Johnny English Reborn: One man. One mission. No chance.

English messing around with his contact

THE JAMES-BOND spy spoof film is back after 7 years of hibernation. For some reason Johnny English, the simpleton spy,  is now in Tibet together with a bunch of monks.  He is in some sort of total isolation, finding his mind apart from his body and practicing some weird activities like getting his genetalia resistant to any foreign power (which proved helpful in his final confrontation with the antagonist).

This isn’t the sort of film I enjoyed watching in the theater. Its funny and all especially the stunning performance of Rowan Atkinson, who still haven’t lost his charm on slapstick comedy. Some plot-points get worn-out like the dialogue of English, “Am I ready master?” with a serious look on his face and his masters snaps “No”. I was perhaps looking forward for a total laughing gas but I only got a fart (though equally funny) in between the scenes. We’re talking about Rowan Atkinson here, the legendary Mr. Bean who revolutionize comedy TV series.

Meanwhile, back in the headquarters, Pegasus, the president of the agency, gets an information about an upcoming assasination of a Chinese VIP or an official or a person that has a high status and every one would go crazy if they heard that he is dead. She tries to look up on the available agents but finds herself, unfortunately, choosing English instead, since he has only the immediate background in the case.

English escaping from his agency

Sets out in the journey to find who is responsible for the upcoming attack, Johnny English combats a Chinese old hag, who seem to carry countless guns. You might even be mistaken to think this film is a horror once  the film frames her facial expression. Kudos to that. She is one of the highlights of the film. Unluckily, its hard to tell whats her motive. At one time she tries to kill English but reverted her aim to one of English contact to the case.

There are a lot of funny scenes like when English and his sidekick try to console an injured man in the helicopter (probably this is the best of them all).  But let just say I’ve seen better ones. I was hoping for a funny film that lays on a firm storyline without getting too cheap in delivering jokes. I mean if I want to experience a total laugh, I would just prefer watching “How I Met Your Mother” or other spoof films like “Meet the Sparts” or other spy films like “Spy Kids” or “Get Smart”. People don’t expect what’s going to happen in the story, they just want to see Rowan Atkinson pulls off a joke.

Although, my classmates who sat beside me laughed hard throughout the film. Up until now, I don’t know why.

DISCLAIMER: I haven’t seen the first Johnny English (2003).

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXQSfSu1Y0s