Johnny English [DVD]

I came upon this film purely by chance after scanning through the TV channels one day. Finding nothing else that interested me, I elected to watch it: though a little sceptical of past spy spoofs that for me had not reached the mark. This film, I feel, has been grossly underrated. After watching it, I concede to having never laughed out aloud so much since the iconic Pink Panther series. The precarious situations the hapless Johnny English (Rowan Atkinson) finds himself in, though generally predictable, come to life with Atkinson's inimitable, humorous portrayal of the MI7 agent’s bungling antics, as he blunders on in search of the French villain Pascal Sauvage (John Malkovich). Stealing the crown jewels, Sauvage's plan is to be crowned king of England, but his covert intention however, is more devious, seeking to turn England into a single, state penitentiary. As touched upon earlier, there have been other spy spoofs, but in Atkinson’s performance, he applies his unique sense of humour where I find myself spontaneously giggling out aloud? continuously reminiscing scenes from the film. Bof, (Bough, Ben Miller) is priceless in his support role, and works well with Atkinson. While extracting his superior from countless embarrassing situations, I defy anyone to maintain a straight face during the amusing repartee they generate between them. The Queen’s abdication from the throne of England is finally achieved by one of Sauvage’s henchman. In a scene where the Queen, under duress, is asked to sign away the throne she nobly declines, only to be forced into submission by a threat placed upon one of her corgis held at gunpoint. Finally, after many exploits, we anticipate a steamy clinch between the heroin (Natalie Imbruglia) and the triumphant Johnny English in his Aston Martin. The camera focuses on the control panel, and in particular, the eject button. His lips puckered, English, with elevated passion, leans across towards his lady and hits the eject button and elevates the lady through the car-roof instead. Though a predictable finale, the entire film had me mesmerised throughout, and prompted me to order the complete series. Subsequently reading critical reviews on the film’s release reveals to me how such opinions can be misleading. I adhere to a personal criteria where I am the reviewer, and what does not appeal to me is the deciding factor. Without any reservations, I can recommend the Johnny English spy spoofs where the cast, headed by Rowan Atkinson, give it all they have got, and continue to maintain me in stitches every time I watch them...CJB

Rowan Atkinson is the best comic actor of his generation. The 'Johnny English' series is an excellent showcase for his talents.

Love this film, quality entertainment. Rowan Atkinson is a genius

We bought the video because my son was bored one day.... and we did right. Atkinson continues to have a 'voice' in the script, I think ?? and if he does not then we have found a versatile writer who writes for this actor with ease.If ever you want to laugh at Bond - and haven't found all the ways in which it is a parody of itself, then watch this film. It is hard not to laugh out loud. Everyone comes in for it, the secret service, women's prediliction for reading competence into a situation when her paramour is a what the americans call a 'clutz', the queen, the villain type, and the French of course get it in the neck....Simplicity is the key. And maybe a certain style which Rowan Atkinson alone can bring to the inadequate Englishman image. Are you getting the idea I might admire this Atkinson ? Yep - right on that one.Enjoy with the friends (you used to be young with) when you first noticed these things. . . as I did. Good for young and old. No uncomfortable moments - only one bottom.No need for a glass of wine - just a glass of lemon barley will do. It will all be happening on that screen.

This review refers to the Blu-ray release I rented from Lovefilm By Post. I may sound like a purist but I am attached to the DVD release which was one of the first DVDs I bought. The menu in the Blu-ray is different and the only special features are "The Making of Johnny English" and the "Deleted Scenes". The DVD release also had "Character profiles", DVD ROM features for the PC and an "Observation Test" required to access the "Deleted Scenes". On the Blu-ray there is a cut in the deleted scene when Sauvage assassinated the Colonel with a lift disposal unit in which the flames and the Colonel screaming is removed but it is still implied he was burned. However it is still good to see the film in high definition and I see that the text onscreen is the original from the VHS and possibly the theatrical release unlike the subtitles on the original DVD. I would recommend streaming the film on Amazon Video if your broadband is fast enough and get the original DVD for special features.

Can’t fault this movie still makes me laugh 😂 he’s a brilliant actor honestly !

Made me and mine nephew laugh a great movie

My favourite comedian anyway and very entertaining. Agent one is killed because 'the submarine door would not open' and Johnny English is brought in to shadow a would-be pretender to the throne of England after the Queen is forced to resign or lose her corgi. Pascal Savauge (John Malkovich) is a soppy Frenchman (the pretender) and English has to keep tabs on him even as he builds a replacement Archbishop of Canterbury to crown him King of England.English is joined by Ben Miller as Bough and the slightly miscast Natalie Imbruglio (is that right) as a motor-riding accomplice.The very best scene is at the end where these two come together in his car and are just about to kiss and then.......Atkinson plays it with his usual smooth clumsiness and drags Bough along with him even when Bough is right. To me this is his best character as he actually gets to deliver dialogue rather than his squeaks and gurns as Mr Bean I also have his Reborn movie which is just as good and very funny.