Review of Johnny English Reborn (2011) by Thomas W — 29 Feb 2012

I love Rowan Atkinson, I really do. I've watched every episode of Mr. Bean and Blackadder (which stands among my favorite sitcoms of all time). I think he's an incredibly talented comedic actor with excellent facial expressions.

But at the same time, I have to recognize that this movie was pretty much a misfire, despite some moments of entertainment. I think the problem is that OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies with Jean Dujardin, while not a revolutionary movie in any way, it sort of set a new bar as to how spy spoof movies should be done.

And so far, no movie has come close to that and this movie is no exception. It's the same old spy gags with a different character and setting. I think Atkinson is great at both the goofy and the dry wit.

And I think the movie WANTED some mix of that, but the writing fell completely short of what it should've been. It just, simply, isn't a very well written movie and a talented cast just couldn't do shit with it.

Again it was stuff that's already been done before and it breaks no new ground. This really makes me question why they'd even bother doing a sequel especially considering that the first one came out 8-9 years ago and was some completely forgettable.

It's not like anyone was clamoring for it, it's a way to give Rowan Atkinson some work. Which I shouldn't complain about, but there's no reason for this movie to exist. Though it's not AS pointless as Paranormal Activity 3 was.

Just a complete and utter disappointment that is afraid to break new ground and therefore it walks the same road as the Austin Powers series except this movie is less goofy. Which isn't so much of a knock on the Austin Powers series as much as it is a knock on this movie for failing completely.