It may be a stretch to call this mugging moron sympathetic, but it’s surprising how enjoyable Mr. Bean can be when he’s actually given a hint of humanity.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
This is a thoroughly Euro bedmate to the 1997 "Bean," with the Gauls rather than the Yanks as the butt of Bean's bumblings.
ReelViews by James Berardinelli
This time, it's not because mainstream movie-goers in this country lack taste but because the film isn't worth buying a ticket to see. Mr. Bean's Holiday is no vacation.
TV Guide Magazine by Maitland McDonagh
An excruciating series of gags aimed at kids old enough to think it's funny when a grown-up acts like a small child.
Austin Chronicle by Marrit Ingman
If you like the character – his tooty yellow Mini, his busily working beetlebrows, his tendency to point and grunt and eat shellfish whole – then you will be rewarded with 90 minutes of such.
Entertainment Weekly by Owen Gleiberman
Atkinson's goofball grotesquerie never lets up -- right through to the inspired finale.
Christian Science Monitor by Peter Rainer
Since Mr. Bean rarely speaks a complete sentence, the effect is of watching a silent movie with sound effects. This was also the dramatic ploy of the great French director-performer Jacques Tati, who is clearly the big influence here.
The Hollywood Reporter by Ray Bennett
Atkinson remains an expert clown, and there are sufficient numbers of gags to ensure that Bean fans worldwide will be kept fairly happy.
Washington Post by Stephen Hunter
Do you Bean? If you do Bean, rejoice. Bean is back. If you don't Bean, here's a chance to start. Bean now, or forever hold your peace.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer by William Arnold
If you're not a die-hard "Bean" fan, this is probably no place for you. But it's mercifully short (87 minutes), the French scenery is pleasant, a handful of the routines are hilarious and -- with its G rating -- you can definitely bring the kids.