Synopsis:
The story follows a one-time bullied geek, Bob, who grew up to be a lethal CIA agent (Dwayne Johnson), coming home for his high school reunion. Claiming to be on a top-secret case, he enlists the help of former “big man on campus,” Calvin (Kevin Hart), now an accountant who misses his glory days. But before the staid numbers-cruncher realizes 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 Calvin can count.
What We Thought:
Central Intelligence is a lot funnier than I expected it to be. I don’t know why I didn’t have high expectations for it going in, but I found myself laughing more than not.
I love The Rock. I love him even when he’s just Dwayne Johnson. Whatever that proverbial “It” is, he has it by the truckload. He’s a movie star. He’s funny and has a big smile and is physical and has heart and just everything you want. He’s a legend in and out of the ring.
I love Kevin Hart’s stand up. I’d pay to see Kevin Hart do comedy. I think he’s hilarious on stage and even though I’ve heard it a thousand times already, “Say it with your chest” still makes me laugh. But for some reason, I haven’t been a fan of his films.
I think that‘s what my reservations about this film were about, him being in it. I knew I’d love The Rock’s character, but was hesitant about Hart. While watching the film, that all went away. Hart gets to be the more “Straight Man”, the reserved character while Johnson is the over the top crazy one. Hart doesn’t have to be the big punchline guy and gets laughs being just an accountant in a crazy situation.
Their chemistry is perfect. You have Johnson, a monster of a man, opposite Hart, this little guy. That makes you laugh right away. Add in both of their impeccable comedic timing and their back & forth is flawless. There’s some outtakes in the end credits that proves how great that set must have been with those two together.
The film’s your classic buddy comedy. It’s even a little action comedy as well. You expect action from Johnson, but seeing Hart doing some of the same things the former WWE champion does is funny as well.
My biggest issue with the film is the message. I’m so over this anti-bullying crap of today. The Rock’s character was a fat kid who got bullied in the 90s and thrown out in an assembly buck naked. Hart’s character comes to his defense. So the whole movie is about how bad bullying is yet if he wasn’t bullied, would he have turned his life around, got into shape and become a CIA agent? No. Bullying has and always will exist. It’s not just an issue of today like people think it is. Get over it.
That being said, I still found Central Intelligence quite funny. I’d watch a sequel or another movie with Hart and Johnson together. I liked seeing Hart in the more reserved role and I’d like to see more of that from him. If you like both guys, if you like buddy comedies or action comedies, than the movie is…
RECOMMENDED!
Cast & Crew:
- Dwayne Johnson
- Kevin Hart
- Aaron Paul
Recommended If You Like:
- Ride Along
- Pain & Gain
- The Rock and/or Kevin Hart
The Nerds Templar 