This is not to say I didn't enjoy the 2003 film Johnny English, I did. It was cute and funny with a great cast, if occasionally a little too silly and predictable. Johnny English Reborn I was of two minds whether it would work, it looked very funny and interesting, but I worried that it would be too more of the same or that Daniel Kaluuya would be overused or irritating.
What a surprise! Johnny English Reborn was very thrilling and funny. It is not flawless, while the story is more original this time around it does take some time to set up, part of me felt that the film could've been shorter and Kaluuya's character is performed with enthusiasm if rather annoying and imitative of Chris Tucker in the Rush Hour movies.
However, visually it is striking with great locations and efficient editing and cinematography, and the soundtrack is rousing and memorable. This time around I found the direction an improvement, glossier and more assured, and while some may find the set pieces and effects on the slapsticky side I thoroughly enjoyed them.
I found them neatly choreographed, well performed and also they showed off Rowan Atkinson's strengths. The script is constantly lively and amusing, with some fun laugh-out-loud moments. I for one loved the cast. Rosamund Pike, Dominic West and especially Gillian Anderson are appropriately straight-faced, but it is Atkinson's(once again doing what he does best and playing to his strengths) show all the way, his facial expressions especially are a delight.
All in all, much better than anticipated and one of for me one of the bigger surprises of this year so far. 7/10 Bethany Cox
