As you’re probably aware, critics are invited to see films at preview screenings for free, not because we’re a privileged bunch, but because we’d have to forgo eating for a week if we were to pay to see movies like those of you with incomes and shoes and other fancy things. Usually, these 90-minute stints spent inside a roofed establishment are the highlights of my week, second only to finding a glob of gum stuck beneath a park bench that still has a hint of flavour. Still, there exists a particular day where even I dread attending press screenings: Sundays.
You see, Sunday is the day studios choose to screen “family friendly” movies. As the quotation marks suggest, “family friendly” is a somewhat questionable designation, particularly in light of a recent study that reveals families who haven’t see Zookeeper are 92% friendlier than those who have. I imagine this is also the case with the likes of The Smurfs, Hop, Mars Needs Moms, Furry Vengeance and all other movies that were forged in the pits of hell and screened to critics on a Sunday, bloody Sunday.
Now this is where I start talking about Johnny English Reborn, so pay attention. Being a “family friendly” movie, I saw the belated sequel to Rowan Atkinson’s 2003 spy comedy on a Sunday. Naturally, then, I was expecting the worst: crotch kicks, talking animals and an audience full of screaming children who, upon throwing popcorn at the back of my head, confuse my fist in their face for excellent 3D. Mercifully, the film is not in 3D, nor does it feature Kevin James, Eddie Murphy or any other talking animals.
The point I’m taking far too long to make is that, aside from the abundance of crotch kicks, Johnny English Reborn is without many of odious things that generally define my Sundays. Not only is this movie tolerable, it’s actually quite good. And not even as a guilty pleasure, but as a legitimate, guiltless one. It’s funny, exciting, entertaining and, yes, family friendly — this time without the quotation marks!
For a more detailed appraisal of Johnny English Reborn, and a Mr. Bean impression for good measure, check out my video review below:
Verdict:
With all the gross-out comedies of late, it’s nice to be able to laugh aloud at a film that doesn’t require a swear jar.
Follow the author Anders Wotzke on Twitter.
