Central Intelligence

Calvin Joyner is a cautious accountant whose high school glory days feel distant. A casual Facebook message from a former classmate leads to a reunion that pulls him into an unfamiliar world. The once awkward peer has become a confident, physically imposing figure with access to secrets and danger Calvin never imagined. As old insecurities meet this new reality, the pair plunge into a globe spanning maze of covert missions, mistaken identities, and high velocity chases. The mismatched duo relies on sharp banter and stubborn loyalty while navigating a world where trust is rare and misdirection is everywhere. What starts as a risky alignment slowly tests friendship, courage, and the idea that ordinary life can still surprise you and real risk.

Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, Central Intelligence comes from an original screenplay by David Stassen and Ike Barinholtz. The film was released in 2016 by New Line Cinema and centers on the chemistry of its two leads, delivering brisk action.

Worldwide box office reached $216,972,543, well above its $50,000,000 budget, marking a solid return for the studio and solidifying Johnson and Hart as a bankable on screen duo, with performances in North America and audiences worldwide throughout the global market.

Johnson and Hart deliver a mismatched buddy dynamic that helped define the buddy cop setup for a new generation, blending over the top action with banter. The film sparked memes and talk of cross genre pairings, while physical humor sits beside moments that touch on workplace dreams and personal growth.

Critics noted the film moves at a brisk pace and benefits from the duo's rapport, balancing humor with chase sequences. Themes include friendship amid change, the pull of ordinary life against extraordinary roles, and how courage can emerge from unlikely places. The humor also deepens their unlikely friendship for audiences.