Directed by : Rawson Marshall Thurber
Written by : Ike Barinholtz, David Stassen, Rawson Marshall Thurber
Starring : Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Amy Ryan, Danielle Nicolet
Release Date : June 15, 2016
Being in the action-comedy buddy movie genre, "Central Intelligence" doesn't exactly break any sort of new grounds. The familiar plot progression is present. The pairing of two opposites working together is expected. The mysterious premise is not that original. However, Director Rawson Marshall Thurber seems to be aware about how this movie may come across from initial impressions, and works with that knowledge to the benefit of the film. Then there's also the movie's secret weapons that are Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart.
It's hard not to find the charm and entertainment value of seeing Dwayne Johnson as a former teenage fat kid turned into a muscle bound strong guy CIA secret agent, and Kevin Hart as the average guy facing a sort of mid-life crisis who realizes that his glory days were way back when he was in High School. Johnson has an infectious energy of positivity, while Hart is the cautious straight-man that we get to relate with. These two together is just a winning combination and their chemistry is absolutely top notch here.
Despite the fact that the whole movie has that air of familiarity, it's the fun banter between Johnson and Hart that should keep you watching. The movie is filled with scenes and moments that I simply found enjoyable to see play out. Moments like when Agent Bob Stone conveniently ignores Accountant Calvin "The Golden Jet" Joyner's protests against doing anything that will put him in trouble. Then there are scenes when Bob Stone display incredible feats of spy tricks that defy explanation, all at the expense of Calvin Joyner's bewilderment.
While the actors and the premise might get you to check out "Central Intelligence," I should point out that there are some important story themes that adds a little bit of weight to the fun story. Even then, if you can basically ignore any of the flaws the movie does have, then you should be entertained by it.
lovedit ENJOYED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible
