Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Slapstick-heavy spoof features dumbed-down humor for tweens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Johnny English Reborn
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 18 parent reviews
Parents say that the movie is generally seen as hilarious and entertaining, with many enjoying the slapstick comedy reminiscent of the Mr. Bean series. However, there are significant concerns regarding its suitability for younger children due to instances of mild violence and suggestive content, leading some to suggest it may be more appropriate for kids aged 12 and up.
- hilarious comedy
- inappropriate content
- concerns for children
- mixed reviews
- suitable age recommendation
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 40 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a hilarious mix of action and comedy that entertains audiences of all ages, though some reviews note it contains more violence than its predecessor. Most reviewers recommend it for children ages 8 to 10, emphasizing its appropriateness for family viewing despite occasional crude humor and silly plotlines.
- funny moments
- family-friendly
- action and comedy
- appropriate for kids
- more violent than first
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
IN JOHNNY ENGLISH REBORN, Johnny English (Rowan Atkinson) is hiding out in the mountains of Tibet, living with monks, when he's suddenly called back into spy duty. Director "Pegasus" (Gillian Anderson) needs English to help uncover a plot to kill the Chinese premier. With young agent Tucker (David Kaluuya) as his apprentice and a beautiful behaviorist (Rosamunde Pike) on board to lend her expertise, English still manages to bungle the mission, which is threatened at every turn by an elderly woman who's actually an assassin. As English and Tucker delve deeper into the assignment, they discover that their colleague (Dominic West) might be involved in the nefarious plot.
Is It Any Good?
Here's hoping Atkinson's next project highlights his acting skills better than this silly spy spoof does. Either you're a fan of Atkinson's brand of slapstick humor or you aren't, and if you can't stand the physical comedy or the gags involving him hitting someone he thinks is a villain but is actually a grandmother -- or the Queen! -- then this isn't a comedy worth seeing. And, frankly, even for Atkinson's fans, this isn't an example of his best work, like Rat Race or Mr. Bean's Holiday. A little dash of Atkinson goes a long way (Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral), but an entire film can get tiresome (especially the kicks to the groin) -- even though there will of course be a couple of moments when you can't help but laugh at the absurdity.
A small saving grace in Johnny English Reborn is the fantastic cast. Anderson is one of America's rare actors who can successfully maintain an English accent, West is an underrated actor who should be cast in more than a throwaway supporting role, and newcomer Kaluuya holds his own as the comedic straight man to Atkinson's zany antics.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes spoofs funny. In what way does Johnny English Reborn contain the same elements as a regular spy film like the James Bond movies? How are those aspects turned into comedy?
Why do underdog characters, even silly ones like Johnny, elicit audience support? Who are some other cinematic underdogs we laugh with -- and at -- no matter how bumbling they might be?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 21, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : February 28, 2012
- Cast : Dominic West , Gillian Anderson , Rowan Atkinson
- Director : Oliver Parker
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Adventures
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild action violence, rude humor, some language and brief sensuality
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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