Official film poster of “Johnny English Strikes Again” used under fair use for editorial review.


Johnny English Strikes Again (2018): A Spy Comedy Reloaded

Introduction
Directed by David Kerr, Johnny English Strikes Again (released in 2018) returns Rowan Atkinson’s bumbling secret agent for a third globe-trotting caper. When a cyber-attack exposes all of Britain’s undercover operatives, the government reluctantly recalls Johnny English (Atkinson) from retirement. With the world’s spies compromised, only English’s old-school methods—and spectacular ineptitude—stand between global security and digital catastrophe. Packed with slapstick gags, absurd disguises, and affectionate James Bond parodies, Johnny English 3.0 proves that sometimes the worst spy is the only one you’ve got left.

1. Plot Overview

A rogue hacker steals the identities of the entire MI7 field force and leaks them online, leaving Britain defenseless. Prime Minister (Emma Thompson) and the new tech-savvy Head of MI7, Pegasus (Ben Miller), have no choice but to reactivate Johnny English. Paired with sharp-witted tech analyst Bough (Ben Miller) and rookie agent Ophelia (Olga Kurylenko), English must track the cybervillain “Kris Cough” to his lair. Their mission leads them from London’s sleek data centers to the sun-drenched shores of St. Lucia, where English’s outdated gadgets—like a malfunctioning pen-grenade and exploding teacups—collide with modern surveillance. After a series of comedic misfires, English corners the hacker at an isolated mansion, saves the day with an accidental overdose of “old-fashioned” espionage, and restores MI7’s digital defenses.

2. Direction & Parody Style

David Kerr directs Strikes Again with a lively hand, balancing lovingly crafted action set pieces with broad physical comedy. The film opens with slick hacker montages—code scrolling on neon screens—before cutting to English’s chaotic arrival at MI7’s headquarters. Kerr stages chase sequences (a bumper-car skirmish at a cybersecurity conference) with quick, punchy edits, while quieter scenes—English’s disastrous attempts at digital fingerprinting—use longer takes to let the humor breathe. Costume and production design riff on Bond iconography: English sports a slightly ill-fitting tuxedo, and the villain’s lair features kaleidoscopic LED walls. Composer Howard Goodall sprinkles in retro spy-theme motifs alongside modern synth beats, underscoring the film’s juxtaposition of old and new.

3. Performances & Chemistry

Rowan Atkinson returns as Johnny English, mastering his signature blend of stoic deadpan and physical buffoonery. English’s unwavering confidence—despite constant failure—anchors every gag, from mistaking a robotic vacuum for a surveillance drone to practicing suave poses in a bullet-proof vest. Ben Miller’s dual turn as Bough and Pegasus offers comedic balance: as Bough, he’s the exasperated straight man; as Pegasus, he’s the overly smug tech guru. Olga Kurylenko brings genuine charm as Ophelia, whose competence highlights English’s antiquated methods. Emma Thompson’s brief cameo as the Prime Minister adds witty gravitas, and Jake Lacy impresses as the smooth, slippery hacker behind the crisis. The cast’s interplay—respectful nerd meets clueless legend—fuels both the humor and the heart.

4. Key Comedy Set Pieces & Gadgets

Johnny English Strikes Again sparkles with inventive sequences:

  • Tech Conference Chaos: English sabotages a self-driving car demo, turning it into a bumper-car mayhem.

  • Exploding Tea Service: A seemingly harmless tea set becomes English’s most lethal gadget—often at the wrong moment.

  • Underwater Spycam: English bungles a dive-mission with a malfunctioning camera, leading to comic flailing and involuntary “yakking.”

  • St. Lucia Showdown: A rooftop chase across slick red-tiled roofs culminates in English triggering an ancient waterwheel to trap the villain.

Each gag pays homage to classic spy tropes while celebrating English’s bumbling brilliance.

5. Themes & Series Evolution

At its core, Strikes Again is about outmoded heroism in a digital age. Johnny English’s reliance on instinct and improvised tactics—unpredictable to both allies and enemies—becomes his greatest asset when algorithms fail. The film affectionately critiques society’s dependency on technology, showing that sometimes human error is the best defense against mechanical precision. By updating English’s world with hacking, drones, and data breaches, the series stays fresh while honoring its slapstick origins.

Conclusion & Rating

Pros:

  • Timeless physical comedy by Rowan Atkinson

  • Sharp parody of modern-spy clichés

  • Charming supporting cast that accentuates English’s folly

Cons:

  • Some jokes feel repetitive for long-time fans

  • Limited suspense beneath the humor

Rating: ★★★★☆

Which English gadget failure—exploding tea or robotic vacuum fiasco—had you roaring? Share in the comments below or tweet us @ReelMeetsComic!