I've never been a big fan of Rowan Atkinson in his role as the famous mime: Mr. Bean.
But on a recent trip to a local thrift store, I found a VHS version of the movie: Johnny English and I am so glad I decided to buy it!
What a treat this movie was, from start to finish.
Rowan Atkinson is soooo funny. I can't remember laughing that much, in a long, long time.
I felt great afterwards too. Laughter really is good medicine, isn't it? ;<)
Here's a bit about the story, from the Amazon product page:
He knows no fear. He knows no danger. He
knows... nothing! When the priceless Crown Jewels are stolen, bumbling Johnny
English (Rowan Atkinson) is the only Secret Agent in the country (literally!)
who can solve the crime. His prime suspects: a sinister businessman (John
Malkovich) and a beautiful woman (Natalie Imbruglia) with a mysterious interest
in Johnny's top-secret mission. Can the clueless super spy save the day without
denting the nation's pride... or his super-cool Aston Martin spy car? Your whole
family will howl with laughter as the clumsiest secret agent ever unleashes an
onslaught of outlandish stunts, hair-brained heroics and outrageous goof-ups in
this hilarious spy spoof!
***
Many years ago, I enjoyed Peter Seller's in the Pink Panther series but at times I found these movies a bit "over the top" and just too silly to watch, especially for a second or third time.
Not the case with Johnny English. Rowan Atkinson has such a great sense of timing and keeps the pace of this movie fast and funny, right to the end. Silly yes, but just right!
There are also some interesting special effects, beautiful locations and a cast that are the perfect compliment to Atkinson's hilarious performance, in this movie. John Malkovich as the sinister businessman with goals to take over Johnny's beloved UK for his own evil business plans, is brilliant too.
I liked this movie so much that I ordered the sequel: Johnny English: Reborn.
Can't wait to get that one, this time on DVD and fresh from Amazon. Not that there was anything wrong with the VHS copy I got of Johnny English at the thrift store, but our VCR only has so many weeks left...I'm guessing. They don't last forever, do they?
Whatever format you can find, if you are in need of some great family entertainment that will have everyone laughing, long and loud; pick up a copy of Johnny English. You won't be sorry!
Overall rating for this product: Excellent. 5 out of 5.
