If "The Man Who Knew Too Little" didn't make the obvious mistake of following only a few weeks in the shadow of "Bean," it might have been heralded as the best comedy in years.
However, because of its proximity to the release of Rowan Atkinson's slapstick farce, "The Man" is only a quality comedy with a likeable star.
This, obviously, it not a criticism. "The Man" is a great spy spoof, following in the newly set tradition of "Austin Powers" with only a couple fewer Brit accents.
Bill Murray plays an idiot visiting his brother in England, shoved off to "The Theater of Life," a sort of cultural amusement park where you get to be the star of an improvised play. The only problem is, the phone call Murray receives to start the game is actually intended for a passing spy/hit man.
Confusion, predictably, ensues.
Wackiness abounds as Murray shoots people, gets shot at, and dances, Russian style, for a group of diplomats, simultaneously accidentally diffusing a bomb, and an international plot to bring back the cold war.
I highly recommend this film, if you've already seen "Bean."
Grade: B+