Rowan Atkinson

Succeed[s] in recreating the simple pleasures of the old Ealing comedies, which let talented character actors shine.

Atkinson's over-the-top clowning is catnip for the wee ones, but adults will find it an acquired taste.

Not everything works out neatly for everyone, but life seems a little better by the end of two hours' struggle, for the characters and for the audience.