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Philippine Showbiz Today
Johnny English Strikes Again (PG) ***
Target Rich!
While the world yearns, yes - yearns for the return of James
Bond to the silver screen audiences can get a chance to warm up with
another spy on the rise. Good old Johnny English returns to the fold.
Universal Studios seems to be at an all time high. First the studio
scored big with a series of phenomenally successful Jason Bourne
spy epics turning Matt Damon into a superstar in the process. Now
even better news comes with the studio acquiring the international
distribution rights to all upcoming James Bond releases. Even
better news is the new Johnny English Strikes Again flick. Pure
comedy gold is on tap across British Columbia at Cineplex Cinemas.
Trouble is a brewing in Britain. Apparently, someone has declared
open season on all MI 7 agents. With all the current espionage lads and
lassies compromised Her Majesty’s Secret Service needs to go back in
time to recruit an alumnus. No, it’s not Austin Powers. It’s Johnny English
to the rescue. When Johnny English pulls the short straw the inimitable
lady killer returns to active duty. The world will never be the same.
Born to play this role international superstar Rowan Atkinson
(Mr. Bean) is at his most pleasurable best. Inept with a capital I
This buffoon manages to turn every encounter, no matter how
innocent into complete chaos. Despite a ridiculous plot this
master idiot is at his charming best when living the high life on the
Cote d’Azur in the South of France. Millionaire’s Row will never
be the same when Mr. English goes undercover to romancing
the likes of real life 007 vet Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace)
An emphasis on high tech, slapstick humour and Rowan Atkinson’s
funny face antics make this third Johnny English a load of laughs for
fans of the genre. With no Austin Powers in sight, enjoy a hilarious
comical espionage lark sure to give you more than a few chuckles
thanks to the zaniness of it all. And some well-placed classic bind
iconic trademark lampooning make the whole experience all the more
worthwhile. ●
November 22 - December 7, 2018
Jan. 22-Feb.7, 2015