He sent me a friend request
Bakang Israel | Friday July 8, 2016 15:26
Some requests are from stalkers, some fake whilst others trouble written or criminal. Central Intelligence comedy takes us on this journey of some of such unlikeliest of friendships. This movie is a 2016 action comedy starring action icon Dwayne The Rock Johnson synonymous for epic blockbusters like (Fast and Furious 7, Hercules) alongside him is stand up comedian Kevin Hart (Get Hard, Think Like A Man). This was the first time the two worked together and they clash to bring us this crazy action meets comedy scenario.
“Central Intelligence follows a one-time bullied geek who grew up to be a lethal CIA agent (Johnson), coming home for his high school reunion. Claiming to be on a top-secret case, he enlists the help of a former “big man on campus” (Hart), now an accountant who misses his glory days. But before the staid numbers-cruncher realises what he’s getting into it’s too late to get out, as his increasingly unpredictable new friend drags him through a world of shoot-outs, double-crosses and espionage that could get them both killed in more ways than he can count”. This film lit up cinema because the same director who also gave you the comedy Were the Millers, directed it. Rawson Marshall Thurber seems to have a knack for hilarious story lines. In this one, he gives movie fanatics a buddy cop film in the same mould as comedies like Ride Along and Let’s Be Cops (2016 and 2014) respectively.
Action
Well I can tell you Central Intelligence is quiet a firecracker. It is so witty and relatable because everyone can relate to it because it exaggerates reunion between old long lost friends. How do you catch up with your former schoolmate, its always relaxed and normal I presume? But not for these two, Bob & Joyner. Immediately Bob (Johnson) gets Joyner (Hart)’s life upside down as the secret service suspect Joyner for aiding and abetting a fugitive.
This then sounds the alarm to the film’s action after a criminal introduction. Like a flea on a dog’s fur that’s how Bob’s troubles rub on Joyner. It gets amusing when Kevin is unfairly blamed by the CIA for accepting a request from a Facebook friend. Just like the reference above (flea on a dog) Joyner (Kevin Hart) our flea in this case has to be on the run for nothing, as whatever Johnson has done implicated him. This comedy thrills movie enthusiasts to thrilling action of brawl fights, gun violence, frantic car, motorbike chases and espionage. There is this particular scene which left movie enthusiasts in cloud nine. Joyner is manhandled by Bob against his will then tossed in a laundry trolley and flung off a sky scrapper. That’s some of the sizzling action stunts that kept fanatics on the edge.
Central Intelligence is a hard-hitting cinema experience because not only does it star Hart and Johnson but also has in store cameo appearances from other comedy icons from blockbuster comedies like Horrible Bosses 2 and Tamy. So the film is star-studded. I can see why the film is still sitting pretty in the top 5 of the box office chart for the second week running. It has good elements of surprises and twists. The plot is very much vibrant and keeps one eyes peeled wide open as for instance it gets the audience jaw dropped when presumed CIA agents turn out to be alive, the walking dead type of scenario.
It also has a great deal of suspense as the CIA, The Rock, Kevin Hart plus us as the audience get on an identity finding mission to discover the real Black Badger. It is intriguing as all parties point fingers at each other. Nobody exactly knows the real criminal behind this alias, as such this manipulations and framing spice things up. Lastly, but not least the film like most comedies addresses real life issues in the best of ways being sarcastic. It has some meaningful messages hidden between the lines as for instance, it addresses bullying, friendship, love story and espionage. Calvin Joyner (Hart)’s relationship is on the ropes, but thanks to his troublesome Bob, he manages to somehow rekindle what’s left of it. Also the film cinematography is on point and when watching Central Intelligence you will enjoy an urban lifestyle drama. It has a bit of computer generated imagery special effects as it showcases Dwayne The Rock Johnson looking like The Nutty Professor. The film was a fun joke. Brace yourself for one of its punch lines below.
Quotes
My personal favourite moment in the film is this weird moment of a false relationship therapy session by Bob on Joyner and his unsuspecting naive wife Maggy. This also compliments the quotes of the film.
From the movie that share C.I humour
Bob to Joyner [let’s play a role playing exercise Calvin you be yourself and I’ll be Maggy] stare into my eyes is called soul gazing. The talkative Joyner (Kevin) gets a nudge from Bob for disturbing the therapeutic moment.
Joyner (Kevin).... slaps Bob who is pretending to be Maggy back in the face.
Maggy ....Maggy reacts as if Kevin slapped her directly, after Bob yelled you hit your wife. Maggy pretends that Joyner violently put a dent on the relationship instead of mending it.
Reception
Central Intelligence is currently the second biggest comedy release so far after animation Finding Dory. So far, with two weeks in circuit, according to box office, this comedy is having a positive reception. From a production budget of $50 million C.I currently occupies 3rd spot on the chart with a worldwide sum of $85 million. It premiered a week back, June 17 rising to second spot with $35 million sales behind then #1 film The Conjuring Horror.
Top five movies in the world currently courtesy of box office.
1.Finding Dory
2.Independence Day: Resurgence
3.Central Intelligence
4.The Shallows
5.The Conjuring 2
Ratings
Central Intelligence is a cool comedy but does not reach the level of Ride Along; I rate it a 7/10 so let’s see if the franchise continues further beyond this first installment.
Movie: CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE
Genre: Action| Crime| Comedy
Duration: 1 hour 54 mins
Age Restriction: PG
Release Date: 24 June 2016
Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Main Cast: Bob (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson),
Calvin Joyner (Kevin Hart), Amy Ryan
Agent Pamela