Black & White World

Get Smart (2008)

I walked into Get Smart armed with low expectations and free movie passes, and as such walked out feeling satisfied.  I doubt I would have wanted to pay $11.50 to see it on the big screen, probably would have waited for the DVD to roll around on Netflix.  But for a freebie, for a remake of a classic TV show (an extremely tired genre right now), it was pretty enjoyable.  It coasted by on the considerable charm of its leads.

Probably the biggest objection I have with the script is that Maxwell Smart is such a competent agent.  The fun of the TV show was that Max was a bumbler, and 99 was always covering for his blunders and saving the day—unsung, of course.  I don’t know if this was changed to make him more heroic, or to make it less sexist since 99 never got the credit—whatever the reason, I think it hurts the character.  Likewise, the inclusion of Maxwell Smart’s past life as an overweight man might have worked fine as a simple explanation of why he never passed the agent’s exam before, but didn’t need to be brought up over and over and over again.  After the second mention, it became mean-spirited.

Steve Carell can do practically no wrong in my eyes (I haven’t seen Evan Almighty, though).  Even when he falls back on familiar territory, he’s enjoyable to watch.  Anne Hathaway was good and had some nice Barbara Feldon-ish touches as 99, but she is too young for this part.  Period.  Regardless of how they try to explain it away in the script.  Arkin was a lot of fun too as The Chief.  Surprisingly, I even thought The Rock was pretty good (he’ll never get me to call him Dwayne Johnson).  Some of the shout-outs to the old TV show were fun, some were predictable.  Some were predictable and fun, like the credits sequence with the doors—always my favorite part of the TV show.  If I’d spent $12 on it I would have felt ripped off, but for a freebie I can hardly complain.

1. This is funny. The movie reminded me of the old show so I blogged about it. I come here and you’ve seen the movie.

   Sounds like it’s a DVD flick. I’ll just wait.

   Posted by  on  07/07  at  08:09 PM

2. My word, this is the most up-to-date movie blog I believe I’ve ever seen!

   Posted by Bet  on  07/08  at  03:39 PM

3. It’s so up to date, I’m going to have to start reviewing movies I haven’t seen yet!

   Posted by  on  07/08  at  04:08 PM

4. If you do that Stennie you can get a job reviewing movies at Entertainment Weekly.

   Posted by  on  07/08  at  08:31 PM

5. Since when do you have a movie blog? Look at all the private conversations going on here!

   You’re right, Anne Hathaway did study for this part. “oh Max” - she had that down just right. And the hair toss.

   Posted by  on  07/09  at  02:41 PM

6. I really should tell more people about my movie blog!  Dishy, her “Oh Max” was exactly what I was thinking of—it was perfect.

   Also Duke:  Yes, wait for the DVD.  Save yourself some green.

   Posted by  on  07/09  at  03:10 PM
Page 1 of 1 pages