Johnny English Strikes Again (2018)

Director: David Kerr
Stars: Rowan Atkinson, Olga Kurylenko, Ben Miller
Runtime: 88 minutes

Synopsis: When the identity of every secret agent is revealed following a cyber attack, Johnny English is forced to come out of retirement to find the culprit and save the United Kingdom.

• Performances: 7/10

Why? There's only one person in the world who can turn some of the most juvenile jokes into funny ones with his mannerisms and comedic timing, and that person is Rowan Atkinson. If you enjoy his work in general, you'll probably like him in this movie as well. The rest of the cast did a good job embracing the ridiculousness of their characters but didn't truly shine in my opinion. 

• Screenplay: 3/10

Why? A plot we've seen a million times. Jokes that relied on Atkinson's comedic skills to land (and even he couldn't save all of them). Over the top and forgettable new characters. The third installment in the "Johnny English" franchise frankly has no reason to exist. It may be better than its atrocious predecessor, but is still miles away from the fun of the first one. A shame. 

• Costumes/Makeup: 5/10

Why? At times and well designed to resemble James Bond's iconic style, and at times too ridiculous. Pretty inconsistent in my opinion.

• Editing: 3/10

Why? All over the place to say the least. The film felt like a series of sketches pieced together to make a 90 minutes Frankenstein of a movie. Also, there was a scene that was fast forwarded for comedic purposes, and yes, it looked embarrassing.

• Cinematography: 5/10

Why? Too blend. But then again, one does not go watch a Rowan Atkinson film to enjoy breathtaking cinematography.

• Score/Soundtrack: 6/10

Why? Did its job of giving the film a self-aware serious atmosphere. No real complaints here.

FINAL GRADE: 4/10