Film Review: Johnny English (2003)
Hollywood has in recent decades shown ability to make film franchises out of anything, ranging from toy lines to trading cards. British cinema has taken its example and produced Johnny English, 2003 comedy directed by Peter Howitt and the first instalment in the series inspired by credit card television commercials starring Rowan Atkinson.
Atkinson appears in the title role, employee of MI7, British secret service. Bored with his desk job he dreams about becoming field operative and taking part in adventures that come with it. However, there are too many people in MI7 more qualified for that job than him, so the dream remains a dream. Everything changes when disaster takes out all MI7 field operatives, so “Pegasus” (played by Tim Piggot-Smith), agency’s boss, is forced to recruit Johnny English, because Britain is affected by serious crisis. Someone has stolen Crown Jewels and, due to the event’s ability to affect monarchy, discreet investigation is needed. English and his trusted assistant Bough (played by Ben Miller) gradually find evidence that points towards French private prison tycoon Pascal Sauvage (played by John Malkovich) as most likely perpetrator. This hypothesis isn’t shared by English’ superiors and he is forced to continue investigation, which is complicated by presence of mysterious woman named Lorna Campbell (played by Natalie Imbruglia).
Just like with the original commercials, it wouldn’t be difficult to establish where the authors of Johnny English found their true inspiration. It was the James Bond series, and the credentials for this film to parody it were brought by Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, screenwriting duo which had been working on two James Bond films - The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day. Quality of humour in this film, however, isn’t particularly high and at first it seems that Purvis, Wade and their co-writer William Davies have exhausted all the best gags in trailer. As the film goes on, it becomes slightly funnier. The cast is very good, with iconic comedian Rowan Atkinson playing character with great ease. John Malkovich also seems quite relaxed in the role of cartoonish villain. Australian pop singer Natalie Imbruglia also delivers good role, her best acting performance since leaving the cast of Australian soap opera Neighbours. Although the ending seems rushed, general impression is mostly positive and viewers probably won’t regret spending 88 minutes of their lives on the film. Johnny English was big hit and later had two sequels - Johnny English Reborn in 2011 and Johnny English Strikes Again in 2018.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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It's intriguing to note that a movie that eventually became a franchise had its roots in credit card television commercials. The transition from such commercials to a full-fledged film series is a testament to cinema's versatility.
As you rightly pointed out, Rowan Atkinson's portrayal of the titular character is iconic. His comedic timing and unique style have always been a treat, and it's no different in this film. As the cartoonish villain, John Malkovich adds another layer of humor, making the film an enjoyable watch.
I appreciate your mention of the James Bond series as a source of inspiration, especially with Neal Purvis and Robert Wade's involvement. It's always fascinating to see how different genres and styles can be blended to create something fresh and entertaining.