Johnny English

This film had such poor reviews at its premiere and such a lukewarm reception from film fans that I avoided it by a wide margin and only watched it years later on television. Maybe because I expected nothing, I was pleasantly surprised. The result, admittedly, is not dazzling, and there are certainly much better films in the genre, but it’s enough for a 60% overall impression. I actually suffered at times with the film version of Mr. Bean, and Johnny English is at least a class better. Although the film suffers from inconsistency, the dull moments are interspersed with genuinely funny ones, and most importantly, Rowan Atkinson can do more than just Bean-like grimaces; his acting range is much broader. (30.04.2007)

“He knows no fear. He knows no danger. He knows nothing” The film pokes fun at English agents in a rather humorous way, and Rowan Atkinson gives the British Secret Service a whole new dimension. It was funny to watch the merry-go-round of English's blunders that start at the beginning of the film and don’t stop during the end credits. There was a deaf spot here and there – and yes, Atkinson is more suited to short gags like in Mr. Bean – but I still enjoy watching the escapades of Britain's most inept agent from time to time. (05.09.2023)

Johnny English is an elegantly shot film, but it makes you laugh less than you would have expected. Natalie Imbruglia doesn’t know how to act with her eyes and John Malkovich is “terrible”! :-) Rowan Atkinson is fine and he looks surprisingly good in an elegant suit. I want to see him in a dramatic role! (17.04.2003)

I thought, or rather remembered the film as being quite funny. In the English version, I found that the only thing that's really funny here is Malkovich's English with a crazy French accent. Johnny English's character is so interchangeable that it's not even nice, and the film can be very disappointing in terms of comedy. (23.05.2017)

An enjoyable parody of Bond films in a purely British style. But with almost no humour. It doesn't impress, it entertains, the film embarrasses itself a few times, and it thrills in about three moments. Ideal harmless average, perfect for TV. (14.04.2005)