‘Get Smart’ is Enjoyable but Forgettable
-----In this film based off of the old spy spoof series of the same name, ‘Get Smart’ rode the wave of Steve Carell’s current popularity. With a strong supporting cast, this looked like it could be a comedy for the ages. It is not.
When a secret attack by the evil rival agency KAOS jeopardizes all of CONTROL’S agents, pencil pusher Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell) is called upon. He’ll have the help of the sexy Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) as he tries to bring down KAOS. Whether or not the two will survive their mission or each other is the driving force behind this film.
-----Steve Carell is the only choice for this film. Using his own personality and charm mixed with the classic characters motivations; he effectively makes this film a funny two hours. Without his comedic ability both physically and in the one-liner category, this film would fall flat numerous times. Anne Hathaway is back to having fun after her recent drama driven performances, and she does well as she tries to endure her reluctant team up with Max as Agent 99. Playing the straight role in a film filled with bizarre characters, she too gets a good number of laughs through her interactions with Carell. The strong and often humorous supporting cast includes Masi Oka (from TV’s ‘Heroes’) who teams up with Nate Torrence as CONTROL’S nerdy scientific brain-trust. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson plays stud Agent 23. Even Bill Murray gets in on the fun in a cameo role as Agent 13.
-----There is no doubt that there are a good number of laughs in this comedy tailor-made for Carell’s talents. The script does go on the occasional tangent, but humor is the driving force behind the film. Unfortunately, while the cast has a great time and the audience will also be enthusiastic during the film, there isn’t much material you’ll remember a week out from it. A small dosage of convention is the big problem that acts as the film’s Achilles heel.
-----Many of the action sequences are surprisingly well shot due to some well played cinematography and crisp editing. One of the film’s better points comes from the spoof action sequences working as well shot, quality, and always funny scenes. All of these points help the film, but as I previously mentioned, there’s just a little too much material we’ve seen resold thirty times previously whether it’s in ‘Austin Powers,’ ‘Johnny English,’ or any number of the hundreds of spy spoofs out there.
-----The final product will initially be thought of as a highly entertaining Carell comedy. However, as the days pass you’ll find yourself looking back rarely, if positively, on this film. Fans of the original series should find enough nods and integrity towards the source material to be satisfied, but this is in no way a strict retelling of the classic ‘Get Smart’ television series. When all is said and done, there’s no impending need for a repeat viewing of the movie. Despite the inspired cast and effective visuals, this isn’t quite the keeper I hoped it would be.
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