Atomic Fangirl

Nutshell: Hart and Johnson make a great team in Central Intelligence, a film that focuses on the funny and puts the serious business of espionage on the back burner.  That’s a good thing; here, it’s the connection (real or perceived) between the two characters that drives the film.  That, and some wicked-cool dance moves.  A bit too implausible at times, even for a comedy, and there’s a sense of missed connection with these characters..  But the unflinching look at how your experiences in high school can shape who you become grounds the film.  Grade: B

Ever wonder what you could have been after high school?  Or maybe you’re wondering what life will hold for you once you switch that tassel from right to left?  Well, you may not be as badass as Dwayne Johnson’s superspy Bob Stone, but you probably didn’t go through his particular high school hell either.  (At least I hope you didn’t.)  Bob, who in high school was overweight, awkward, and so became the class pariah, grew up and bulked up.  Twenty years later, he seeks out “his only friend” from high school, 1996’s BMOC Calvin “Golden Jet” Joyner (Kevin Hart).  Why?  Because Calvin was kind to Bob when Bob needed him the most.  Of course, there’s a hidden agenda; Bob knows that Calvin is an amazing accountant, and needs Calvin’s help cracking some files. Meanwhile, Calvin, who feels he hit his peak in high school and went downhill from there, is less than thrilled at the possibility of getting in deep with a possible rogue CIA agent.  Yep.  Seems Bob may be trying to pull one over on Calvin so Bob can sell out the good ol’ U.S. of A.  Cue the buddy comedy! Continue reading →