Get Smart Review
Steve Carell plays Maxwell Smart with Anne Hathaway & Morgan Freeman
Time and again classic television shows or movies have been remade with disastrous results. Well-developed characters and plotlines are often lost in the translation. However, this summer has seen a remake that actually brings a fresh new look at the spy comedy, “Get Smart.” The original starring Don Adams and Barbara Feldon was a hit television show from 1965-1970. Viewers still remember classic lines (“Missed it by that much!”) that make appearances in the film. The movie is filled with laugh out loud moments and impressive special effects.
Steve Carell Brings the Laughs as Maxwell Smart
Perhaps the best part of this film is Steve Carell. He got his start on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and has won over fan’s hearts on NBC’s “The Office” as clueless Michael Scott. But until now, Carrell has been equivalent to box office poison. His lavish production of “Evan Almighty” disappointed critics and fans alike. But his star turn in “Get Smart” may change his luck. Carrell’s comedic timing is right on target as bumbling new agent Maxwell Smart. He finds himself on a mission with beauty Anne Hathaway as Agent 99, and although the couple doesn’t really convey the romantic chemistry the film wants them to have, they still have a realistic relationship as partners fighting crime.
Along with Hathaway, the film’s supporting characters help to make this movie succeed. Dwayne Johnson (formerly known as the Rock) turns up as Agent 23, and the supremely funny Alan Arkin plays the Chief. The relationships between characters work because the rest of the cast seems to understand they’re just playing straight men to Carrell’s slapstick antics. No one is trying to steal the spotlight, which results in a balanced script.
The Special Effects
Another extremely successful component of the movie is the special effects. Director Peter Segal has until now worked strictly on comedy ventures—films like “50 First Dates” and “Tommy Boy.” His jump to a film with a lot of action is very effective. Even scenes that depict violent and dangerous situations always contain an appropriate level of hilarity. The onsite locations also help to add an authenticity to the film. Scenes shot in Russia, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles help the film to feel grounded.
Overall, “Get Smart” is just plain entertaining. There are no gratuitous scenes, making this a movie that families can enjoy. It seems Carrell has finally found the vehicle that will sustain his film career.
