Running time:
Rating: PG
Release date: 15 September 2011
Rowan Atkinson is back as Johnny English, bumbling MI7 secret agent. His mission this time is to foil a group of assassins plotting to kill the Chinese premier and gain redemption for his past errors. His superior, MI7 Agent Pamela Thornton (Gillian Anderson), assigns him a junior offsider, Agent Tucker (Daniel Kaluuya) to keep tabs on his errant ways.
Directed by Oliver Parker (Dorian Gray) with a collaborative screenplay, some of whom were involved in the original 2003 Johnny English. The script has some funny moments and it makes the most of Rowan Atkinson’s ability to be funny purely via his facial expressions and physicality. Unfortunately there are some flat spots and the laughs are awkward and forced at times. Luckily it doesn’t last too long before something totally out of the box occurs and the revelry begins again. However this unevenness does make for an average comic experience, though Atkinson fans will still love this film especially those who enjoyed the original.
The acting was solid particularly Gillian Anderson (X-Files) who looked smoking hot and Dominic West (300, Chicago) as top Agent Simon Ambrose. Johnny’s love interest comes in the lovely form of Behavioural Psychologist Kate Sumner (Rosamund Pike). Pike (Die Another Day, Pride and Prejudice) in her small role, manages to leave a lasting impression and is well cast. Kaluuya of Skins fame is a relative newcomer to the big screen but is perfect as the smarter but belittled rookie.
If you are looking for a laugh and don’t have high expectations you should enjoy this film.
3/5 stars
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