Johnny English Reborn (PG)

Film

Comedy

johnnyenglishreborn

Time Out rating:

<strong>Rating: </strong>2/5

User ratings:

<strong>Rating: </strong>3/5
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Time Out says

Tue Oct 4 2011

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

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Release details

Rated:

PG

UK release:

Fri Oct 7 2011

Duration:

101 mins

Cast and crew

Director:

Oliver Parker

Cast:

Rowan Atkinson, Gillian Anderson, Ben Miller

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Comments & ratings

Rated as: 3/5 (19 ratings)

  • 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

    Grace Wed Nov 16 2011
    Rated as: 5/5
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  • 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.

    villardi Wed Nov 16 2011
    Rated as: 4/5
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  • 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.

    David Wed Nov 16 2011
    Rated as: 1/5
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  • Funny throughout, as good as the first one, a great comedy well worth seeing, Suits all ages and not filthy.

    Andrew Howes Sat Nov 5 2011
    Rated as: 5/5
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  • I totaly agree with you Villardi................well said, GREAT FILM ;-)

    Lesley Whittaker Sun Oct 30 2011
    Rated as: 5/5
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  • 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.

    villardi Sun Oct 30 2011
    Rated as: 4/5
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  • 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 :)

    Grace Mon Oct 24 2011
    Rated as: 4/5
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  • amazing great film recomend watching it!<3 family fun and i couldnt stop laughing the whole waY THROUGH-SIMPLY AMAZING!<3

    tc Sun Oct 23 2011
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  • 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 ;-)

    Lesley Whittaker Sun Oct 23 2011
    Rated as: 4/5
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  • 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.

    phill Fri Oct 21 2011
    Rated as: 3/5
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