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Movie Review: 'Get Smart' Print E-mail
Written by Terry Hunter - thunter@kgmb9.com   
June 28, 2008 05:12 PM

 
Steve Carell and Ann Hathaway star in "Get Smart," an action--comedy based on the hit TV series from the 1960's. And to me, the movie is better than the TV show.

If you enjoy watching Carell in his own hit TV series, "The Office," you'll probably get more than a few laughs from "Get Smart." Here he's plays Maxwell Smart as a bumbling fool with just enough brains to keep you from totally dismissing him. Plus, the script is funny and his co-stars have a lot to contribute.

This twenty-first century spy spoof doesn't try to duplicate the TV show. Instead it reinvents the characters. The film's Maxwell Smart is a desk bound analyst who finally gets a chance to become an agent for the spy agency known as Control when the identities of all the other agents are compromised.

Agent 99 is included, of course, but as played by Anne Hathaway, 99 is already a professional agent who resists having Agent 86 (Smart) for a partner.

Dwayne Johnson (better known as "The Rock") plays one of the compromised agents who's frustrated and unhappy that he must now work in the office.

Terrence Stamp is terrific as a play-it-straight villain who heads Kaos, the enemy agency that threatens to give nuclear capability to unfriendly countries. And the wonderful Alan Arkin plays the big cheese at Control.

One of the things I especially like about "Get Smart" is the way it makes fun of the kind of spectacular action scenes common to the big summer blockbusters. After Carell and Arkin crash through all sorts of obstacles in a borrowed car, their vehicle finally comes to a stop. Arkin is dazed, staring at the sharp bill of a swordfish replica that is protruding through the shattered windshield just two inches from his face.

Carell says, "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"I don't know," Arkin replies. "Were you thinking holy *****, holy **** , a swordfish almost went through my head. If so, yes."

"Get Smart" is not a great movie, but it works very well as an entertaining summer comedy.



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Last Updated ( June 28, 2008 08:41 PM )
 

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