Got Smart

Get Smart is a lot better than it has any business being. It relies on some forms of humor I don't like, it has the sort of events that if it were happening in the real world would be really scary and not at all funny, and it can't make up its mind if it's a satire, a sitcom about a spy agency, or a light-hearted but serious action film. And yet, I really enjoyed it.

Steve Carell is an inspired choice to reinvent Maxwell Smart without aping Don Adams. Alan Arkin has perfect timing to deliver his numerous hysterical lines. Anne Hathaway is...well, he's very pretty and has decent talent but she's no Barbara Feldon. There are funny cameos, there are some small but snarky pokes at Dubya, there is even Masi Oka. And one joke that is clearly from Mel Brooks.

All in all, this is a funny, silly, entertaining summer movie. And if you are a fan of the old TV show - as I have been for years - the use of the old catchphrases and of some of the old props is a bonus.

Hey, Avatar Fans

This is for all the Avatar fans out there (which is everyone but me - sorry). Nickelodeon is airing all the remaining unaired episodes form Juny 14 to July 19. That's 10 episodes in five nights, including the last four on July 19.

For more info, go here.