Got Smart

[sdelmonte]

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.

Comments

[lunamystic]

I loved it, particularly for Alan Arkin. The swordfish had me in stitches. And really, all Dwayne has to do is stand there and raise his eyebrow, and I'm giggling helplessly.

Yes, I'm easily amused. :)

[sdelmonte]

The swordfish line was worth the admission. Arkin is one of the most under-appreciated comic actors we have, and it's good to see him make a little cash to boot.

[mabfan.livejournal.com]

It was an enjoyable film. At the moment, though, it's not the film I would tell someone to see if they can only see one film this summer. So far, that's still Iron Man. But I haven't seen Wall-E yet, and The Dark Knight hasn't been released...

[sdelmonte]

I actually liked it more, even though Iron Man is a somewhat better film. I think that's because I like Max so much more than Tony Stark. Max' earnestness and intelligence trumps Tony's cockiness.

[scifantasy.livejournal.com]

And one joke that is clearly from Mel Brooks.

Shpilkis?

[sdelmonte]

It's got to be.

[scifantasy.livejournal.com]

Not that I disagree--just making sure I had the right joke. *grin*