I can honestly say that my family has not laughed together, or as loud, watching a movie as much as this one. Released in 2008 and based on the 1965 television show by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry took the spy game and made it absolutely hilarious (unlike another film franchise which just pokes fun at James Bond). Spoilers ahead as always. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.
Max Smart (Steve Carell) works as an analyst for CONTROL a top secret agency in the United States who dreams of becoming a field agent like his idol Agent 23 (Dwayne Johnson). One day he comes in to work and finds CONTROL destroyed, later revealed to be the work of their arch rival KAOS, specifically focusing on the head Siegfried (Terrence Stamp), second in command Shtarker (Ken Davitian) and huge muscle Dalip (The Great Khali, whom if you have never seen him is about 7 ft.). Almost all of the agents of CONTROL are exposed except for Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) who recently had plastic surgery and Max who is finally promoted to Agent 86. Getting gear from his friends Bruce (Masi Oka) and Lloyd (Nate Torrence) Max and 99 take off to discover what KAOS is up too as ordered by the Chief (Alan Arkin). Max and 99 discover KAOS has their hands on nuclear weapons, and someone from CONTROL is helping them. At the same time Max’s incompetence and lack of field work is getting on 99’s nerves, while at the same time he surprises her as the two become very close. About as far as I should go without giving away the movie, but if you are familiar with the TV show I would keep an eye out for some characters and actors.
I have yet to watch the classic TV series, although it is on my list and I got a general idea from my mom who watched it, but if it anything like the movie I know it is going to be hilarious. Steve Carell is one of the funniest actors in Hollywood today (that is not just my opinion that is a fact), so I knew he was going to be fantastic as Max. Anne Hathaway is one of my favorite actresses and I loved her as 99; I will admit her chemistry with Carell was not great but it was not bad. Dwayne Johnson is another one of my favorites and I enjoyed him as Agent 23. Alan Arkin is hilarious as the Chief; there is one scene with him and Max driving a car that my mother couldn’t stop laughing at because apparently it reminded her of me (which I won’t lie and say it didn’t.) The rest of the cast is great, but only Masi Oka and Nate Torrence’s characters Bruce and Lloyd got a spin off film; honestly unless you liked their characters it is probably best if you skip it. The writing and comedic timing, especially by Carell are absolutely hilarious, I was actually belly laughing most of the time watching it. Of course the action is actually pretty good, not that I can see Carell in an action movie but nonetheless not bad. If you are in the mood for some action but mostly comedy than Get Smart is perfect for you.
Films or Television Worth Watching 