Review of Central Intelligence (2016) by Pipec — 04 Aug 2016

Another Comedy Does Not Fulfill What Promises.

Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart join forces in a predictable comedy and not as extraordinary as its grosses at the box office.

"Central Intelligence" is a classic buddy cop film (CIA agentsAnother Comedy Does Not Fulfill What Promises.

Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart join forces in a predictable comedy and not as extraordinary as its grosses at the box office.

"Central Intelligence" is a classic buddy cop film (CIA agents and everything else) starring two of the personalities most influential and striking of North America, Johnson and Hart - MTV Awards 2016 was presented by them and will be together in the remake of "Jumanji" next year - must save the world of a corrupt cartel that threatens the global economy. It doesn't seem a very original plot, nevertheless, it is the impact of its protagonists that makes spectators buy one ticket to see it. I did it and discovered the truth.

Directed and partly written by Rawson Marshall Thurber, the story saturates a cliche argument with predictable and ridiculous plot twists, but which undeniably is fun. Chemistry of the pair is not brilliant nor funny like Poehler and Fey, nevertheless, they successfully establish their connection and dazzle talent and joy. Well made jokes and a few unexpected cameos molded the surprises of the film, but it is not enough to hide the doubtful development. Accept it, Hart and "The Rock" do not have enough material to keep a comedy that abuses its duration (1 hour and 47 minutes), that only manages McCarthy, maybe, it would have been better a lenght lighter and shorter.

20 years ago, Calvin Joyner (Hart) -nicknamed "The Golden Jet" - was the star student and champion of guys, therefore, he is commemorated by the sycophant director in front of school, such attention is diverted by an atrocious action, an psychological aggression on the personality of Bob (Johnson), overweight boy is victim of school bullying and he is thrown naked in front of hundreds of teenagers; that's where Calvin gives him his jacket so that covers up himself, the guy comes out as grateful as sadden by the event, the first encounter of a disorting friendship. Currently, the boy with the future more promising, works as an accountant, has a humble house and lives with his wife Maggie (Danielle Nicolet). The guys at school have organized a meeting for all students of that period, which do not like Calvin on account of his drastic change of life and his abrupt change of thought. Social networks are a viable link to meet people, Calvin knows it and decides to accept an invitation from Facebook, having a night of drinks with his renewed friend from high school. Starting from there, it unfolds the meet of their lives, what do you do, where do you live, with whom; Stone manages to stay in the house of his friend, he realizing that it CIA would come to the following day claiming that his friend of the last night is a dangerous criminal.

Thurber carried out an acceptable work, a comedy that we've already seen before full of unnecessary twists and a few funny jokes starring by the real stars, "The Rock" a brawny with much, much talent and Hart a little guy with much, much inventiveness. It was not a disappointment, but the pieces did not fit together in the filmic puzzle.