The DVD, Blu Ray, and TVD releases for February 21, 2012

JOHNNY ENGLISH REBORN

** (out of ****)

As a film school student I am constantly watching and assigned to watch “deep” films. Also, black and white films. Films before the advent of sound. Films that don’t come in my language and force me to read for an entire movie. Now, A LOT of the films I’ve seen which fall under these categories a fantastic pieces of art. They’re films I’m glad I’ve seen and would suggest everyone sees, however, these films are also extremely draining. Emotionally and physically. Sometimes, I just need a film to pop on and relax while watching. This is exactly why this week I chose Johnny English Reborn.

Johnny English Reborn is a broad comedy which parodies the British spy/secret agent film genre, specifically the James Bond films. The movie starts the renowned English comedic actor Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean). This a sequel to Johnny English back in 2003.

I guess I just don’t see where the comedy can come from?

I should start off by stating that this film is not the best film of all time. In fact, it’s not even that good, but it is fun. If you can let it be. It’s extremely stupid, but in a good way. Basically, the entire film relies on you connecting with Rowan Atkinson. Rowan Atkinson isn’t for everyone, and I’m sure many people will hate this film. However, if you are a big Rowan Atkinson fan, then this film should be nothing short of enjoyable to watch. If you’re not sure how you feel about him go watch Rowan Atkinson Live, a two man show evolving many of Atkinson’s greatest sketches. I believe it’s still streaming on Netflix, and will give you a good taste of who exactly Rowan Atkinson is.

 

I guess this is what I consider true art?

Also, one must keep in mind this is a PG movie, and one should totally expect a PG movie going into it. This would be a perfect pick to watch with my young child, that is if I had one. Johnny English Reborn has good enough comedy to completely entertain a young child through the entire movie, and keep an adult on board. If you are an adult however, and you don’t enjoy the comic stylings of Rowan Atkinson and don’t have a child, I would suggest you avoid this film and go rent Get Smart. Get Smart is very similar in humor, but geared slightly more towards adults.

As a fan of this movie, even I will admit a lot of the comic bits fall flat. They either run to juvenile or are over played, almost cliché. However, some of the comic bits work wonderfully. Basically, Johnny English is a bumbling idiot who happens to get most things wrong, but accidentally gets the big important things right. So, the mistaking of what his gadgets do becomes quite funny as it progresses throughout the film. Also the constant fighting with the old Asian woman works well. And the high-tech wheel chair race near the end of the film progressively gets hilarious.

Rowan Atkinson truly is a comedic artist. His reactions and movements are so unique and hilarious I put him up there with a modern day Chaplin and Marx bro. Even though this film may not truly reflect his genius, a look at his entire body of work shows he is a true artist.

Over all, this film is not that good. Again, if you have a young child it’s perfect, and if you’re a big fan of Rowan Atkinson it’s okay. Other then that I don’t see many people liking this film. However, if you do find yourself watching Johnny English Reborn, and you do make it to the end PLEASE do yourself a favor and stay until the end of the credits. They added a deleted scene, which I feel makes up for the entire movie. It’s just  Rowan Atkinson preparing a meal to the song In the Hall of the Mountain King, but it’s perfect. I found myself watching this part over and over again. It truly shows the precision of Rowan Atkinson and the art that can happen within comedy. -KM

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