The latest in a string of buddy films, at first take Central Intelligence isn’t providing us with anything new. It’s a comedy about a CIA agent and his high-school friend who are trying to save the day. Dwayne Johnson nails his role as the big, muscle-bound spy Bob Stone who is working to stop the sale of satellite encryption codes. One of Hollywood’s latest golden children, Kevin Hart, is the short man, best friend who gets wrapped up in Bob Stone’s plans.
What ensues is often ridiculous and certainly not based in reality, but who cares? The jokes are non-stop and the punch lines come so fast it’s hard to recover from your last bit of laughter in order to go into another one. In short, we’re “in” on the jokes, we know it’s not meant to be real, and we’re laughing all the way through (special kudos to the CGI team who make us believe in a younger, overweight Johnson).
But while the movie is certainly funny, and Johnson proves himself a comedian while Hart shows his ability to play the straight man; its real strength lies in its sincerity. As with all buddy films, the movie isn’t only about the jokes, but the ability to make you believe these dudes are friends. Central Intelligence definitely succeeds in this goal. The chemistry between Johnson and Hart is perfect and you leave this movie believing these guys are actually, really good friends (they are also planning to do a remake of the movie, Jumanji, together). The authenticity of their friendship is what really makes this movie stand! It’s like watching two of your own high school or college buds getting back together, and like all good movies, it provides a cathartic experience of taking a break away from your daily life in order to re-engage in good times with your own buds.
Read a Central Intelligence review at http://www.tulsaworld.com/homepagelatest/movie-rewind-central-intelligence-is-outrageous-full-of-heart/article_bba0111d-f62e-5796-8b13-25afba901c81.html
~Steven Hold