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‘Johnny English Strikes Again’ toys with technology

As the third installment of the Johnny English series, Johnny English Strikes Again applies similar formulas to the previous movies.

Jessicha Valentina (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Wed, September 19, 2018

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‘Johnny English Strikes Again’ toys with technology  A still from 'Johnny English Strikes Again'. (Universal Pictures/File)

English actor Rowan Atkinson returns as the bumbling spy Johnny English in Johnny English Strikes Again.

As the third installment of the Johnny English series, the comedy applies similar formulas to the previous movies, namely slapstick jokes, Atkinson’s iconic facial expressions and a James Bond-like adventure. 

This time around, an unknown enemy has attacked Britain’s digital security system, uncovering the identities of all active secret agents.

In a time of desperation, the prime minister (Emma Thompson) looks for a retired agent to discover the enemy’s identity.

In a stroke of luck, English returns from his mundane life as a teacher to save the country. He departs on a mission along with his trusted sidekick Bough (Ben Miller).

However, as a Luddite, English dismisses modern technology as unnecessary. Here, screenwriter William Davies smartly crafts the comedy scenes. The way English prefers to use old gadgets and a classic Aston Martin V8 instead of high-tech devices will remind younger audience members of their parents.

Read also: Rowan Atkinson to reprise role of Johnny English

During his mission, English also encounters Ophelia (Olga Kurylenko) and a Silicon Valley billionaire Jason (Jake Lacey). In contrast to English, the two tech-savvy characters rely heavily on modern technology.

Johnny English Strikes Again is a decent movie with a touch of nostalgia. The film showcases the changes the world has undergone since the last time English took on a mission, bringing a nostalgic feeling to the older audience members.

The plot is quite predictable, but the slapstick jokes still manage to raise a few laughs.

With regard to Atkinson, the 63-year-old comedian has yet to lose his charm. He effortlessly plays the clueless yet charming character.

Despite the lack of surprises, Johnny English Strikes Again is still an entertaining movies. (kes)


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