Rowan Atkinson Movies
Best known to American audiences as the Black Adder and Mr. Bean, black-haired, bug-eyed, and weak-chinned comedian Rowan Atkinson is one of the most popular funnymen in England whose keen, often black humor and knack for physical comedy has earned him a huge international following. Born in Newcastle, Atkinson was educated at Newcastle University and Oxford. While at the latter, he teamed up with budding screenwriter Richard Curtis to write comedy reviews for the Oxford Playhouse. Shortly thereafter, the two created material for the Edinburgh Fringe. By 1978, Atkinson's humor had earned him a devoted fan base and he was offered leading roles in two British television comedies. Instead, Atkinson chose to get involved in the internationally acclaimed comedy series Not the Nine O'Clock News as a writer and a performer. His performances in the oft-distinguished show earned Atkinson a British Academy Award and got him designated "BBC Personality of the Year" in 1980. His stage performances also continued to significantly increase his popularity.In 1983, he and Curtis created the Black Adder, a cowardly and conniving Tudor Prince named Edmund who tries vainly to become King of England after inadvertently killing his father during a battle. Billed as a "situation tragedy" on the BBC, it ran three seasons and later spawned a couple of specials. Atkinson made his feature-film debut in the 1983 James Bond thriller Never Say Never Again. In the late '80s, he starred in a few films penned by Curtis. It was while they were filming The Tall Guy that Atkinson and Curtis created Mr. Bean, an average British Joe with a clumsy nature and a nasty streak and launched a series. Different from other shows in that it was largely silent, Atkinson's Bean demonstrated a rare gift for slapstick that has led to his being compared to Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. During its six year run, Mr. Bean became the most popular show in the U.K. and has since been shown in 89 countries where it has gained a cult following comparable to Monty Python and Fawlty Towers. Atkinson himself attributes his character's popularity to the fact that the socially awkward, middle-aged Bean's mundane adventures, largely due to his clumsy inability to cope with even the smallest of life's foibles, mirror the feelings and experiences of people the world over. In 1997, Atkinson brought the character to the big screen in Bean. Other notable Atkinson film performances include his voice characterization of Zazu in The Lion King and that of the hilariously inarticulate priest in Four Weddings and a Funeral. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Rowan Atkinson of Mr. Bean fame was the star of the BBC sitcom The Thin Blue Line. The setting was the tiny British town of Gasforth, where a squad of dedicated, but basically inept police officers held sway. Atkinson was cast as Inspector Raymond Fowler, whose self-absorption was matched by his clumsiness. Other members of the squad included Raymond's former live-in lover Sgt. Patricia Dawkins, chronically depressed Detective Inspector Grim, Constable Maggie Habib, and Constables Kevin Goody and Frank Gladstone. During the second season, two new characters were added to the mixture: Mayoress Wickerham, whose efforts at imposing "political correctness" at all costs only served to make bad situations worse, and CID Detective Boyle, whose efforts to work hand and glove with the squad usually resulted in botched arrests and public relations disasters. All of the episodes were directed by Atkinson's former Mr. Bean colleague John Birkin. Written and co-produced by Ben Elton, who admittedly patterned the program after the classic British comedy-ensemble series Dad's Army, The Thin Blue Line yielded 14 half-hour episodes between November 13, 1995, and December 23, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rowan Atkinson, Serena Evans, (more)
- 1995
The members of the Gasforth police squad face all sorts of mischief when they pull night shift duty. Detective Inspector Grim finds himself working hand and glove with Scotland Yard, incurring the jealousy of Inspector Raymond Fowler. Meanwhile, Raymond's erstwhile lover Sgt. Patricia Dawkins tangles with a gang of irksome teenagers. And how does that attractive sex therapist figure into the story? "Night Shift" originally aired on December 11, 1995. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rowan Atkinson, Serena Evans, (more)
- 1995
Though the traditional British "Rag Week" is hard to explain to American viewers, suffice to say that the annual ceremony involves elaborate pranks and practical jokes. On this particular Rag Week, the police officers at the Gasworth district house steel themselves for the usual onslaught of stunts and gags. As the other coppers contend with a recalcitrant telephone system, Inspector Fowler and Sgt. Patricia Dawkins get mixed up with a purportedly fake bank robbery. "Rag Week" was first shown on December 4, 1995. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rowan Atkinson, Serena Evans, (more)
