With loads of action, quirky humor, jazzy music, and shoe phones, Get Smart has admirably mimicked the blend of genres and innovations that made the original series so memorable, and while diehard fans will likely pick apart what this re-envisioning doesn’t get right, it’s almost impossible not to laugh at Steve Carell’s ludicrous onscreen antics.
Over-analyzing analyst Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell) dreams of becoming an official Agent for the top secret government organization CONTROL, and longs to execute action-packed spy missions like his idol, the charismatic Agent 23 (Dwayne Johnson). When CONTROL headquarters is attacked by longtime nemesis group KAOS and many of the Agents’ identities are compromised, Smart is promoted to Agent 86 and partners with the unwilling Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) to thwart the villainous group’s latest plan for world domination.
Whether or not Steve Carell perfectly embodies Maxwell Smart, he certainly knows how to handle his comedy. Excelling at both physical and verbal-stemmed laughs, Carell makes the tumbles look as easy as his notable style of quick quips and clever observations, and the funnyman seems to garner chortles even when the rest of the crew can’t quite muster an equal energy. Anne Hathaway provides the good looks and serious attitude to counter Agent 86’s incessant jokes, and the pair’s onscreen chemistry gels nicely throughout the majority of the film. A few slips and failed retorts interrupt the flow of their characters’ progressions, but are quickly forgotten in the grand scheme. Alan Arkin furnishes several of the funniest moments in the movie and the Academy Award-winning actor never misses a beat when the camera turns his way. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson again confirms his status as a reliable comedic presence and laudably supports the leads. Many interesting cameos perforate the film, and while they’re amusingly recognizable, they’re also regrettably wasted. Few draw laughs with clever dialogue or comedic prowess, but rather produce a quick smile for those that get the reference or enjoy the recognition.
The humor throughout Get Smart always orbits around Carell and his singular style of comedy. Those that don’t take a liking to his brand of wit will undoubtedly be less amused, as he is clearly the driving force behind the vast majority of the entertainment value present. While Carell’s lines are rarely delivered without a magnetic humor, many of the conversations lose their luster midway, due to faltering dialogue and a lack of focus on creating the biggest laughs. Several of the extravagant set-pieces end with many a missed opportunity to supply more hilarity, and lots of little laughs spread the truly uproarious moments too thin. While a healthy dose of romance, drama, and some truly spectacular action scenes appears commendable, the devotion to these components often shortchanges the comedy.
From exotic locales to storm drains, and Moscow to Disney Hall, the action and humor follows Maxwell Smart at breakneck speed. A few feeble gags and missed chances at grand hilarity can’t ruin the fun; and while they might have “œmissed it by just that much,” it’s not enough to detract from Carell’s dynamic performance and the inspired comedy that trails closely behind.
MoviePulse
Genre: Comedy, Thriller and Adaptation
Running Time: 110 min.
Theatrical Release Date: June 20th, 2008
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some rude humor, action violence and language.
Directed By: Peter Segal
Starring: Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Arkin, Terrence Stamp
SCORE = 8/10
seth says
Missed it by that much…. this movie is not a 8/10 its more like a 9.5/10! great movie. do yourself a favor and go see it this weekend!
Joseph C. Cavella says
(Get Smart movie review)
As one of the writers of the original “Get Smart” TV series, I was sadly disappointed by the new “Get Smart” movie–I can’t understand why remakes don’t at least talk to the original material writers. Maybe it’s kind of, “I want to do it myself, mom.”
That said, for the writers of the next remake, here’s a tip: The essence, the fun of the Don Adams character was his child-like confidence and his bravado (not unlike the character often played by Bob Hope) presaging the inevitable catastrophic blunder. “Sorry about that.” Seeing a man slip on a banana peel is funny. Seeing a pompous man slip on a banana peel is infinitely funnier.
Any writer charged with vetting Agent 86 should start by studying the origin of the character–Don’s early nightclub routines. His defense attorney bit: “Look at those trim ankles, the well turned calf. Now I ask you. Are those the legs of a homicidal maniac?”
Joseph C. Cavella
HowToWriteComedy.com
Michael R. Mennenga says
Mr.Cavella,
I can’t agree with you more. While remakes seem to be the trend, there is little left for us fans who grew up and loved the source material.
(Don’t get me started on what they did to Mission Impossible.)
As Hollywood continues on it’s journey to rape all of my childhood, we will continue to educate the masses on that which worked best the first time around.
Bhushan Gandhi says
Real class moive i loved to watch the funny things done by Carell and also the movie has a great action in it.
i will give this movie 4/5