Monday, June 27, 2016

Review of CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE: Reunion Revelations

June 23, 2016




When he was in high school, Calvin Joyner is the Golden Jet, an A-student, star athlete, prom king, voted most likely to succeed. 20 years later, Joyner (Kevin Hart) is stuck in a dead-end accounting job and is having marital problems. Because of his dissatisfaction and embarrassment on how his life turned out, he is not too excited to attend their 20th anniversary high-school reunion. 

On the other hand, when Robbie Wierdicht was in high school, he was an overweight nerdy guy who was the butt of bullies' cruel pranks. 20 years later, Wierdicht's baby fat have turned into the rock hard muscle of Bob Stone (Dwayne Johnson). He reconnects with Joyner whom he considered his only friend. Secretly, he was actually a CIA operative who has gone rogue, needing to crack a case involving satellites and terrorists in order to clear his name.

The unexpected novel gimmick in this film is that it is Johnson who does the comic role, while Hart does the straight man role. 

Aside from his usual macho fight scenes, Johnson does so many embarrassing gags here, with a decidedly cheesy effeminate bent most unlikely of him. Imagine the Rock wearing a baby lavender t-shirt with a unicorn design on it, or singing along and dancing to En Vogue or talking about his favorite film of all time "Sixteen Candles". Hilarious stuff.

Hart, on the other hand, does well reacting as any nervous civilian caught in a crime caper would do, in his signature shrill motormouth way. His role is basically reactionary to the wild shenanigans of Johnson's character, so Hart relies on his exaggerated funny faces and awkward pratfalls to get the laughs, and he does.

Acclaimed actors Amy Ryan ("Gone Baby Gone") and Aaron Paul ("Breaking Bad") give effective supporting performances. Keep your eye out for uncredited cameo appearances of a couple of current comedy stars which were surprising. There were also some very funny candid outtakes shown during the end credits.

Of course, we can't really expect the script of a crazy film like this to be completely logical nor believable. However, because of Hart and Johnson's effectively comical "bromantic" partnership, audiences will easily give these funny scenes a pass and just enjoy them as they are. This movie does not aspire for Oscars, and nor should we expect too much when we watch this type of obviously shallow entertainment. Just sit back  and LOL! 7/10


15 comments:

  1. i actually enjoy most of Dwayne Johnson's movies. this sounds like another one of his which I'll enjoy watching!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sounds like a fun movie. And since I am having a reunion with my university mates next week, this sounds like a fun thing to watch before that!

    ReplyDelete
  3. For those sad and stressful days, this is one of the movies that can make one feel more light-hearted. I think the humor in it will turn a day from bad to good.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I used to Johnson's movie as hard-headed-hero and with macho look, but now it turns into comedy film. it's really great for him and audience can relate well, especially Filipinos.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am anticipating this film just like indeoendence day. Now i dont kniw which movie should i watch first

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've always loved these two because they have this humor that no other actors have. And their chemistry is great as well. I'm sure it's a great feel good movie, one that's perfect for the summer.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This seems like such a fun movie to watch! Really love Kevin Hart! :D

    ReplyDelete
  8. I always enjoy movies of the Rock and he has transitioned to be effective from several genres after wrestling. This looks like a really fun movie to watch.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I prefer movies like this as I mostly go for films that either tickles my funny bone or my inquisitive mind. I guess I'm more into comedy and other humorous story lines. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I totally loved this movie. Super fun and a full length comedy it was.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love this show and it was much better than Bad Neighbours 2! I'm glad you enjoyed it too! Sharing my review today :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I think this movie should be a must watch for me. It shows that it be a funny movie. Nice post. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oho! Dwayne Johnson's every movie I like...No matter how it is..

    ReplyDelete
  14. Most Dwayne Johnson's movies always aim for laughs for the audiences. I think it is always cool to see him going all macho then turn goofy just to let those come to see his shows happy. :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow that's a nice movie, but I am not sure I will be watching this or not coz there are too many good movies to catch up now.

    ReplyDelete