The following is a freelance report from a special sneak peek of the amusing action-comedy Get Smart. Here's your buzz.
By Heather Nelson
Fancast.com
In recent years, Hollywood has taken “recycling” to a whole new level. Movies that have been “adapted” from TV shows are not uncommon. These movies rarely do the original TV show any justice. Other times it becomes apparent the screenwriters tried entirely too hard to pay homage to the show. And sometimes, like in this case of Get Smart, they actually get it right.
This movie adaption of the iconic TV show, now starring Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway, is packed to the brim with action, comedy, and all the inside jokes fans of the original TV show could hope for. The opening sequence not only features the infamous door/phone booth sequence, but also prominently displays items from the TV show - including Maxwell Smart’s shoe phone and Sunbeam convertible.
As in the original, Maxwell Smart, played by Steve Carell, is an analyst for the secret government agency “Control." Max has been promoted to Field Agent, much to the dismay of his new partner, Agent 99, played by Anne Hathaway. Agent 99 is an intelligent agent and a quick thinker, which is almost a job requirement to help deal with Max’s frequent accidents.
Steve Carell brings his unique and offbeat brand of comedy to the movie, while Anne Hathaway manages to be beautiful and fearsome all at once. Carell is able to capture the bumbling intelligence of Maxwell Smart, yet never goes overboard. One pivotal scene in an airplane lavatory sends the audiences into fits of laughter, yet also manages to make them cringe as well. Hathaway is much more than just a pretty face in this movie. She has to provide a balance to Max’s over-the-top personality, and is able to handle her own against a rather well known comic. I was equally impressed with Dwayne Johnson, formerly “The Rock” of WWE fame. His movie choices haven’t showcased his comedic chops as well as this particular movie. As Agent 23, he’s the brawn to the brains of the other field agents, yet manages to be outwit them in some scenes.
One of the best features of this movie is its versatility. This movie will appeal to fans of the original TV show, as well as new fans of Steve Carell. Fans of the TV show should keep an eye out for Bernie Kopell, who played the original Siegfried, as well as fan favorites such as Agent 13 and Hymie the Robot. This is one movie that can accurately claim it has something for everyone. The term “blockbuster” doesn’t begin to describe this hilarious movie.
