Les Vacances de Mr. Bean

Mr. Bean's Holdiay was a movie I really enjoyed. Mr. Bean was back in true form, and delivered an unexpectedly funny movie. Part of Mr. Bean's humor is when something is about to happen, you can see it from a mile away, and you yell at the screen "look out Mr. Bean!" or "He left it on the counter! Oh No!" or what have you. There is plenty of this,but there is also a great deal of irony and clever wordplay in it as well. It's a well rounded comedy movie, that will be funny to children and adults alike. I'm not really a big Mr. Bean fan, but I really liked this movie anyway, and I know that most people will too, if they give it a chance. I will definitely recommend this movie to my friends, and to anyone who reads this review.

Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson) has just won a trip to the Riviera from his native England. He will be traveling by train, changing lines in Paris. Needless to say, he is very excited about his good fortune and has brought along a video camera to record his journeys. However, as he is taking a cab to the train station in Paris, he accidentally boards the wrong taxi and ends up on the other side of town. No problem, he'll just walk, as cars rush around him. Once at the correct station, he has some time to kill so he enters a posh restaurant. To his horror, he finds he has ordered oysters on the half shell and large crayfish. The food does not go down easy. After the meal, Bean is about to board the rails when he asks another gentleman to "film" his walk up the steps. Unfortunately, Bean causes the man to miss the same train, where the stranger's young son is deposited. Feeling responsible, Bean tries to care for the boy. But, what else could possibly go wrong? Plenty! The world owes Atkinson a big round of applause for his priceless character, Bean, and this film continues the fun. Although he rarely utters a syllable, Bean's facial expressions are worth a thousands words and his antics are very comical. In the restaurant scene, for example, his close encounter with the oysters are enough to send anyone into a frenzy of laughs. And, the giggles never stop but continue on until the film's end. Supporting him nicely are Willem Dafoe and the other unknown cast members, especially the young boy of the movie. The scenery of France is lovely while the costumes, direction, and script are first rate. With so few G-rated films on the market, don't miss out on this one if you are seeking a true family-oriented movie. But, in truth, don't miss this one for any reason, as Mr. Bean's Holiday is a welcome and humorous balm from life's proverbial bad days.

Mr. Bean is back and he's going to France on a holiday adventure. It's great to see Rowan Atkinson back on the big screen after a long time. I think the last time I saw him on screen was in 'Love Actually' (not so-great film but Atkinson was awesome). And of course, he's playing the character he immortalized, the goofy Mr. Bean. There are several Beanish slapstick moments set throughout the dazzling spectacular French locations. Beam also befriends a young Russian, Stepan and a French actress, Sabine. Together they share his adventures.

Though the comedy itself doesn't rely on witty dialogues, there's plenty of fresh slapstick and silly moments that made me laugh. Of course, I enjoy Mr. Bean's sketches too so there is a chance that those who don't like him, might not enjoy the film. I found the characters quite lovable. Emma de Caunes as Sabine is charming and pretty and child actor Max Baldry as Stepan is impressive (unlike those annoying movie kids who 'beg' the audience to love them when getting on their nerve). But 'Mr. Bean's Holiday' clearly belongs to Atkinson. He's a wonderful comedian and it's great to seem him back as Mr. Bean.

Cinematography and visuals do a great job by portraying the stunning locations of France. Yes, because of that the film is visually impressive too. The editing seems good enough but I found the ending to be slightly choppy.

Having said all that, 'Mr. Bean's Holiday' is much better than it's prequel. This one feels fresh and...well my summary pretty much says it all. A fun family film, especially if you like the Mr. Bean Sketches.

I don't understand the bad comments here. I saw the movie just now at a press screening in Bangkok. I did not expect much (because I read the negative comments yesterday), but it was very good! It's not rocket science, it's just another Mr. Bean movie. I even thought this one was better than the first one, especially in the second half of the movie. The end was a bit over the top, but that's only for the last two minutes, you will see why.

Willem Dafoe is also pretty funny as super ego movie director/actor and blends in well in the story with his 'replay' movie. Don't take life too serious and you will enjoy your time in the cinema watching Mr. Bean's Holiday!

What I absolutely don't understand is what part of this movie people weren't satisfied with. If you aren't a Bean fan, then you obviously shouldn't watch this movie. With Mr. Bean, you either love him or you hate him, there is no middle ground, so you should know whether or not this movie will be worth your cash and your time. Like some people before me have stated, people who don't like this movie should check out "The Playback" by Carson Clay.

Unlike the last Bean movie, there is no moral yarn embedded in this story, just pure, unadulterated Mr. Bean comedy. This includes disasters that he unwittingly causes, and ones that he causes deliberately. Best of all, all the humor in this movie is new: you have not seen it on the show.

Basically, watching this movie is like watching a one and a half hour episode of the show, only better. Better because the humor is high budget. Better because there are recurring gags in the film, such as him saying "gracias" while thinking that he's speaking French. But most of all, better because this time there is also a plot. You find yourself cheering on Mr. Bean. For the first time, we can really connect with Atkinson's character. So did this movie pass my requirements of becoming "great"? Definitely, it passed with flying colors.