Movie Review: Get Smart

Way back in 1965 a television series appeared on sets all across the nation that spoofed the spy film. Created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry teamed up to bring the exploits of Agent 86, aka Maxwell Smart (perfectly portrayed by Don Adams), to the small screen. The show was a success and went on for five seasons. In the mid 1990's an attempt to bring the show back, again with Don Adams in the title role, was attempted but only lasted a few episodes before being cancelled. Now we have the big screen version, a film that has had a few fits and starts over the past decade before cameras finally rolled in 2007. Originally, the project was prepping in 1998 with Jim Carrey attached to play the lead. I am thankful that version never came to fruition, as I cannot see anyone but Steve Carell in the lead.

When the first trailers appeared for Get Smart, I must admit that I had hopes for it. Regardless of the story and my lack of experience with the original television series, the casting looked perfect. Right at the top of the casting pyramid is Steve Carell, who looks, sounds, and acts the part. One of the funnier aspects of his performance is how much it resembles his Michael Scott character on The Office. Rather than being a knock on his performance here, I believe it is a bit more eye opening towards the influences on the Scott character. Either way, there is no one better suited to play the bumbling yet confident wannabe spy.

Back to those initial impressions, while I liked the original trailer, subsequent trailers felt weaker all around and did not help foster those hopeful feelings. I began to get the feeling that this was going to turn into another I, Spy, a movie that is an all right watch on cable, but as a theatrical film is considerably less so. I went in hoping, guardedly, for the best.

At it pertains to plot, Get Smart does not have much of one. On one side you have CONTROL, a super secret spy organization that rivals the CIA, on the other side is KAOS, the Russian equivalent. The story involves KAOS chief Siegfried (a cold and calculated Terrance Stamp) and his plot to destroy the Disney Hall in Los Angeles, where the president is taking n a special live performance. This comes after KAOS learns who all of CONTROL's field agents are and take them out. You know, get rid of the competition makes achieving the primary goal all the simpler.

The story seems simple enough, makes you wonder what the appeal of the movie is. The answer is simple, it all goes back to Steve Carell and the central character of Maxwell Smart. You see, Get Smart is not about the plot, the story is secondary to the arc followed by Maxwell. This is a movie that is about a dream, it is about living the dream, of working hard for what you want, even if what you want is not an ideal fit for you. It is something like going to Fantasy Camp, you know those middle-aged men who go to Florida to play baseball with retired stars, have fun, and compete with the players you grew up watching. Maxwell Smart is that guy. He is clearly not cut out for field work, he is not incompetent, but he lacks the real world sensibilities to be successful despite all of his book smarts. There is also a little hero worship, evidenced by his interaction with the agency's star attraction, Agent 23 (Dwayne Johnson).

When we first meet Maxwell he is a top analyst where he translates Russian chatter, writes up long-winded reports and discusses, in great detail his findings. All this while training hard for field work, taking the tests year after year in the hopes of being promoted to field agent. When all of the CONTROL agents are hit, the Chief has no other choice but to promote Smart to the field, where he becomes Agent 86 and is teamed with Agent 99 (Ann Hathaway). She is clearly more experienced than 86 and is not prepared to train on the job. The relationship that develops is interesting, as 86 keeps getting in trouble that requires 99 to aid in his continued well being. Still, despite 86's blunders, he always manages to come out on top, successful in spite of himself.

All through the film, we ride along with Maxwell Smart as he lives his dream. He is in the field, fighting the bad guys and saving the world. It is not that he is bad at the job or does not know what needs to be done; it is this fact that makes him an intriguing character. It could have been very easy to write the character as an incompetent bumbler who cannot do anything right. Fortunately, screenwriters Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember, who previously teamed for Failure to Launch, do not take the easy route and make Smart an interesting character, intelligent but not truly field ready.

Director Peter Segal does a good job of keeping the movie surging forward with a blend of action and witty one-liners. This is James Bond if James Bond was a truly comedic figure. The technology and bad guys are along similar lines and they both feature some good stunts and funny lines, it is just that Get Smart falls to the comedy side. Think of them as the flip sides of a coin. To that end, Segal keeps the movie interesting in its comedy timing and in its use of action.

Beyond the abilities of the writers and director, it comes down to the performances to really sell it. I have already discussed Steve Carell, and he is perfect, but without the quality supporting performances this would not have been as fun as it is. Ann Hathaway gives a lovely, screen grabbing performance, making it appear easier than it is. Dwayne Johnson again proves his considerable screen charisma, action star skills, and excellent comedic timing. Alan Arkin, as the Chief, is strong as well, exuding a chief-like aura while playing it straight. On the other side you have Terrance Stamp, Ken Davitian (Borat), and Dalip Singh (WWE's The Great Khali), all turn in good work as our villains.

Bottomline. This is not a great movie by any stretch, but it is highly entertaining with strong work from all involved. It is neither pure comedy nor pure action, it is a film that balances the two in equal proportion. The end result is a movie that will hold your attention as Maxwell Smart realizes his dream.

Recommended.