Top Cast
After he reunites with an old pal through Facebook, a mild-mannered accountant is lured into the world of international espionage.
Critic Consensus
Critical reception for Central Intelligence is mixed, leaning mildly positive. The most consistent praise goes to the lead performances, particularly Dwayne Johnson's comedic physicality and the chemistry between Johnson and Kevin Hart, which several critics found genuinely funny and entertaining. Common criticisms include a thin, unfocused plot, uneven pacing with sluggish stretches, and jokes that some found silly or lowbrow. A few critics also noted that the genre elements distract from the film's emotional core rather than supporting it.
6 rated reviews · 4 positive · 2 mixed
AI-generated summary of 8 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyCritic Reviews (8)
Updated“Central Intelligence may be a buddy-comedy, but it's Johnson's movie all the way. And it's been a while since I've clutched my stomach so hard or have my face hurt thanks to laughing so hard. So if you want some light-hearted fun while attempting to survive the summer heat, this is it.”Read full review ↗
“Technically, the film is astutely crafted. Barry Peterson's camera work is noteworthy and his visuals are accompanied by Ludwig Goransson and Theodore Shapiro's music, which is seamlessly layered by Michael L.Sale's efficient editing. Overall Central Intelligence is a fun film only if you park your intelligence for a while.”Read full review ↗
“The trouble lies in director Rawson Marshall Thurber's patchy handling of the story. There are moments when the film is slow and sluggish, and then it is on steroids with hyper action. Those are the moments when you thanks god that you are in this ride with a big Johnson and a little Hart. Also, watch out for the cameos both credited and not.”Read full review ↗
“The film's deft pace, it's frenzied silliness, punchy wisecracks coupled with the Johnson and Hart's deft handling of the situational comedy holds your interests despite the threadbare plot. It's a genuinely funny film so be prepared for a part deux soon.”Read full review ↗
“The film attempts to employ elements of genre — like most other similar films, including director Rawson Marshall Thurber's superior We're the Millers (2013) do — as a mere background (a circumstance, an environment) for the actual crisis: individuals helping reach each other emotional maturity, but in this case, they end up serving as an unfortunate distraction.”Read full review ↗
“Speaking of comedy, the punches and the Black guy jokes are silly. The action scenes are decent and work to certain extent but the film is avoidable on the whole as it lacks 'intelligence'. If you are still a fan of the genre, watch The Nice Guys instead.”Read full review ↗
“Watch Central Intelligence for The Rock's insane action moves and Kevin Hart's comic mastery. Watch it if you want to laugh your heart out, this weekend!”Read full review ↗
“Central Intelligence is a high-school chick flick, and rather fittingly ends at a high-school reunion, in which Robbie, for some reason, has to parade himself naked in order to get over the traumatic bullying incident that has scarred him for life. I wasn't sure what the big metaphor here was, but I'm pretty sure his last name, Wheirdicht, had something to do with it.”Read full review ↗
Cast & Crew
Cast
- Dwayne Johnson · Bob Stone
- Kevin Hart · Calvin
- Amy Ryan
- Danielle Nicolet · Maggie
- Aaron Paul
- Timothy John Smith · Agent Nick Green
- Megan Park · Lexi
- Rawson Marshall Thurber
- Scott Stuber
- Ike Barinholtz
- Theodore Shapiro
- Ludwig Göransson
- Barry Peterson
- Michael L. Sale
- Ed Helms
Director
Screenplay
Story
Cinematography
Editing
Producer
Details
- Release Date
- 17 June 2016
- Runtime
- 1h 47m
- Language
- English
User Ratings & Reviews
2 ratings · 0 with a written review













