Overlong and surprisingly dull, this remake/sequel to the 1995 Robin Williams vehicle sounds much better on paper than it plays out on the screen. Mind you, the concept is inspired and for the most part the casting is strong: Dwayne Johnson can make just about anything watchable, while there’s engaging assistance from Jack Black and Rhys Darby. However, Johnson isn’t given much to do beyond expository dialogue, Black is forced to spin his wheels as a one-note joke, and an overly caffeinated Kevin Hart manages to drain every one of his lines of their comedic potential through his screechy delivery. Add in a preposterous two-hour running time, and you have a recipe for a missed opportunity that should have been a winner but ended up landing at the audience’s feet with a splat.
Rating: ★★ (out of 5)
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