Mr. Bean returns to tepid reviews in China

World
Europe

Released on November 23 in China, “Johnny English Strikes Again” marks Mr. Bean's return to the silver screen after a seven-year hiatus, reminding Chinese audiences of old times.

This time, the British network is attacked by a malicious hacker, and Johnny, who has worked as a teacher since ending his spy career, comes out of retirement to save the country. Reunited with his trusty sidekick, Bough, English takes off in his Aston Martin on a brand new adventure.

Mr. Nobody

Still from the movie "Johnny English Strikes Again." /VCG Photo‍

Some people believe there are three "treasures" of British cinema: Harry Potter, James Bond and Mr. Bean. Compared with the most well-known boy in the magic world and the suave special agent, Mr. Bean seems unimpressive.

He is stubborn and clumsy, but he is so real. When he finds himself in sticky situations, he panics and feels afraid just like the rest of us. People are willing to follow him to experience all of the embarrassing moments in his life.

It took a lot of work for Rowan Atkinson to portray the clumsy character. The 63-year-old actor spent six months doing physical exercises for the movie.

“I'm someone who finds filmmaking, I suspect like many people in my line of work, incredibly stressful and not enjoyable at all,” Atkinson told the New York Times.

“I enjoy the fruits of the film's success if they do well, but I don't enjoy the process. I find it really, really, really hard.”

Mixed reviews

Actor Rowan Atkinson signs autographs at a film screening for "Johnny English Strikes Again" on November 1, 2018, in Shanghai, China. /VCG Photo

"Johnny English Strikes Again” got a tepid 6.8 points out of 10 on Douban, a Rotten Tomatoes-like Chinese website.

Compared with a score of 4.7 out of 10 on Rotten Tomatoes, Chinese audiences' special preference for Mr. Bean is obvious. Although the hero of the film is Johnny English, not Mr. Bean, it doesn't matter. As long as it is Rowan Atkinson, audiences will call him Mr. Bean.

Although the plot has some common stereotypes, fans are still generous with their praise.

“Highly recommend it! He is a classic!” “The film reminded me of my childhood, I am missing the old times so much,” said some fans on Weibo.

Not everyone is so enthusiastic. Sina News posted an article titled, “Mr. Bean's movies should end here and stop wasting audiences' time,” wherein the writer called the movie "mediocre."

“There is no logic. The motivation of the British government, the villainous technology fanatic and Mr. Bean are all unclear,” said the writer.

It appears that Mr. Bean's role may need a few tweaks to satisfy audiences going forward.