Johnny English Strikes Again review: a funny but out of place physical romp

By Catherine Pearson

 

 

We're back in Blighty with the bumbling spy and, while Rowan Atkinson is still the master of physical comedy and the over enunciation of nonsense names, there is a nagging question underlying the latest antics of the hapless agent.

 

Why is Johnny English returning after all these years?

 

It’s not an easy one to solve. It's been seven years since the last instalment of the inept MI7 agent’s antics and 15 years since the original film hit our screens.

 

The target audience of the first film are now in their mid-to-late twenties.

 

Full Story: http://www.denofgeek.com/uk/movies/johnny-english-strikes-again/60819/johnny-english-strikes-again-review-a-funny-but-out-of-place-physical-romp

I enjoy Rowan Atkinson's brand of humour. While I enjoy his early stuff the most, Mr. Bean and Johnny English can still be very funny. The Asian market, including China, absolutely love his later stuff though. His 'physical comedy' appeals to them on all levels, and that likely explains the timing of this. In the last few years or so there has been a massive influx of Chinese money into producing western movies, resulting in more China friendly content, wider Chinese theatrical releases, and thus tons more money for all involved, especially Rowan Atkinson in this case. And lo and behold, a little google reveals that Perfect World Pictures is one of the producers behind this latest venture: 

Perfect World Pictures

Native name	北京完美影视传媒
Traded as	SZSE: 002624
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	2008
Headquarters	Beijing, China
Key people	Michael Chi (Chairman) Rong Chen (President)
Parent	Perfect World Co.
Website	www.pwpic.com

Perfect World Pictures

Agree with katipo. To me it detracts from the movie when there is obvious China friendly content. I prefer his blackadder series.