In 2003, the silent but deadly funny Rowan Atkinson was given a voice in a spy comedy called Johnny English. The renowned British-born actor who had been best known for his silent but hilarious character Mr. Bean, gained a moderately successful following and became an increasingly marketable asset along the way. It took a few years, like eight, but a sequel was released in 2011 called Johnny English Reborn. The second film didn’t reach anywhere near what it’s predecessor had done so that seemed to be all she wrote. Only it wasn’t the end because here we are once again taking about Atkinson being fitted for another special tux in Johnny English Strikes Again. The question remains, is this character still relevant and should fans shell out top dollar to see it? Let’s find out.
Adapting to constant change is one of the tougher challenges that law enforcement agencies face, no matter where they’re located. In a day and age when technology advances at a feverish pace makes things even harder. When Britain falls victim to a cyber attack that exposes all of Her Majesty’s agents identities, there’s only one option left. With the entire agency out of the picture, the focus is placed on one forgotten man, Johnny English (Rowan Atkinson). Taking on this new enemy will be cinch, that is if English can stop bumbling around long enough to solve this mystery and restore order to the United Kingdom.
Johnny English Strikes Again quickly tries to return to form by recreating the things that made everyone fall in love with this misfit agent that excels in incompetence. Being one of Britain’s leading comedy directors, David Kerr attempts to make a return to relevancy for Rowan Atkinson’s character. Joining him in his pursuit for laughs are Olga Kurylenko, Ben Miller, Jake Lacy and Emma Thompson. Make no mistake, the action and adventure are simply appetizers for the main course, a heavy helping of comedy. The laughs are spread thinly throughout its 90 minute mission. The plot really tries to bring in a little intrigue but it’s only a placeholder for many other idiotic and sometimes entertaining moments in this feature.
Rowan Atkinson has reached the point where, barring excessive CGI and an over-worked stuntman, it’s time for him to hang up the tuxedo in his current role. Like other physical comedians before him, there comes a time in every career for that last curtain call. Thankfully he can still bring humor with his comical expressions. His following is much greater across the pond versus what he sees here, but he’s still a draw. People going to see Johnny English Strikes Again are doing so for its man star and with that, they’ll be mildly entertained. This is now a movie that will stick with you for days after watching it. Honestly speaking, you’ll most likely forget about what transpired by the next day. Atkinson can only do so much and that effort isn’t enough for me to recommend seeing the comedy in theaters. Wait until you this one is available at home.
