16 Critically Dismissed Recent Movies (That Weren't As Bad As You Think)
5. Johnny English Reborn
Rotten Tomatoes: 38% (Average Score: 4.81/10)
Critical Consensus: Arguably a marginal improvement on its mostly-forgotten predecessor, Johnny English Reborn nonetheless remains mired in broad, tired spy spoofing that wastes Rowan Atkinson's once considerable comedic talent.
This one suffered exactly the same fate as its 2003 predecessor, Johnny English. The original film is actually a very fun spy spoof and while its silly style won't be for everyone, it's still a hell of a lot better than most spoof films. Ditto for Johnny English Reborn.
Johnny English Reborn might have a weak story but it is nevertheless a very enjoyable and frequently funny affair that benefits fully from Rowan Atkinson's comedic gifts and some rather inventive set-pieces, making it very entertaining cinematic comfort food.
Therefore, the negative reviews do feel ridiculously harsh, especially when some other pretty terrible modern comedies (looking at you, Hot Tub Time Machine) managed to get generally positive reviews from critics.