Review: Johnny English Strikes Again (2018) - Is It Worth Watching?

Ms. Felicia Heaney I 12 May 2025

Is laughter truly the best medicine, even when dispensed by someone utterly clueless? Johnny English Strikes Again firmly answers with a resounding "yes," serving up a potent dose of slapstick and spy-spoofing sure to tickle the funny bone, even if it occasionally strains credulity.

Rowan Atkinson returns as the titular Johnny English, the accidental secret agent who, against all odds, keeps managing to save the day, albeit with a trail of hilarious destruction in his wake. This time around, disaster has struck in the form of a cyberattack that exposes the identities of all active undercover agents in Britain. With MI7 in disarray, the government is forced to call upon its only remaining option: the retired and decidedly analogue Johnny English, currently teaching at a minor prep school. His mission? To find the mastermind hacker and prevent further chaos.

The premise is simple, but the execution is where the film finds its footing. Atkinson's physical comedy is, as always, a masterclass in controlled chaos. He embodies the character with a blend of unwavering confidence and utter incompetence, creating a comedic tension that fuels much of the film's humor. Whether he's battling virtual reality simulations, grappling with modern technology, or simply misunderstanding basic instructions, Johnny English remains a consistently entertaining presence.

Johnny English Strikes Again, released in 2018, wisely avoids reinventing the wheel. It sticks to the formula that made the previous installments successful: a mix of spy-genre parodies, over-the-top action sequences, and Atkinson's signature brand of physical comedy. The film also benefits from a strong supporting cast, including Emma Thompson as the Prime Minister and Olga Kurylenko as the enigmatic Ophelia Bhuet, whose allegiances are not immediately clear. Kevin Eldon and Adam James also contribute to the comedic ensemble, rounding out the cast.

While the plot itself may be somewhat predictable, the film's strength lies in its ability to deliver consistent laughs. The humor is broad, often relying on slapstick and visual gags, but it's executed with enough skill and energy to keep the audience engaged. The film also pokes fun at the absurdities of modern technology, contrasting Johnny English's analogue methods with the digital world he's forced to navigate. This juxtaposition provides a fertile ground for comedic misunderstandings and mishaps.

The film's release was somewhat staggered, with the United Kingdom and United States initially slated for an October 12, 2018 release date by Universal Pictures. However, the US release was later moved up to September 20, 2018, before ultimately being pushed back to October 26, 2018. The film also saw an earlier release in Portugal on October 5, 2018, courtesy of Cinemax Angola. This varied release schedule likely contributed to the film's global box office success.

Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, who gave it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a Metascore of 39, Johnny English Strikes Again proved to be a hit with audiences. Its blend of familiar comedic tropes and Atkinson's enduring appeal made it a crowd-pleasing entertainment option. The film's success can also be attributed to its accessibility; the humor is broad enough to appeal to a wide range of viewers, and the plot is simple enough to follow without requiring extensive knowledge of the previous films.

The film's humor, while often silly, is generally good-natured. It avoids relying on mean-spirited jokes or offensive stereotypes, opting instead for a more lighthearted and playful approach. This makes it a suitable choice for families and viewers who are looking for a feel-good comedic experience.

While not a groundbreaking cinematic achievement, Johnny English Strikes Again delivers exactly what it promises: a fun and entertaining spy spoof. Rowan Atkinson's performance is the film's main draw, and he doesn't disappoint. His physical comedy skills remain as sharp as ever, and he brings a genuine charm to the character of Johnny English. The film's supporting cast also contributes to the overall comedic effect, and the plot, while predictable, provides a solid framework for the humor.

Ultimately, Johnny English Strikes Again is a testament to the enduring power of slapstick comedy. It's a film that doesn't take itself too seriously, and its willingness to embrace silliness is one of its greatest strengths. If you're looking for a lighthearted and entertaining way to spend an hour and a half, this film is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to suspend your disbelief and embrace the absurdity of it all.

The film also plays with the fish-out-of-water trope, placing Johnny English, a man deeply rooted in analogue methods, in a world increasingly dominated by digital technology. This creates numerous opportunities for comedic misunderstandings, as English struggles to adapt to the new technology and often finds himself outsmarted by even the simplest gadgets. This theme resonates with many viewers who may feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of technological advancement.

