CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE (2016)

Directed By: Rawson Marshall Thurber 
Written By: Ike Barinholtz, David Stassen & Rawson Marshall Thurber 
Story By: Ike Barinholtz & David Stassen 
Cinematography By: Barry Peterson 
Editor: Brian Scott Olds & Michael L. Sale 


Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Amy Ryan, Danielle Nicolet, Jason Bateman, Ryan Hansen, Aaron Paul, Megan Park, Thomas Kretschmann, Kumail Nanjiani


After he reconnects with an awkward pal from high school through Facebook, a mild-mannered accountant is lured into the world of international espionage.

This film plays like the classic buddy cop movies with a high concept. Most of the twists are telegraphs so there are very few surprises and the film at times comes off as silly and stupid.

The first joint-venture between Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures after 20 years, since Twister

To tell you the truth your enjoyment of a he film will depend on how much you buy into the film. Not necessarily the plot, but the chemistry and comedic rhythm that

Dwayne Johnson and Kevin hart have. As they both work well off of one another and have chemistry. Which makes the film more entertaining than it should be. As the films humor is broad and quick. So most of it is disposable. But leads to plenty of huge set prices and situations.Pretty much the film offers everything that you would expect.

Kevin Hart is fun here and pretty much plays his usual role. So his role comes off as typical. It is smart that he is building more his film career by being part entered up with as many comedic stars as he can. So that the films don't rest on him solely and his comedic personality. Which works from a business and star standpoint. Though I would like to see a film that is based more on his comedic personae rather then these buddy films and his stand-up special movies which are profitable. I guess I would really like to see him stretch a bit. Though from his first attempt at stardom and then faltering I can see more his business plan when it comes to film and understand why he is taking his time slowly building it. While also learning from those before him. Which I can't fault him over. Though maybe like some on the fringes I will say I am getting tired of each new film just wondering who he is going to co-star in next. Though the velocity of films with him in it does get tiring only because even in these times where people might have short attention spans. It does feel a bit like flooding the market as every 4-6 months here seems to be a new film. Though more power towards him also. He is working.

Of course with him being so small and matching him up with Dwayne Johnson who always seems so larger than life. Seeing them together he seems so huge compared to him you can't help but laugh at the situations they find themselves thrown into. It goes back to the classic comedic pairs like laurel and hardy and Jackie Gleason and Art Carney the different physical prowess and the manner of situations and reactions they make.

While Dwayne Johnson is a like able screen presence and usually an adequate actor. Here it feels like he is stretching more. As he plays a totally unbelievable corn doc character for him. So much that he sounds strained when talking about all the geeky gongs he loves and being insecure and especially his motor annoying habits throughout the film. It constantly takes one out of the film and feels too much like acting. Sort of like the role he played in BE COOL. It might be just that he can play comedy and comedic roles but not heavy comedic roles. Where he isn't just the straight man or just there to look silly in an outfit. I only bring it up here because it is overwhelms watching this film. As In Other films he is usually ok.

Though if you are a fan I am sure you won't be disappointed.

What shocks most about the film is some of the bigger named supporting casts and cameos throughout.

The action sequences are fun. They are shot well and while sometimes. impressive the fight choreography seems pretty basic. Which works in quick cuts but in longer feel strained and Unimpressive.

The whole endeavor is something you can definitely wait for on cable as it will be a film that is played to death there. Where it will find it's major audience.

Though the film ends up being good popcorn entertainment. It's good as long as you are not looking for anything too deep.


GRADE: C