Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong
Central Intelligence is a PG-13 amusement ride for that summertime crowd at the Movies. It stars Kevin Hart as Calvin “The Golden Jet” Joyner. With special effects make-up Hart is turned into a high school hero destined for greatness. While accepting an award his senior year Calvin takes time out to save a fellow classmate from humiliation.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson plays the classmate, a socially inept obese kid with a big heart and the name Weirdicht. Flash-forward 20 years and The Jet has fallen short of his hopes, while Robbie has bulked-up and become a CIA operative. It’s quite the twist, Kevin Hart is playing the straight man. The Rock is the character, and his performance here is on-par with his work on Pain & Gain. He understands the camera, he shoots his way through things, and he knows how to charm the pants off others.
Director Rawson Marshall Thurber has added more comedy gold to his trophy case. Though Central Intelligence is not the R-rated romp it should and could have been, it is hilarious and suited to a wider audience. With writers like Ike Barinholtz (Neighbors & The Mindy Project) it’s a Film that helps us laugh at life. After all, it’s hot outside, it’s cool inside, and Central Intelligence is a Popcorn Flick prepped to lighten your load. Levity is one of Film’s many gifts, and every so often it’s nice to enjoy it. So for those of you looking for something new, something light-hearted with tons of star power, look no further.
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release Friday, June 17, 2016.
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