Movie: Johnny English
Starring Rowan Atkinson, Natalie Imbruglia, John Malkovich
Written by William Davies; Directed by Peter Hewitt (Universal)
Reviewed by Rusty Pipes

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Johnny English is the best British comedy to jump the puddle in a long time. It's a special kind of English slapstick that only Rowan Atkinson, best known to American audiences as Mr. Bean, could provide.

Played a bit straighter than the Austin Powers movies, Johnny English is also more reliably funny than the last installment of Mike Myers's faux-British spy series. Did I say straighter? There are several hilariously silly scenes, such as when English injects himself with a muscle relaxant meant for his enemies. The straight woman Interpol agent to all this is chanteuse Natalie Imbruglia, who easily equals the likes of Byonce Knowles; we'll certainly see more of her on the big screen. And what would a movie like this be without an overacted villain? The role of Pascal Sauvage falls to John Malkovich, who adopts a cheesy French accent as thick as a slice of Roquefort. With relish.

You can't go wrong with Johnny English, but I would fear for the fate of the realm.

The Skinny:
Am I glad I saw the film: Yes this was a fun ride.
Would I go to see it again: Might even become a guilty pleasure.

© 2003 - Rusty Pipes