🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
- Release year: 2016
- Runtime (length): 1h 47min
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10 (223K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 71%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A mild-mannered accountant helps a buff CIA agent, who was once his overweight classmate, save the world from… something, maybe… probably involving accounting?
🍿 Central Intelligence: Detailed Plot Synopsis
High School Flashback
The film opens in 1996, introducing Calvin Joyner, the popular ‘Golden Jet,’ and Robbie Weirdicht, an overweight student. A cruel prank exposes Robbie naked in front of the school, but Calvin shows kindness by giving him his jacket. This act profoundly impacts Robbie.

Reunion and Espionage
Twenty years later, Calvin is an accountant feeling unfulfilled. He reconnects with Robbie, now the muscular and skilled CIA agent Bob Stone. Bob enlists Calvin’s help with a case, pulling him into a world of espionage and danger. CIA agent Pamela Harris warns Calvin that Bob is a rogue agent.

Unraveling the Truth
Calvin is torn between trusting Bob and the CIA. Bob claims he’s trying to stop the ‘Black Badger’ from selling stolen satellite codes. Calvin uses his accounting skills to assist, but soon finds himself in the middle of shootouts and betrayals, unsure of who to believe.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Bob Stone (Dwayne Johnson): A formerly bullied, overweight high school student who transforms into a muscular, skilled CIA agent with a quirky personality and a sensitive side.
- Calvin Joyner (Kevin Hart): A once-promising high school athlete turned accountant who finds himself reluctantly drawn into the world of espionage by his former classmate.
- Maggie (Danielle Nicolet): Calvin’s high school sweetheart and wife, who supports him while navigating their marital challenges amidst the chaos of his newfound adventure.
- Agent Pamela Harris (Amy Ryan): A stern and determined CIA agent who suspects Bob Stone of being a rogue operative and attempts to bring him to justice.
- Phil (Aaron Paul): Bob Stone’s former CIA partner, whose supposed death becomes a central point of contention and mystery in the film.
- Trevor (Jason Bateman): The high school bully who tormented Robbie Weirdicht and continues his antagonistic behavior into adulthood.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Bob Stone: “I’m in a support group for people who have been bullied.” – Bob says this to Calvin, revealing a sensitive side to his tough exterior and highlighting his past experiences.
- Calvin Joyner: “I’m not gonna lie. This is kinda awesome.” – Calvin expresses his excitement amidst the chaos, showing his reluctant enjoyment of the spy life.
- Bob Stone: “Does this look like the face of a guy who’s about to double-cross you?” – Bob asks this question to Calvin, emphasizing his perceived trustworthiness, while his true motives remain ambiguous.
- Bob Stone: “I’m like a unicorn.” – Bob uses this statement to describe his uniqueness and rare qualities as a CIA agent who’s also sensitive and kind.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $50,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $127,440,871
- Worldwide Gross: $216,940,871
💥 Central Intelligence Reviews
Personal Review
I had a blast watching Central Intelligence! The chemistry between Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart is undeniable, and they play off each other so well. There are many scenes that I found incredibly funny, but the movie has some action and good character development. Definitely would recommend it!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart”
- “People who enjoy buddy cop comedies”
- “Viewers looking for a lighthearted action film”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild language”
- “Crude humor”
- “Action violence”
- “Brief partial nudity”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Central Intelligence is a fun but forgettable action-comedy that relies heavily on the chemistry between Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, the plot struggles to have any shred of intelligence to it.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “The film coasts by on the charms and energy of its two leads. While the movie doesn’t break new ground, it delivers enough laughs and action to satisfy.
- Entertainment Weekly: “Central Intelligence is a decent summer blockbuster, but it is made to be good only because of Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart because without them there would be no movie. Overall the plot is good and exciting but a little all over the place.
Audience Reactions
The Rock’s comedic timing and Kevin Hart’s reactions were pure gold.: Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart’s chemistry is the movie’s biggest strength, making it a fun and entertaining watch.