- 1995
Inspector Raymond Fowler expects to win a quiz session being staged at his local pub. Raymond's ace in the hole is his police station colleague, WPC Maggie Habib, who happens to be a trivia whiz. Alas, Detective Inspector Grim requires Habib's services as "bait" for an otherwise elusive crook. "Honey Trap" made its first British television appearance on November 27, 1995. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rowan Atkinson, Serena Evans, (more)
- 1995
The Gasworth police squad faces a new onslaught of crises large and small in this episode written by series creator Ben Elton. WPC Maggie Habib develops a crush on a local fireman, only to find out that the object of her affections is more interested in Constable Kevin Goody! At the same time, Detective Inspector Grim does his best -- which is none too good -- to crack a case involving drug dealers. As for Inspector Raymond Fowler, he has his hands full with an inveterate practical joker. "Fire and Terror" first aired on November 20, 1995. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rowan Atkinson, Serena Evans, (more)
- 1995
In the opening episode of the British "ensemble" sitcom The Thin Blue Line, Sgt. Patricia Dawkins of the Gasforth police squad prepares to celebrate her tenth anniversary as the live-in sweetheart of Inspector Raymond Fowler. Alas, Raymond seals the doom of this relationship by his preoccupation with the upcoming birthday of Queen Elizabeth. Meanwhile, the other police officers try to deal with a potential suicide, while anal-retentive Detective Inspector Grim wrestles with the World Wide Web. "The Queen's Birthday Present" was first telecast on November 13, 1995. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rowan Atkinson, Serena Evans, (more)
- 1995
Advertised as a Christmas special when it originally aired on December 26, 1995, "Yuletide Spirit" was actually the final first season episode of the British sitcom The Thin Blue Line. Everyone at the Gasforth police station suffers when a disgruntled Inspector Raymond Fowler loses the starring role in an amateur Christmas pantomime. Worse is to come, as the station is transformed into a makeshift maternity ward for a homeless couple. Meanwhile, in keeping with the tenor of the season, Detective Inspector Grim and Detective Constable Kray chase down a gang of crooked carolers! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rowan Atkinson, Serena Evans, (more)
- 1995
The Gasforth police station is set on its ear by the presence of an abandoned baby. As Sgt. Patricia Dawkins tends to the troublesome infant, her colleague WPC Maggie Habib faces down a sexual harasser -- only to be flummoxed by the gallant efforts of Constable Kevin Goody to "protect" her. As for Inspector Raymond Fowler and Detective Inspector Grim, they have troubles organizing a "therapeutic" camping trip for a gang of young punks. "Kids Today" was originally telecast December 18, 1995. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rowan Atkinson, Serena Evans, (more)
- 1995
Rowan Atkinson once more stars as the eminently clumsy and clueless Mr. Bean in this 30-minute comedy special. The fun begins with the first of three brief sketches, "The Hospital," in which Bean gets his hand stuck in a teapot, then tries to get instant service at the local outpatient ward. In "Camera," our hero prepares a dour security guard for a very special photograph. And in "Bedtime," Bean sees nothing illogical in using a calculator to cure his insomnia. Originally telecast in Britain on September 20, 1995, "Goodnight Mr. Bean" has since been issued to video in such compilations as The Final Frolics of Mr. Bean and The Complete Mr. Bean, Vol. 1. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rowan Atkinson, Suzy Aitchison, (more)
- 1995
Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson takes to the golf links in this destructively hilarious 30-minute comedy special. In the opening segment, Bean has a bit of trouble playing mini-golf, ultimately ending up way off the course. Later on, he manages to sink a shot slightly over par (3,427 strokes, to be exact). After hanging up his golf togs, Bean does his laundry, tangles with a martial arts expert, loses his trousers for the millionth time, and "borrows" a woman's dress. "Tee Off, Mr. Bean" was first seen in Britain on March 17, 1995. The special was later incorporated into such video collections as The Final Frolics of Mr. Bean and The Complete Mr. Bean, Vol. 2. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rowan Atkinson
