Between The Rock and a Hart Place
Central Intelligence
Review by Ross Anthony

A slow start. I love Kevin Hart's stand-up, but this movie stalls until DJ arrives on the scene. However, once Dwayne appears, wow (as per his character and stature) he's a powerful force: confident, bright, and childlike. Kevin comes to life then as well. Of course, it's their interaction that generates the momentum of the film. That said, the script itself is no slouch. It's got mystery, a vague sketch of a plot (which is all it really needs), keep-you-guessing-ness, fun action and lots of comedy, and even some good old fashioned warm heart.

Jason Bateman is perfectly cast utilizing his one or two moments of screen time to knock it out of the park. If you want a good time at the cinema, check out "Central Intelligence." There's even an anti-bullying message built in. And don't leave the theatre before the bloopers reel at the end. It had me laughing till I was crying as it revisits (among others) one of the funniest moments of the film: "Soul Gazing." A strong B+.

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  • Central Intelligence. Copyright © 2016.
  • Starring Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Bateman, Amy Ryan, Danielle Nicolet. Warner Bros.

Grade..........................B+ (2.5/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Sunday, 03-Jul-2016 13:19:37 PDT