Every now and again a movie comes along that does everything it should, everything it can do, and still isn’t well received. Get Smart is one of those films.
The film, which starred Steve Carell as Maxwell Smart, Anna Hathaway as Agent 99, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Agent 23, and Alan Arkin as The Chief, is a remake of the classic Mel Brooks 1960’s television parody of the super-spy genre.
The main complaint given by critics of the film is that it is “too plot-heavy.” I can understand this critique, but it’s a stupid thing to say. For a few reasons.
Those of you who are looking to see Anchorman, look for a different movie. This isn’t it. This movie has a plot. It’s not an overbearing plot, it’s a plot, with an introduction, a rising action, climax, and resolution. What happens in-between, however, is what makes it a good movie - and that’s the comedy.
See fans of Steve Carell aren’t stupid, and neither are the critics that adore him. He’s actually brilliant. What he’s been doing over the last few years is try to redefine comedy. When he was at San Diego Comic Con 2007 Mr. Carell spent a lot of time talking about how comedy takes place in everyday lives.
There are things in this movie that aren’t exactly jokes. They’re not physical comedy, but they’re still funny. Get Smart isn’t slapstick, but it’s still funny. In fact, a lot of the ridiculous humor from the show slipped its way in (like Steve dangling from a suicide hotline banner behind a flying plane).
Which leads me to another thing - this adaptation is incredibly faithful to the original. Steve Carell is perfect as Maxwell Smart. It even has the cone of silence, still in development after all these years.
the cone of silence
Bottom line, fans of the original series will love this film, as will fans of Steve Carell. Anyone else with a sense of humor who doesn’t mind movies that have a decent plot will enjoy this as well.
presstheactionbutton
vaultdweller13
waufreak89
malcolmchaos7
Thanks for the review.
I’v been wondering if this movie was any good.
Being a big fan of the original Get Smart, I didn’t want to be disappointed.