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Johnny English Reborn (2011)

Director: Oliver Parker

Time Out rating

Average user rating

25 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

Was the world clamouring for this? A ho-hum sequel to a so-so original whose central character was funnier in a credit-card commercial? Eight years after his first celluloid airing, Rowan Atkinson’s Bean-meets-Bond creation gets to bungle another day. This time, the filmmakers take the plot more seriously, bringing MI-7’s least special agent out of retirement for a rendezvous in Hong Kong: he uncovers a conspiracy to eliminate the Chinese premier during talks with the British PM. The calculation is that Atkinson’s practised buffoonery will play funnier if there’s something at stake. Yet in reality it means the movie has to put on a relatively straight face to keep the plot ticking over, while parcelling out the laughs in discrete sketches.

Some of the hi-jinks are amusing, including an eye-watering training session at a temple and deadpan stuff with a powered office chair. But too often the gags are smile-worthy not thigh-slapping. Thankfully, the supporting cast are on good form, especially Daniel Kaluuya’s keen youthful sidekick and Dominic West as a suave MI-7 colleague, though Rosamund Pike doesn’t have enough to do as a body-language expert and uneasy love interest. Director Oliver Parker (the ‘St Trinian’s’ films) tries his best to inject some zip into the anodyne action highlights but fights a losing battle. It’s very undemanding, though the enthusiastic granny bashing does provide a quantum of solace.

Author: Trevor Johnston

Time Out London Issue 2146: 6 – 12 October, 2011

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User reviews of this film

Grace said...

Posted on Nov 16 2011 16:57 I totally agree Villardi I think Rowan Atkinson is one of those people (same with Michael McIntyre ) that are funny from the moment they are there even with out meaning to be,, Also it was aimed for kids hence why it was a PG

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villardi said...

Posted on Nov 16 2011 13:50 Sorry David but I feel you don't get it. It is a film for kids and as such was extremely funny and completely tongue in cheek, I even enjoyed it myself for his comic timing and elastic movements. Rowan can be whatever he wants or wanted to be. Mr Bean, Blackadder, Fagin or even Johnny English. I also wish he'd make an entertaining and stimulating show (like Riicky Gervais but much better) but until then he's entertaining a lot of people with undemanding fluff quite nicely.

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David said...

Posted on Nov 16 2011 13:13 i dont normally comment on films, but this one was so bad i felt it an obligation to warn others not to watch it. Rowan Atkinson was not once entertaining and continuinley annoyed and frustrated me throughout the entire film. The humour would only be found funny by an infant who has not yet understood the meaning of wit. R. Atkinson should stick to being the voice of cartoon birds, where his idiocy cannot be witnessed.

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Andrew Howes said...

Posted on Nov 05 2011 10:58 Funny throughout, as good as the first one, a great comedy well worth seeing, Suits all ages and not filthy.

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Lesley Whittaker said...

Posted on Oct 30 2011 08:48 I totaly agree with you Villardi................well said, GREAT FILM ;-)

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villardi said...

Posted on Oct 30 2011 06:44 went with 14 and 11 yearold children. We laughed all through. if you like Rowan Atkinson, you'll love this. visual and verbal gags and Rosamund Pike is beautiful for us older fans. Really a ggod night out if you want a hoot.

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Grace said...

Posted on Oct 24 2011 23:26 This was such a good film :) there were many young kids in the screen but even myself and my friend being 17 found it hilarious, I would recommend it 100% and I may be going again, I think you will like it if you liked PInk Panther :)

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tc said...

Posted on Oct 23 2011 17:30 amazing great film recomend watching it!<3 family fun and i couldnt stop laughing the whole waY THROUGH-SIMPLY AMAZING!<3

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Lesley Whittaker said...

Posted on Oct 23 2011 11:22 Jonny english reborn was well worth seeing if you like a good laugh! It was hillarious in parts... He never fails to amuse me with his stupid ways. You need to have a stupid sence of humour... Yep great film ;-)

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phill said...

Posted on Oct 21 2011 02:16 Not as funny as the first one but has its moments,no oscar winner but then if u want a film that can be enjoyed by all ages then this fits the bill.

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mike said...

Posted on Oct 13 2011 13:11 Great film that the whole family can watch and enjoy. We all absolutely loved it. Sure, people can snipe at it being slapstick. but that doesn't mean it's not funny. Few films can appeal to people of all ages, but this one does.

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Caz said...

Posted on Oct 13 2011 11:10 I really enjpyed this film. Rowan Atkinson's expressions are just so funny. Not laughed so much for ages.

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ARCHGATE said...

Posted on Oct 12 2011 11:28 SCRUMPYJACK - I seen Drive 4 times now. that film rocks!

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critique said...

Posted on Oct 12 2011 10:33 Light, pacy, good natured spy comedy, not anywhere near as dire as some on here are making out.

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why did i waste my money said...

Posted on Oct 11 2011 18:12 If you make it to the end credits there's a short cookery lesson from Johnny English in a rather smart kitchen - best part of the film. Trouble is you'll be thinking about paint drying until you get there.

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