Rowan Atkinson returns as Britain’s most clueless spy in Johnny English Strikes Again, the third entry in the long-running spoof series that blends James Bond satire with slapstick absurdity. Released in 2018, this film embraces its formulaic silliness, offering a breezy and old-fashioned comedy that relies heavily on Atkinson’s gift for physical humor.
When a cyber-attack exposes the identities of all active British agents, MI7 turns to its least connected—and least competent—former operative: Johnny English. Dragged out of retirement, he embarks on a mission to track down the hacker responsible, armed with old-school spy gear and a profound misunderstanding of modern technology.
What follows is a globe-trotting chase involving magnetic boots, VR headset mishaps, exploding gum, and a prime minister (played with surprising charm by Emma Thompson) desperate to appear competent in front of a sinister tech billionaire.
The film’s best moments come from Rowan Atkinson doing what he does best: exaggerated facial reactions, wordless panic, and physical gags that evoke the spirit of Mr. Bean or Inspector Clouseau. A standout sequence involves English navigating the real world while wearing a virtual reality headset—blissfully unaware that he’s assaulting innocent pedestrians and driving a bus off-course.
The humor is unapologetically broad, and while not every joke lands, the film maintains a cheerful, clean tone that makes it ideal for family viewing.
That said, Johnny English Strikes Again plays it safe. The story is thin, the villains underdeveloped, and the satire mostly surface-level. While the first Johnny English (2003) felt like a sharper parody of spy cinema, this installment coasts on nostalgia and Atkinson’s comedic instincts. Younger audiences may find it charming, but critics noted its lack of depth or innovation.
Still, at a tight 90 minutes, the film never overstays its welcome.
Johnny English Strikes Again is a harmless, goofy romp that delivers exactly what you’d expect—Rowan Atkinson in top comedic form, bumbling through espionage with a smile. It’s not groundbreaking, but for fans of light-hearted spy spoofs and physical comedy, it’s a pleasant throwback to simpler cinematic laughs.
