(no subject)

[ebony14]

I watched the "Get Smart" movie Wednesday night, and I have to say that I was quite pleased with it. I'm an old fan of the original TV show, having caught it in syndicated reruns for many years. I like Steve Carrell, and I had heard good things about the movie when it came out. I have to admit, though, that I was a little wary, and was pleasantly surprised. It had the following excellent points:

1. Many of the movies made off of old TV shows are parodies of the original shows, taking the conceits of the shows and the attitudes of the 70s or 80s (or earlier) and making fun of them. Some times this works, but mostly they're pretty stupid. "Get Smart" isn't one of these parodies, but rather a movie that is true to the original show, lampooning the spy movies and shows in the same way, as well as making fun of the intelligence agencies. The gags are reminiscent of the original show, and Carrell delivers the trademark lines of Maxwell Smart with humor, despite lacking Don Adams' nasal tone. It's a good example of a movie that you would like if you liked the original show.

2. They avoid the cheap shots. There are a couple of spots in the film where you can see the opportunities for the easy jokes that make fun of a certain type of people. Outside of a few jokes about the CIA and pokes at the Bush Administration, they avoid the cheap jokes. I was waiting for the rash of fat people jokes when I saw the clip of Steve Carrell tangoing with the fat woman in the previews, but they go that way with the scene (I won't spoil the scene for those who haven't seen it, but I found it to be quite entertaining and not belittling of the obese or larger people at all). In addition, they don't beat any joke to death by overuse. Maxwell Smart is goofy and inexperienced, but not incompetent; they could have made him a total clown. The restraint made it a more entertaining film.

3. The cast is marvellous. Every person they got works perfectly. The rapport of the actors is reflected in the characters, and they are clearly having fun. Even the minor cameos (including Bernie Koppell, Bill Murray, James Caan, and Patrick Warburton) are great. And Anne Hathaway is smoking in this movie.

Seriously, if you liked the TV series, or even the idea of the TV series, go see this movie. You'll enjoy it.

Comments

[triplemare.livejournal.com]

I loved the movie, honestly. I saw it at the Alamo which made it even *more* of a fun time. Because the phrase "missed it by *that* much" is fabulous at the best of times but golden with a beer! ;-)


Merry $winterholiday, you! Hope it was fabulous

[dvandom.livejournal.com]

Yep. One of the things that people forget about the original series was that, on paper, Maxwell Smart is every bit as good as James Bond. Crack marskman, judo expert, encyclopedic knowledge of all CONTROL procedures. The gag is that by all rights he should perform at 007 levels, but instead he bumbles through missions and succeeds in spite of himself.

[badnoodles.livejournal.com]

Alan Arkin stole every scene he was in. The bit with the marlin was the funniest momen in the whole damn film.