Central Intelligence (2016)

After he reconnects with an awkward pal from high school through Facebook, a mild-mannered accountant is lured into the world of international espionage.

Director:

Rawson Marshall Thurber

Writers:

Ike Barinholtz (screenplay), David Stassen (screenplay)

Stars:

Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Danielle Nicolet

2 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dwayne Johnson	...	Bob Stone
Kevin Hart	...	Calvin Joyner
Amy Ryan	...	Agent Pamela Harris
Danielle Nicolet	...	Maggie
Jason Bateman	...	Trevor
Aaron Paul	...	Phil
Ryan Hansen	...	Steve
Tim Griffin	...	Agent Stan Mitchell
Timothy John Smith	...	Agent Nick Cooper
Sione Kelepi	...	Young Robbie
Dylan Boyack	...	Trevor - 17 Years Old
Thomas Kretschmann	...	The Buyer
Megan Park	...	Waitress
Slaine	...	Thugged Out
Annie Kerins	...	Lady MC

Storyline

Calvin Joyner was voted in high school the guy most likely to succeed. 20 years later he's an accountant. As his high school reunion approaches, he tries to make contact with his old schoolmates. And someone named Bob Stone contacts him. He says that he was known as Robbie Weirdicht in school. Calvin remembers that he was picked on, as a matter of fact after an extremely nasty prank he left school. They agree to meet and Calvin is surprised by how much he has changed. Bob asks Calvin to help him out. He says yes and the next thing he knows some men burst into his home. They're CIA, the one in charge is looking for Stone, she says he's a rogue agent. When they can't find Bob they leave. Later he approaches Calvin telling him, he is not a rogue agent, he's trying to find a person known as the Black Badger who is planning to sell some information that in the wrong hands can be disastrous. so he needs Calvin's help to stop him. Calvin's not sure whom he should believe.

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Plot Keywords:

profanity | high school | rogue agent | accountant | cia | 

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Taglines:

Saving the world takes a little Hart and a big Johnson

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Genres:

Action | Comedy | Crime

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for crude and suggestive humor, some nudity, action violence and brief strong language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA China

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 June 2016 (USA)

Also Known As:

Central Intelligence

Filming Locations:

Burlington, Massachusetts, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$50,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$35,535,250, 19 June 2016

Gross USA:

$127,440,871

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$216,972,543

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Line Cinema, Universal Pictures, RatPac-Dune Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min 116 min (Unrated)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital Dolby Surround 7.1

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In one scene, Dwayne Johnson's character makes a reference to both the movie Pitch Black (2000) and its lead actor Vin Diesel. Both Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson have appeared together in the last four out of eight Fast and Furious films.

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Goofs

After their first meeting in the bar (between Bob and Calvin), while walking out to the motorbike (and after the ride), Bob goes from sneakers to open sandals and back.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Trevor - 17 Years Old: Man, I told you Robbie Wheirdicht showers here during first period.

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Crazy Credits

At the very end of the credits, Bob yells out "fanny".

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Connections

Featured in Top Gear: Episode #23.3 (2016)

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Soundtracks

My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)
Written by Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy
Performed by En Vogue
Courtesy of Elektra Entertainment Group
By arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing

User Reviews

The polarizing duo might not have the best chemistry, but each has their own quirky way to entertain

It's quite possible that they cast Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson just to make "Little Hart, Big Johnson" pun. As far as buddy cop goes, this contrasting nature can provide some chuckles, however the espionage them might not hit all the marks. Still, there are significant amount of scenes where laughter is secured by sheer timely body language and jokes alone.

Dwayne Johnson plays as Bob, a CIA agent who tries to reach out to his old friend. This escalates into a chase for secret files and national security. The way Bob is presented relies heavily on juvenile gag and demeanor despite his imposing physique, this is fun at first but it hampers the credibility as an agent. The movie wants to add some bullying subplot which is commendable, although it doesn't have the depth to accommodate it.

Kevin Hart is excellent in creating reactions and gestures. He's surprisingly identifiable with high school nostalgia and occasional self-doubt. Many of the good moments come from his outbursts and babbling. The script has a few nifty pop references and sometimes even witty gags, so the comedy is not just slapstick throughout and undermines the "intelligence" in the title.

There are serious undertones of adult life or self-acceptance even though they are not fully fleshed out. Action is pretty light, it's passable without being too demanding. The most important thing is it's enjoyable. Sure, there are a few awkward moments, yet they make the best out of it to present a light humorous spectacle, a better buddy cop gimmick than expected.