Johnny English (2003)

User Review

• 

  Barneyonmovies

  4 / 10

  WHAT I LIKED: There are some amusing moments in James Bond spoof 'Johnny English,' and most of those come from the comedic ability of the brilliant Rowan Atkinson, who - despite being heavily restrained by the film around him - does shine occasionally as the great physical comedy actor that he is.
  
  WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: The problem is however that it really isn't remotely as funny as it could have been, as most of the gags are actually done in fairly poor taste, and certainly don't live up to the humour of the far superior Austin Powers. That wouldn't have been such a problem if the spoof element worked to create some amusing commentary on the genre and if the serious underpinnings were successfully developed, but sadly whilst the film increasingly relies on your serious investment in the story, you'll only find yourself more and more disinterested as English himself is fairly unlikeable due to his overall arrogance. That makes the ridiculous spoof plot feel hugely irritating, and means that by the final act you'll probably be fairly bored and disengaged overall.
  
  VERDICT: An occasionally amusing but largely unsuccessful Bond spoof, 'Johnny English,' isn't remotely as funny as it's trying to be, and sadly lacks the serious underpinnings to make up for that too.

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