Central Intelligence
Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Actors: Kevin Hart
Release Date: Friday 1st July 2016
Genre(s): Factual
Running time: 107 minutes
It's a little nuts that a film starring two of the biggest names in American popular culture is seen as a risk for a studio, but here we are in 2016 where franchises rule and successful, mid-range budget, non-comic book adaptations or sequels are a rarity.
Central Intelligence has done very well at the US box-office, thanks majorly in part to its two stars. The movie's success rested on the chemistry between its leads and both bounce off of each other with ease, delivering laughs and a generally entertaining time in the process.
The film opens with Johnson's obese, teenage Bob being humiliated by bullies in high school; when Hart's popular kid Calvin helps him out in a moment of need Bob never forgets it. Twenty years later and the same high school is about to have its reunion, with Calvin reluctant to go on account of how his life has turned out. Bob meanwhile used the bullies to motivate him and become, well, The Rock. Bob now works as an agent for The CIA - roping Calvin into some Bourne-like shenanigans and invigorating/terrifying him at every turn.
It's a simple set-up for a film that professes to be nothing other than a popcorn chewer for the masses. Director Rawson Marshall Thurber previously helmed Dodgeball and never leaves his cast stranded, allowing the comedic beats to sit in all the right places. The action is sporadic at best, but the film moves along at such a swift pace that it doesn't really matter.
Where Central Intelligence really shines is its surprising amount of cameos, some of which are genuinely funny. One, in particular, has a great line; but there are several peppered across the running time that manage to aide the plot and comedy and not feel shoe-horned in for the sake of it.
But this is a buddy movie at its core; plot and action aside Johnson and Hart are a fun pairing and deliver exactly what you'd expect them to.
Fans of the lead duo won't be disappointed.
