Action sequences can't save `Johnny English'

"Johnny English" / Rated PG

Rowan Atkinson, best known as Britain's "Mr. Bean," has morphed less than successfully into a top secret agent in "Johnny English."

After a tragic accident leaves all of Britain's top agents dead, government desk clerk Johnny English is ordered to find the assassins while simultaneously guarding the sacred crown jewels.

The jewels are stolen from the London Tower while under Johnny's diligent-but-somewhat-inept watch. With the help of his sidekick, Bough, Johnny sets off to find the thieves. Wild car chases that lead to blundering messes cause Johnny to suspect the thief might be one of Britain's most respected citizens, Pascal Sauvage.

Johnny's bosses won't consider this theory and try to keep Johnny away from Sauvage. Of course, Johnny sneaks into Sauvage's home and confirms his suspicions.

What's more, Sauvage plans to use the jewels to crown himself king.

Though this spy spoof may seem a little more attractive than the "Austin Powers" flicks, don't let it fool you. Atkinson may be fabulous as television's "Mr. Bean" or as comic relief in "Rat Race," but movies just don't seem to be his thing. He can't pull off a full- blown feature film.

While the movie contains some great action scenes, complete with sky diving, helicopters, nice cars and cool gadgets, director Peter Howitt can't sustain the film with this flimsy cast. It's too bad pop star Natalie Imbruglia is kicking off her movie career with such a mediocre film.

John Malkovich as Sauvage fell far below my expectations. With his horrible French accent, it's hard to say whether you should hate Sauvage for his villainry or Malkovich for playing him so poorly.

Ben Miller as Bough is the film's only redeeming character. He squeezes as much from his role as he can.

Though it might be good for a few chuckles, this movie isn't what the previews lead you to believe. It's the kind of movie you see when you're desperate to get out of the house.

Even then, avoid this film if you're fond of the Queen of England or hate potty humor. Both are featured prominently in "Johnny English."

Grade: C

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