are good. The one Mr. Bean movie I did not like was Bean. That was awful. I mean it could have been a really funny movie, but it contained sexual jokes that or not good OR FUNNY!! So, if your trying to decide a good family comedy watch Mr. Bean's holiday! It is filled with laughs! I guarantee if you are a Mr. Bean fan there is no way you will not like this film.