Furthermore, the film subtly critiques the reliance on technology, suggesting that human intuition and common sense still have value in the modern world. Johnny English's old-fashioned methods, while often clumsy, ultimately prove to be effective in solving the case. This message provides a comforting counterpoint to the often-uncritical embrace of technology in contemporary society.

The action sequences in Johnny English Strikes Again are, as expected, over-the-top and unrealistic. However, they are executed with a sense of comedic flair that prevents them from becoming boring or tedious. The film embraces its absurdity, using the action sequences as opportunities for slapstick and visual gags. This keeps the tone light and entertaining, ensuring that the film never takes itself too seriously.

The film also features several memorable set pieces, including a sequence in which Johnny English infiltrates a luxury yacht and accidentally wreaks havoc on a group of wealthy guests. This scene is a classic example of Atkinson's physical comedy at its finest, and it provides some of the film's biggest laughs. The film also includes a thrilling chase sequence through the streets of London, which showcases English's driving skills (or lack thereof).

In addition to its comedic elements, Johnny English Strikes Again also offers a subtle commentary on British identity. The character of Johnny English embodies certain aspects of British stereotypes, such as his unwavering politeness, his love of tea, and his tendency to blunder through situations with a stiff upper lip. The film uses these stereotypes to humorous effect, poking fun at British culture while also celebrating its unique quirks.

The film's success can also be attributed to its effective marketing campaign. Universal Pictures released several trailers and promotional materials that highlighted the film's comedic elements and Atkinson's performance. The campaign also tapped into the nostalgia factor, reminding audiences of the previous Johnny English films and their enduring appeal.

While Johnny English Strikes Again may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it is a well-crafted and entertaining comedy that delivers exactly what it promises. Rowan Atkinson's performance is the film's main draw, and he doesn't disappoint. His physical comedy skills remain as sharp as ever, and he brings a genuine charm to the character of Johnny English. The film's supporting cast also contributes to the overall comedic effect, and the plot, while predictable, provides a solid framework for the humor. If you're looking for a lighthearted and entertaining way to spend an hour and a half, this film is definitely worth checking out.

The film also benefits from its relatively short runtime. At just 1 hour and 29 minutes, it doesn't overstay its welcome. The pacing is brisk, and the film keeps the jokes coming at a steady rate. This ensures that the audience remains engaged throughout the entire viewing experience.

Ultimately, Johnny English Strikes Again is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things in life are the most enjoyable. It's a film that doesn't try to be anything more than what it is: a fun and entertaining comedy. And in that respect, it succeeds admirably. So, if you're looking for a good laugh, be sure to check out Johnny English Strikes Again. You might just find yourself surprised by how much you enjoy it, even if you're not typically a fan of slapstick comedy.

Beyond the immediate laughs, the film subtly explores themes of aging and relevance. Johnny English, a relic of a bygone era, is forced to confront his own obsolescence in a world that has moved on. His struggles to adapt to modern technology reflect a universal anxiety about keeping up with the times. However, the film ultimately suggests that experience and intuition still have value, even in a technologically advanced world.

The dynamic between Johnny English and Ophelia Bhuet adds another layer of intrigue to the film. Kurylenko's portrayal of the enigmatic spy is both alluring and mysterious, leaving the audience guessing about her true intentions until the very end. The chemistry between Atkinson and Kurylenko is surprisingly effective, adding a romantic spark to the otherwise comedic proceedings.

The film's ending, while predictable, is nonetheless satisfying. Johnny English, against all odds, manages to save the day once again, proving that even the most incompetent spy can be a hero. The film concludes with a sense of optimism and lightheartedness, leaving the audience with a smile on their face.

In conclusion, Johnny English Strikes Again is a worthy addition to the Johnny English franchise. It's a fun, entertaining, and ultimately harmless comedy that is sure to appeal to a wide range of viewers. Rowan Atkinson's performance is the film's main draw, and he delivers a classic performance that is both hilarious and endearing. If you're looking for a lighthearted and escapist form of entertainment, Johnny English Strikes Again is definitely worth a watch.

Johnny English Strikes Again (2018) Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB)

Johnny English Strikes Again (2018) Posters — The Movie Database (TMDb)

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Review: Johnny English Strikes Again (2018) - Is It Worth Watching?

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