Johnny English

This film is like a combination of "Austin Powers" and “Get Smart”. There are also James Bond references as one might expect. The movie has some humorous moments and surprise story events but “Johnny English” fails to entertain me as much as “Get Smart” did. The mood of "Johnny English" resembles "Austin Powers" but even that movie was better. Even though “Johnny English” was released before "Get Smart", I saw it last and that may be the reason why it appeals less to me. “Johnny English” seems too short and too artificial for my taste.

I like the James Bond fantasy opening and I also enjoy how English’s suit jacket after the fantasy passes is Mr. Bean-like. The film is full of some funny moments as mentioned. When English mixes up which ring has the truth serum, Bough is able to make the best of it by asking the guard the way out without being seen. I also love how the Queen abdicates to save her dog. For those familiar with the Queen, it is a great joke. The film does of good job of creating a feeling of hopelessness so that the subsequent ray of hope is bright. Such is the case when Bough rescues English and Campbell. The audience must know that Sauvage is guilty so that the climax of the film is as painful as it is. Because of English’s incompetence and also because of the execution of Sauvage’s “Plan B”, it is hard to watch the coronation scene as English tries to reveal the evil plot. He shows everyone the archbishop’s butt and the wrong DVD. All we can do is laugh agonizingly because we can’t imagine how English is going to win when everyone else thinks he is crazy. The solution is about as silly as the rest of the film as English is crowned king by accident, giving him the power to prove his accusations. The film is mostly flawed however. There is no resolution between Pegasus & English and the relationship between English & Campbell felt too rushed. The filmmakers should have had them in more scenes together. Max and Agent 99 in “Get Smart” have many moments to create a relationship.

There is nothing wrong on the other hand with Rowan Atkinson’s acting. He creates an inept character that is slightly different from Mr. Bean. Those slight differences that Atkinson employs are enough to create a different character for this film. English may be ham-fisted but he is not completely stupid and that makes him appealing. Atkinson’s abilities as a mime are put to great use when English is fighting with the imaginary assailant. I love that scene. I also liked seeing John Malkovich and Oliver Ford Davies. “Johnny English” is funny but not worth seeing unless it is for free. "Austin Powers" had its comedy as its focus while for "Johnny English", the focus was the main actor. As fun as he is, Atkinson is not enough to carry a film on his own. He needs backup. The story of "Johnny English" feels as if it was constructed based on other works with no attempt to be at least a little original. My opinion: Don't bother seeing this movie but instead see the entertaining sequel.

2.5 Stars