114 minutes, Action/Comedy, M

There may be an entire foot in height and over a hundred pounds that separate actors Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson in stature, but there is no shortage of chemistry in which they share. From the writers of TV Series “The Mindy Project” and the director of feature film comedies WE’RE THE MILLERS & DODGEBALL: A TRUE UNDERDOG STORY, comes CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE, an action/comedy that pitches the friendly reunion of two high school friends via Facebook that quickly spirals out of control! But the disorder here is not due to an excessive consumption of alcohol and party drug taking. Rather, Calvin’s (Hart) world is introduced to weaponry and a lot of running when he discovers his newest acquaintance, Bob (Johnson) has a number of very serious, and some dangerous people after him.

Every move made by CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE rolls along pretty much as expected, in the first joint-venture since TWISTER (1996) for studios Warner Bros and Universal. Even though CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE is as short as Kevin Hart on surprises, it’s as jumbo in size as Dwayne Johnson for entertainment. On very similar ground to the RIDE ALONG films, CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE is definitely easier to enjoy, mostly thanks to the charm of Johnson and the (almost) Schwarzenegger/DeVito-like pairing of Hart and Johnson. A good time is there for the taking as the high-pitched, fast-talking Calvin go from hopeless victim to helpless accomplice in CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE. Though it never really thrills its audience, nor is it ever hilarious, there is often enough being done –  complete with a couple of welcoming cameos and outtakes during the end credits – to satisfy the audience it appeals to.

2.5 out of 5

CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE – Film Trailer

Viewer Discretion
M – violence, sexual references and coarse language.
The violence is fairly moderate and one scene may be graphic for younger viewers. The language is quite brief yet strong. The sexual references includes rear male nudity and crude & suggestive humour, all of which are acceptable by M rated movie standards.

Moviedoc wishes to thank Universal Pictures and Hoyts Melbourne Central for the invitation to the Preview Screening of CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE.

Review by Moviedoc
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