After a first opus in 2002, a second in 2011, Johnny English returns to the big screens a third time, this time under the direction of David Kerr. Still worn by Rowan Atkinson, what is this new parody of James Bond worth?
A scenario sewn with white thread
At the end of the third episode inevitably some elements smell warmed. The story is not exciting, again approaching the prism of technology. David Kerr contrasts Johnny English's archaic methods with new technologies. As in Die Hard 4, the villain is a hacker, who is bound to be arrested by the oldest CIA agent. Brief sympathetic opposition but not very original. The finale is necessarily reminiscent of the other opuses: another story of infiltration. In short, situations are seen and reviewed and some valves are expected for miles: dry failure, pills, knight's armor … Finally Johnny English Counter-Attack, is a succession of sketches more or less funny, interspersed with a rather boring plot, and many filler elements.
The pleasure of meeting Rowan Atkinson
But let's not hide it, it is a great pleasure to meet Mr Bean. Rowan Atkinson is the attraction of the film. With a very precise acting, the English actor is a comic genius comparable to Charlie Chaplin or Louis de Funes. Atkinson is brilliant, tireless, and imbues himself perfectly with the character. His style, facial expressions and accents are to die of laughter. He plays comedy with disconcerting ease, totally inhabited by this character who has stuck to his skin for years. More subtle than it seems, Rowan Atkinson manages to find his rhythm, his talent, and an incredible accuracy to deliver this James Bond hairpiece. And even if some valves are hackneyed, it remains hilarious. This actor deserves respect for giving such a dimension to characters not necessarily very original, and especially within works not necessarily exceptional. This performer can carry any comedy on her shoulders in the same way as a Steve Carell or a Jim Carrey. Especially since this type of role is not always very meliorative, constantly underestimated because of his image of Mr. Bean undetachable from his person.However, Rowan Atkinson is an actor with a crazy comedic talent. We will also remember the presence of Olga Kurylenko, who has the self-mockery necessary to go from a James Bond Girl, to a Johnny English Girl. And it is always a pleasure to see the excellent Emma Thompson, this time as British Prime Minister.
This new Johnny English is not very innovative and reuses the classic strings for a rather boring scenario. But the film offers its great comic moments that are very successful. Funny, especially thanks to Rowan Atkinson, it looks at without difficulty.
