Friday, October 21, 2011

 

Johnny English Reborn

Johnny English Reborn Even you do not recognize the name Rowan Atkinson, you should recognize his distinct funny face as Mr. Bean in a British comedy series. Besides best known as Mr. Bean, Rowan Atkinson may also be perceived as a lesser-known MI-7 agent Johnny English, in a forgettable spy spoof British comedy "Johnny English" (UK 2003). This spy agent might gain more name recognition after he is "reborn" in the sequel "Johnny English Reborn" (UK/France 2011 | 101 min.), an outrageously hilarious comedy that can be served as a perfect escape from all the depressing happenings around the world. Rowan Atkinson once again establishes himself to be one of the finest comedians.

Exiled MI-7 agent Johnny English (Rowan Atkinson) is summoned back to London by the British secret service, now named "Toshiba British Intelligence" (as if a title read from The Onion). He is given a mission to stop an assassination of the Chinese Premier by a group of international assassins. Although he seems clumsy and often makes mistakes, but he always show up at the right place and at the right time to engage in heroic battles as well as to uncover moles in agency. Of course, he is also the hero who saves the lives of Chinese and British leaders.

Everyone should anticipate that for an over-the-top physical comedy starring Rowan Atkinson, the plot and logic should be the least important element of the film. What matters is how each comic situation is staged and delivered. The film brilliantly plays out each joke and provides a laugh-out-loud entertaining experience throughout.

Rowan Atkinson in Johnny English Reborn

One particular funny character is a Chinese cleaning lady (Pik Sen Lim), who also appears magically like Johnny English does—everywhere they want to be. She never speaks one word in the film. However, her amusing facial expression and her funny outfits makes me laugh every time she turns up on the screen, because she resembles those elderly women who shop groceries in San Francisco Chinatown pulling their carts on wheels. And, she does look like the Queen from behind when she wears the Queen's dress, doesn't she?

Besides offering plenty laughs, as a bonus, the film also suggests a tip to emergency medical services personnel that they never learn during their training—if you fail to revive a victim, give a kiss to the victim on the lips. That kiss surely brings Johnny English back to life in the film.

"Johnny English Reborn," a Universal Pictures release, opens on Friday, October 21, 2011 at Bay Area theaters.


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