This acclaimed British comedy centers on the intermittent romance between a charming (if slightly bumbling) Englishman and a beautiful American woman, who seem to always run into each other at weddings. Indeed, it is at the first of the title's four weddings that Charles (Hugh Grant) and Carrie (Andie McDowell) meet, enjoying a brief but fleeting connection. The spark is rekindled several months later, when they unexpectedly meet at another wedding. Unfortunately, however, Carrie has become engaged to another, a fact that complicates matters for them both. The story may seem simple, but the film is elevated by screenwriter Richard Curtis' ear for witty dialogue and a colorful supporting cast. Director Mike Newell's sympathetic attention to character keeps the proceedings believable, and prevents the film's more serious moments from seeming mawkish. These elements, along with Grant's star-making performance as Charles, helped the film achieve unexpected international success, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell, (more)
One of the most popular Disney animated musicals, The Lion King presents the story of a lion cub's journey to adulthood and acceptance of his royal destiny. Simba (voiced first by Jonathan Taylor Thomas, then by Matthew Broderick) begins life as an honored prince, son of the powerful King Mufasa (voiced by James Earl Jones). The cub's happy childhood turns tragic when his evil uncle Scar (voiced by Jeremy Irons) murders Mufasa and drives Simba away from the kingdom. In exile, the young lion befriends the comically bumbling pair of Pumbaa the warthog (voiced by Ernie Sabella) and Timon the meerkat (voiced by Nathan Lane) and lives a carefree jungle life. As he approaches adulthood, however, he is visited by the spirit of his father, who instructs him to defeat the nefarious Scar and reclaim his rightful throne. Borrowing elements from Hamlet, classical mythology, and African folk tales, The Lion King tells its mythic coming-of-age tale with a combination of spectacular visuals and lively music, featuring light, rhythmic songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, and a score by Hans Zimmer. Embraced by children and adults alike, the film also spawned hit songs ("Can You Feel the Love Tonight", "Circle of Life") and a hit Broadway musical. In late 2002, The Lion King was re-released in the large-screen IMAX format. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, (more)
- 1994
That least handy of handymen, the redoubtable Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson), wreaks his usual havoc in this 30-minute BBC comedy special. The action is subdivided into four brief segments: In "New Year's Eve Party," Mr. Bean improvises some (yechh!) tasty snacks for his guests; in "Department Store," our hero goes to great lengths to purchase a marked-down recliner; and in "Home Improvement" and "The Ride Home," the titles tell all (Crash! Bang! Ouch! Sorry!). Do It Yourself Mr. Bean was originally telecast in Britain on January 10, 1994, and seen in America not long afterward. This special was later included in such video compilations as The Perilous Pursuits of Mr. Bean and The Complete Mr. Bean, Vol. 2. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rowan Atkinson
- 1994
Rowan Atkinson once more assumes the guise of the awesomely accident-prone Mr. Bean in this 30-minute comedy special. Bean's adventures in the world of academia are divided into four segments: In "Chemistry Class," our hero concocts a formula that has a colorful effect on his classmates; in "Art Class," Bean tries not to ogle a nude model; in "Karate Class," Bean demonstrates his newfound martial arts skills on his hapless teacher, not to mention a desperate trouser thief; and in the concluding sketch, "Car Trouble," Bean parks his inimitable mini-van in someone else's space. Originally telecast in Britain on October 26, 1994, Back to School, Mr. Bean was later made available in such video compilations as Unseen Bean and The Complete Mr. Bean, Vol. 1. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rowan Atkinson, Suzanne Bertish, (more)
Movie references, sight gags, silly puns, and double entendres abound in Hot Shots! Part Deux, Jim Abrahams' sequel to Hot Shots -- only now the object of the skewering is the Stallone Rambo movies instead of Top Gun. Charlie Sheen returns as the lunk-headed Topper Harley, who has retreated to a Buddhist monastery after being dumped by Ramada Rodham Hayman (Valerie Golino). In this far-off retreat, the monks have "taken a vow of celibacy, just like their fathers and their fathers before them." But Topper bulks up and goes back into action when his superior officer, Colonel Denton Walters (Richard Crenna) is captured by a Saddam Hussein look-alike, missing somewhere between "Iraq and a Hard Place." Topper charges into Iraq (after barreling through a Beverly Hills barbecue) along with sexy CIA operative Michelle Rodham Huddleston (Brenda Bakke) in tow, his guns ablazing. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Charlie Sheen, Lloyd Bridges, (more)
- 1993
