Deep Cover, Amazon's latest film foray, posits the question, ‘What happens if improv comics became undercover agents?' It is a great premise, although derivative of the darkly funny HBO show Barry. Deep Cover is a fun romp for the 1hr 40 min run time and is a good Saturday night movie on the sofa. However, it won't win any awards for being groundbreaking. The film stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom, Nick Mohammad, and is directed by Tom Kingsley.

In Barry, the joke was always that Barry wasn't necessarily doing acting, although other characters thought he was. He was literally a lean, mean, killing machine. Deep Cover flips this. Bryce plays Kat, a US expat in London and an improv teacher, wondering when or if her big break is coming. Before she knows it, Sean Bean as Billings the cop is recruiting her for undercover work. He's had the great and wacky idea that people skilled at improv can help take down some small-time criminals. Almost immediately, the plan goes awry. Kat's initial picks for teammates are unavailable, so she ends up with her last resort. Marlon (Orlando Bloom), an actor trying to escape being best known as a pizza mascot, and Hugh (Nick Mohammad), a mild-mannered man who is a delight to watch.

Bryce isn't fluid with comedy roles. She shines through in dramatic roles, so it leaves one wanting at times. Her role is mostly straight, which works to some level, although someone like Kristin Wiig would have been a better fit. Orlando Bloom is more at home with his role. For someone who in real life has presumably struggled to escape being known for Legolas and Will Turner, there is an air of authenticity surrounding his character. He's funnier than one expects and deserves to do more comedic roles. One hopes that this is the return of Orlando from his semi-retirement. The real star is Ted Lasso's Nick Mohammad. He plays a meek character, who simply decided to do improv for self-confidence, and he is perfect. He plays his role to big laughs and the movie is worth watching for him. His scenes with kingpin boss Fly (Paddy Considine) are exquisite.

The plot struggles at times with being even-keeled and lags a bit towards the end. But it's certainly ambitious and quirky! Some viewers might find the premise a bit too ridiculous though. To be fair, stand-up comedy has that effect even in real-life. Director Tom Kingsley does the best he can with the script from Colin Trevorrow, Derek Connolly, Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen (the latter two being part of the comedy duo The Pin who also make a cameo appearance). Their British comedic touch can be felt throughout. The action scenes have a disparate quality to the comedic moments and in general, aren't as strong. Peppered throughout are various comedians in surprising roles, which are all a pleasant surprise.

All in all, if you are looking for a movie to watch with either your kids or partner, Deep Cover fits the bill. You could easily take a quick break to get a drink from the fridge without feeling like you're missing too much.

Deep Cover will be released on Amazon Prime on 12 June.