Bean (PG-13, 1998)

Frustrated with his work as an incompetent guard at an art museum, but unable to fire him, Mr. Bean's supervisors send him to a U.S. art gallery as an "expert," to speak at the unveiling of "Whistler's Mother."

One of the classic set-ups for comedy is what I refer to as the "Cat in the Hat" plot -- one or more "normal," somewhat bored characters find their lives completely (and yet somehow enjoyably) disrupted by a free- spirited character who has what a modern psychologist might refer to as "sloppy impulse control." This is the basic premise of BEAN, starring Rowan Atkinson's cult favorite, Mr. Bean. Bean is something of a throwback to the classic silent film comedians, a childlike man who is unabashedly consumed with enjoying himself, and incapable of considering the consequences for others. In an effort to make the character more appealing to a U.S. audience, the producers have sent Mr. Bean to Los Angeles and to actually have him not only trying to solve the problem he creates but even hugging someone. The result is uncomfortably uneven.

The plot is an excuse for what is really a series of slapstick sketches (on an airplane, in a kitchen, in a hospital, and of course in the art gallery) involving very little dialogue, but many funny faces and physical contortions, and a lot of potty humor and general grossness. This movie will be most successful with kids who are already familiar with the character and appreciate that kind of humor. Other kids may be very uncomfortable with the gross and embarrassing situations. Kids may enjoy knowing that Atkinson did the voice of Zazu in The Lion King (but adults will remember him as the malapropish vicar in Four Weddings and a Funeral).