Director: Louis Leterrier.
Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Mark Strong, Penélope Cruz, Isla Fisher, Rebel Wilson.
Now, there has been many a time friends and myself have ridiculed certain films envisioning a comical or spoof version, even of films we adore. Cohen writes a story that's precisely that. What if James Bond had that annoying, beyond stupid brother that just ruins every moment they share.
Action director Louis Leterrier, who's best work would be the Statham vehicle, The Transporter, MCU's Incredible Hulk and the first Now You See Me, actually puts his skill into play here creating some clever action sequences. In particular, Strong's character introduction which even though feels like a cheap copy of Hardcore Henry's POV style, it's actually very well done and entertaining, but then it should be no surprised that Hardcore Henry's creator and director Ilya Naishuller served as a consultant for that very sequence.
Mark Strong plays the super spy, special agent Sebastian Graves, oozing finesse, control and confidence where he's reunited with his long lost older brother Grimsby's very own Nobby, played by Cohen. I would like to say he's the village idiot but it seems the town's complete population is of the same caliber. (this bares no relation to the real people of Grimsby!)
The plot makes good for stupid antics however, most are not that funny and are probably for an acquired taste of comedy. Cohen makes good use of each comical opportunity, imagining what an idiot would do if they suddenly became a secret agent.
I have no idea why Penélope Cruz would take such a part, and she's does a terrible job. Isla Fisher is understandable, being Cohen's wife and Rebel Wilson is exactly who you expect.
Films these days seem to allowing a lot of unnecessary genitalia scenes, especially of the male variety and it seems to be a growing trend, thankfully, not literally. But this is just uncouth but I suppose it has the desired affect. (Edit: Not the most uncouth filthy film of 2016, nothing's gonna quite top Sausage Party)
Unfortunately, as much as Cohen is talented and funny, often pushing the comical boundaries far and beyond inappropriate, it's fairly awful and not one of his best. Strong is actually really good and can't imagine how hard it must have been starring opposite Cohen.
Some people should find this film hilarious, but it did nothing for me apart from make me cringe and be semi-impressed with Graves' introduction.
Running Time: 4
The Cast: 6
Performance: 5
Direction: 5
Story: 5
Script: 3
Creativity: 5
Soundtrack: 3
Job Description: 1
The Extra Bonus Point: 0
Would I buy the Blu-ray?: No.
37% 4/10
