Review of Johnny English Reborn (2011) by Marco M — 12 Mar 2012

Being quite fond of the original Johnny English film, I can't say I wasn't excited to find out I'd get to see my favorite double-0 agent again when "Reborn" was first announced. Of course, given the eight year interval between the two films, I had my doubts as far as to how good the sequel could be.

After all, despite the comedic charm that Johnny English (Rowan Atkinson) exudes in all his missions, few ever conceived the notion that a sequel to the first film was ever in the cards. Sadly, my predictions were confirmed upon watching nearly two hours of a terribly put-together story following an easily forgettable cast of characters (Atkinson being the exception, as well as Rosamund Pike, if only for eye candy), reciting lines of a simply boring script.

The plot twists are not only predictable in the spy comedy genre (see "Get Smart"), but whenever things aren't foreseen, it's because they make little to no sense in the grand scheme of things.

Not to go into spoilers, but the conclusion of the story perfectly encapsulates this point. Everything goes as planned to ensure a happy ending, even if the steps taken to get there leaves you scratching your head in complete confusion (deus ex machina, anyone?).

Ultimately, like the first film, Rowan Atkinson is the star and carries the movie as best as he can. However, with so much less to work with, both in the content and quality of the story, those looking to see the laughs he generates are better off rewatching the first film, or simply watching "Mr.

Bean," because this mission does more to hurt Atkinson's resume than help it. (Bottom Line: Wait for TV...).