Rowan Atkinson is both the star and co-writer of this 30-minute comedy special. As the magnificently clumsy and thick-eared Mr. Bean, Atkinson trips his way through four brief sketches, all unified by a central "hotel" theme. In "The Bath," Bean tries to wash himself, much to the consternation of his neighbor in the next room; in "The Stairs," he encounters difficulty descending; in "The Buffet," he learns the perils of "All You Can Eat"; and in "Locked Out," an embarrassing situation becomes impossible with Bean on the scene. Originally telecast in Britain on February 17, 1993, and in America in January of 1994, "Mr. Bean in Room 426" has since been included in such video compilations as The Merry Mishaps of Mr. Bean and The Complete Mr. Bean, Vol. 2. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rowan Atkinson
This heart-warming made-for-television holiday comedy drama from Great Britain tells the tale of a recently unemployed art dealer whose every Christmas wish comes true after he finds a genie bottled up in a tarnished old lamp. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Rowan Atkinson repeats his familiar role as the terminally stupid, disastrously clumsy Mr. Bean in this 30-minute BBC comedy special. This time around, the action is divided into three brief segments. In "Bus Stop," Bean tries his best to revive a heart attack victim before using an ambulance to jump-start his own mini-car; in "Letter," our hero loses his only stamp, but that doesn't stop him from posting an important missive; and in "Holiday,", Bean demonstrates a novel (if not entirely efficient) method of packing, disposes of a bothersome train passenger, and tries to entertain an airsick boy during a plane flight. "Mr. Bean Rides Again" first aired in Britain on February 17, 1992, and in America on May 6, 1992. The special has since been included in such video compilations as The Terrible Tales of Mr. Bean and The Complete Mr. Bean, Vol. 2. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rowan Atkinson, Roger Sloman, (more)
- 1992
The spectacularly accident-prone Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson embraces the holiday spirit -- and nearly crushes it to death -- in this 30-minute comedy special, comprising three interrelated sketches. In "Christmas Shopping," Bean purchases a balky string of tree lights before making a shambles of a department store toy section; in "Christmas Eve," he manages to acquire a free turkey and a free tree, then attempts to conduct a Salvation Army band; and in "Christmas Dinner," Bean has quite a surprise in store for his long-suffering girlfriend. "Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean" originally aired in Britain on December 29, 1992. This special has since been released as a separate entity on video, as well as in such compilations as The Merry Mishaps of Mr. Bean and The Complete Mr. Bean, Vol. 1. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rowan Atkinson, Mathilda Ziegler, (more)
- 1992
First telecast in Britain on January 1, 1992, the 30-minute comedy special The Trouble With Bean once again stars Rowan Atkinson as the brainless, incredibly accident-prone title character. This time, Bean cuts a disastrous swath through three short, interrelated sketches. In the first, our hero, late for his dental appointment, tries to get dressed while driving his car. In the second, Bean ends up administering anesthetic to the hapless dentist (Richard Wilson). And in the final sketch, Bean returns to the park, where he tangles with a pesky fly and a remote-control toy boat. "The Trouble with Mr. Bean" made its American TV bow on April 30, 1992, and has since been released in such video compilations as The Terrible Tales of Mr. Bean and The Complete Mr. Bean, Vol. 1. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rowan Atkinson
- 1991
Once again, the magnificently maladroit and fabulously foolish Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson) bumbles his way through a collection of brief comic sketches. In "Television," Bean purchases his first TV, only to experience a spot of reception trouble. In "The Park," our hero tries out his new Polaroid camera, which is promptly stolen. This leads to "Identity Parade," wherein Bean does his best to identity the camera thief. In "Club Phut," Bean's night on the town spells disaster for a stage magician. And in "The Disco," Mr. Bean shows off his dancing skills -- we think. Originally telecast in Britain on October 15, 1991, the 30-minute comedy special Mr. Bean Goes to Town later aired in America on April 23, 1992, then was included in such video compilations as The Exciting Escapades of Mr. Bean and The Complete Mr. Bean, Vol. 2. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rowan Atkinson
- 1991
British comedian Rowan Atkinson, best known to American audiences for his character Mr. Bean, stars in this collection of comic sketches, performed before a live audience of enthusiastic fans. Highlights include "Someone Called Jones," "Pink Tights and Props," and "The Invisible Man"; Angus Deayton joins Atkinson for several bits. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Rowan Atkinson's obsession with automobiles is addressed in this comical profile featuring his discussions with therapists, used-car dealers, the police and cab drivers around London. ~ All Movie Guide
