A sequel to the underwhelming spy spoof starring Rowan Atkinson, Johnny English Reborn features good ideas which are lazily applied in a comedy that will make you smirk but not laugh.

In Atkinson’s gallery of buffoons, Johnny English is his weakest. While Mike Myers successfully lampooned classic espionage films of the ‘60s, Atkinson’s eyes are set on taking the piss out of modern Bond/Bourne, which he does to somewhat successful results.

...Reborn begins with English on a spiritual journey amongst Shaolin monks, strengthening mind, spirit and developing a pair of steel bullocks able to drag a boulder.

Soon his is brought back into the secret agent fold, yet spy life isn’t what it used to be. MI-7 is now owned by Toshiba, misogyny is out and one must always ask for a receipt when on a mission. English’s new assignment is to find who wants to kill the Chinese premiere. Of course, he fumbles everything is sight in the process.

Everyone knows that Atkinson can play the fool unlike any other, but there is something lacking when he brings that skill to the big screen.

It’s not without lack of trying. Director Oliver Parker gives Atkinson a straight action thriller backdrop to wreak havoc upon, and a cast that includes Gillian Anderson as the head of MI-7, the always breathtaking Rosamund Pike, and a suave Dominic West in super spy mood to riff off.

Yet here is no shaking that Johnny English Reborn is essentially a string of sketches held together by the loosest of plots. Some gags more than others. A clever ribbing of that footchase in Casino Royale is a highlight, and Atkinson outrunning the fuzz in a supped up electric wheelchair is perfectly suited to his brand of silliness.

But these moments are few and far between, with the majority of the gags in Johnny English Reborn mildly amusing at best. Demand was not high for a Johnny English sequel, and ...Reborn does not make a strong case for a third outing even if box office is strong.

For Atkinson fans only.