U

nlikely chemistry may just be the last-minute savior of a stale-popcorn-action-flick.

Every year, another action comedy is made-to-order for the summer must-watch list. Central Intelligence is this kind of film.

To graze the screen and make audiences laugh, casting directors hired the most unlikely duo in Hollywood, Kevin Hart and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Looking at the 33-centimeter height difference between the actors, it is difficult to not see this film as a gimmick. But between bad reviews and a hollow plot, this combination may just be the film’s only salvation.

Central Intelligence is gaining a hodgepodge of surprised looks and nods of appreciation thanks to the hard work of director Rawson Thurber Marshall (We’re the Millers) who managed to add a few bones into a lot of dull action.

Hart takes on the role of Calvin Joyner, a dwindling forensic accountant who hopes for little more than to live up to the “most likely to succeed” title bestowed upon him in high school. The story starts to unfold when Joyner receives a Facebook message from the overly excited Bob Stone, played by Johnson.

Flashback to the days of Joyner and Stone’s youth. Stone was the sweet and overweight Robbie Weirdict, bullied due to his curves and his tendency to dance flamboyantly to 1990s pop tunes.

Although Joyner had the opportunity to join in on the fun, he rescued Weirdict from further ridicule.

Fast forward, the prom king Joyner is faced with the hard reality of life as he struggles with his routine, is frustrated by annoying colleagues and is forced to wait for a much-desired promotion. Stone shows up with his wide-eyed wonder and a naiveté that will make audiences either frown or smile.

It is revealed that Stone is a rogue CIA agent on a mission to capture the elusive Black Badger, who is responsible for his partner’s death. Badger is an unknown nemesis who wants to sell a top-secret satellite encryption belonging to the US.

Confusion strikes Joyner when a cold and aloof CIA agent by the name of Pamela “Pam” Harris, played by Amy Ryan, turns up in the belief that Stone is, in fact, Black Badger.

The film fails in terms of plot richness; fight scenes seem artificial.

Nevertheless, Johnson and Hart are vibrant and hilarious every moment they come together on screen. Johnson deserves praise for his constant goofy grin, which compliments Hart’s frantic reaction to almost everything. In addition, tender moments help the audience fall for the characters.

All in all, Central Intelligence is a harmless yet hilarious movie.  

— The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Post.