‘Johnny English’ another nail in the U.K.’s coffin

Evan Marmol

Rowan Atkinson, the star of “Bean,” has reemerged from actor limbo to

entertain us with his unique brand of folly and silliness. His first

film can be kindly referred to as amusing, if not totally

unremarkable. Atkinson stumbles through yet another movie, employing

his forte of mind numbing, incompetent absurdity in “Johnny English.”

Atkinson stars as Johnny English, an inept British special agent

serving as Great Britain’s last hope to rescue the crown jewels, save

the monarchy and foil the insidious plot of his canny nemesis,

Frenchman Pascal Sauvagen (John Malkovich). The exquisite Natalie

Imbruglia breaks into Hollywood in her role as Lorna Campbell, a

special agent with whom English is infatuated.

Atkinson fumbles in a plot that equally drags its feet. Atkinson’s

oafish antics are only rivaled by his lack of comedic timing and

humor. The lumbering Atkinson spouts mindless drivel, and his humor

is dominated by slapstick juvenile comedy. This film is a serious

departure from the sophisticated exports that we are accustomed to

importing from the U.K.

John Malkovich provides his signature droll charm and superb

acting. And, the nubile Imbruglia is truly stunning, although a bit

callow as an actress. This motley crew is far more annoying than

amusing. Every laugh is contrived and utterly harmless.

Vying for a spot in the summer of sequels, this film will find

itself suffering at the bottom. I only recommend this film for major

Bean fans and children.

* EVAN MARMOL is a Laguna Beach resident. He graduated from UC

Irvine with a degree in psychology and social behavior.