Bad Company

Try “Bored Company.” Potluck casting finds audacious comedian Chris Rock filling dual roles, first playing a murdered CIA agent, and then playing the agent’s street-smart twin who’s recruited by our government to complete his brother’s planet-saving assignment.

A subdued Anthony Hopkins lazily works his way through as Rock’s frustrated mentor, though the Academy Award winner couldn’t look more disinterested if he tried. Early gags work well in this brawn-for-brains spy rehash, sparked by Rock’s natural charisma and observational quips. But a logical conclusion completely eludes director Joel Schumacher, whose bland paint-by-numbers approach to filmmaking robs the proceedings of any suspense. Ultimately, “Bad Company” unsuccessfully attempts to fit a mere 2 pounds of story into a 5-pound bag, leaving room for a lot of dead space.Grade: D

Updated: June 7, 2002 — 11:47 am