The high school reunion scene had a surprisingly heartwarming message about self-acceptance.: The film is an unexpectedly sensitive to the plight of those bullied in high school in its concluding scene, where Bob finally overcomes his personal demons to take the stage in front of his schoolmates twenty years after being painfully humiliated
Overall Consensus: Central Intelligence is a lighthearted, action-comedy that thrives on the dynamic between Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, offering plenty of laughs and a surprisingly sweet message.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart developed a close friendship during filming and have collaborated on several projects since.”
- “The opening scene featuring a young Dwayne Johnson was achieved through visual effects, superimposing Johnson’s face onto a body double.”
- “Rawson Marshall Thurber, known for comedies like ‘Dodgeball’ and ‘We’re the Millers,’ directed the film, bringing his comedic sensibilities to the action-comedy genre.”
- “The film’s tagline, ‘Saving the world takes a little Hart and a big Johnson,’ was considered clever marketing that captured the essence of the film’s humor.”
🖥️ How to Watch Central Intelligence?
Central Intelligence is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, where you may need a subscription. You can also rent or purchase the movie on these platforms, as well as Google Play, Vudu, and other digital retailers. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Physical copies (Blu-ray/DVD) are available from major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Central Intelligence, you might like these similar films:
- 21 Jump Street (2012): Both films feature an unlikely buddy pairing with one character being more experienced and capable than the other, resulting in comedic action sequences.
- Ride Along (2014): Another Kevin Hart buddy cop comedy where he is paired with a more serious character, creating a similar dynamic of humor derived from contrasting personalities.
- Spy (2015): Features a character who is underestimated due to their perceived lack of experience and skill but surprises everyone with their competence.
- The Other Guys (2010): Highlights the comedic potential of pairing two mismatched cops who must overcome their differences to solve a case.
🛒 Central Intelligence Related Products
- Central Intelligence [Blu-ray]: The Blu-ray edition features extended scenes, gag reels, and behind-the-scenes content, providing hours of additional entertainment for fans.
- Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Action Figure: This highly detailed action figure captures Dwayne Johnson’s likeness and physique, perfect for collectors and fans alike.
- Kevin Hart: What Now? [Blu-ray]: This stand-up comedy performance of Kevin Hart shows some of the humour he puts into Central Intelligence and will create a familiar watch for fans of Kevin Hart.
- Central Intelligence Movie Poster: A high-quality print featuring Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, perfect for decorating any movie lover’s room.
🎧 Soundtrack
Central Intelligence features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” – performed by En Vogue
- “Return of the Mack” – performed by Mark Morrison
- “Hypnotize” – performed by The Notorious B.I.G.
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
It’s an action-comedy that blends humor with espionage elements. The movie relies heavily on the comedic chemistry between Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, but also features action sequences and spy thriller plot elements.
The film highlights themes of overcoming bullying, embracing individuality, and the importance of genuine friendship. It also explores how people can change and find unexpected paths in life.
The Black Badger is Phil Stanton, Bob Stone’s former partner, who faked his own death and was attempting to sell stolen satellite codes. This is a major plot twist revealed toward the end of the movie.
🔥 Bonus Content
How The Rock Face Swapped with Vine Star Sione in ‘Central Intelligence’ | Design FX
Ever wondered how they made The Rock look like a teenager? This behind-the-scenes video reveals the impressive visual effects used to create the hilarious locker room scene.
Kevin Hart & The Rock do hilarious impressions of each other!
Get ready for some laughs! Kevin Hart and The Rock playfully impersonate each other in this delightful interview. Their comedic chemistry is off the charts, and you won’t want to miss it.
Central Intelligence – Bloopers, Gag Reel, Outtakes
Join the cast and crew of Central Intelligence for some hilarious outtakes and behind-the-scenes moments. Prepare to laugh as you watch them crack jokes and make each other break character.
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