Film Review: Johnny English Strikes Again

Some sequels are essential, some are greedy attempts to make money and others are just welcome continuing adventure for the characters, Johnny English Strikes Again, the third instalment in the spy spoof franchise is one such sequel.

Rowan Atkinson returns as the much loved accidental secret agent. This escapade begins with a cyber-attack revealing the identities of all active undercover British agents, leaving Johnny English as the Secret Service’s last hope. Called out of retirement, English dives head first into action and mayhem to find the mastermind hacker. As a man with few skills and old school analog methods, Johnny English must overcome the challenges of modern technology to make this mission a success.

This film isn’t to be taken too seriously, and if one can suspend disbelief and allow the slapstick genius of Rowan Atkinson to take you on a comical ride, one will be rewarded with a sort of amusement that so often is forgotten in movies today. Rowan Atkinson is truly a profound virtuoso of character jest. His physical comedy is outmatched only by Chaplin himself. While his character of Johnny English doesn’t have quite the same impact and comedic flare that his Mr. Bean does, it’s still fun. That being said, here he offers another humorous espionage spoof that might not entertain everyone, but is enjoyable and light hearted enough for an ok 80 min escape. The supporting players offer a clever foil to Atkinson, with David Miller providing a superb straight man and Emma Thompson is hilarious as the flustered and bamboozled PM (although why an actress of such calibre is here is as welcome, as it is unknown).

Perhaps reflecting the times, this new adventure has more edge and humour compared to English’s last outing, switching the idiocy and silliness for a more knowing style of pastiche. The villain’s big bad plan to destroy the internet is both hilariously silly and scarily real. The film features a highly predictable narrative, some dull moments along the way and does leave you wanting more. However ultimately, it’s good fun if you’re a fan of Atkinson’s bumbling buffoonery and if you’re not expecting too much.

Johnny English Strikes Again

2.5 Our Score

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Pros

Rowan Atkinson is hilarious as always, the young and young at heart should enjoy it, it old school funny, without resorting to sleaze or cheap tricks.

Cons

Some jokes tire and it not overly memorable.

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