Get Smart review

[Chris_]

Has anyone else seen it yet?  If not, you should.  Do not be fooled by the BS reviews it has gotten (heck, it surprised me before I saw it that Ebert gave it a positive review).

There is no other living man in the world (RIP Don Adams) who could play Maxwell Smart as well as Steve Carrell did.  He was a very over-the-top bumbling goofball,  and I loved that (Steve's always good at that kind of role).

Anne Hathaway was a great choice for Agent 99, I thought.  Her comedic chemistry with Steve was incredibly good.   The romantic aspect of the movie could have been better, though. 

I and some friends really enjoyed Alan Arkin as the chief.  He had some hilarious moments of his own, which you all will have to just see for yourself.    

As for Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson...there was no need for him in that movie.  His character annoyed me more than anything.  

God, it's hard talking about this movie without revealing any details that would give the plot away.

I do have to say it does get slightly political.  Some lame jokes ARE made about the movie president, based on President Bush and the over-used joke about him being "unable" to pronounce "nuclear" properly, as well as the view that he is totally incompetent.   Plus there were some digs at Cheney.   

[Lord Undies]

I do have to say it does get slightly political.  Some lame jokes ARE made about the movie president, based on President Bush and the over-used joke about him being "unable" to pronounce "nuclear" properly, as well as the view that he is totally incompetent.   Plus there were some digs at Cheney.

It's hard to say no to that kind of originality!

I'll see it when it's free. 

[Chris_]

There is and always will be only one Maxwell Smart Agent 86.  Don Adams took that character to the grave.

I don't care how "good" it is, this movie is sacrilege - just like Steve Martin portraying Inspector Clouseau was.

I won't even watch it when it is "free."
 

[Chris_]

There is and always will be only one Maxwell Smart Agent 86.  Don Adams took that character to the grave.

I don't care how "good" it is, this movie is sacrilege - just like Steve Martin portraying Inspector Clouseau was.

I won't even watch it when it is "free."

There is only one Agent 86.

[Chris_]

I do have to say it does get slightly political.  Some lame jokes ARE made about the movie president, based on President Bush and the over-used joke about him being "unable" to pronounce "nuclear" properly, as well as the view that he is totally incompetent.   Plus there were some digs at Cheney.

It's hard to say no to that kind of originality!

I'll see it when it's free. 

I wasn't expecting that political BS, to be honest.   

Only upside was that the president jokes weren't a constant presence, unlike in other movies.  However, there was one in particular that really pissed me off, but I'll keep quiet about that one, unless folks don't mind spoilers.

Probably a good idea to wait until it's free.  There was also a sexual joke (of a visual kind) that I found very disgusting,  given that there were young kids in the theatre.   Now there are some parents who are going to have to explain to their kids what was happening.     

[Chris_]

There is and always will be only one Maxwell Smart Agent 86.  Don Adams took that character to the grave.

I don't care how "good" it is, this movie is sacrilege - just like Steve Martin portraying Inspector Clouseau was.

I won't even watch it when it is "free."
 

Oh, I agree.     I watched the tv show in rerun format on Nick-At-Night when I was a kid, and still prefer it over the movie.

Thing is, with this movie, the characters have definitely been made NOT to imitate the originals (except for Maxwell Smart), but were given new life with a modern spin.  They made sure to pay homage to the original (shoe phone scene was my favorite) in some aspects, and they had folks from the original show appear in the movie.

I just needed a good comedy to go see, and I was told Wall-E is NOT Pixar's finest hour, so I went with Get Smart.    I thought it made a good summer popcorn flick to see, even if it was "sacrilege."    None of the other movies have any appeal to me whatsoever...at least until The Dark Knight arrives in theatres.

[Lord Undies]

I confess.  I was eleven when "Get Smart" came on TV.  I was fifteen when it was canceled.  I was never a big fan.  I thought it was too silly.  I was a hi-brow child.

I did like Barbara Feldon, though.

[Chris_]

There is and always will be only one Maxwell Smart Agent 86.  Don Adams took that character to the grave.

I don't care how "good" it is, this movie is sacrilege - just like Steve Martin portraying Inspector Clouseau was.

I won't even watch it when it is "free."
 

Oh, I agree.     I watched the tv show in rerun format on Nick-At-Night when I was a kid, and still prefer it over the movie.

Thing is, with this movie, the characters have definitely been made NOT to imitate the originals (except for Maxwell Smart), but were given new life with a modern spin.  They made sure to pay homage to the original (shoe phone scene was my favorite) in some aspects, and they had folks from the original show appear in the movie.

I just needed a good comedy to go see, and I was told Wall-E is NOT Pixar's finest hour, so I went with Get Smart.    I thought it made a good summer popcorn flick to see, even if it was "sacrilege."    None of the other movies have any appeal to me whatsoever...at least until The Dark Knight arrives in theatres.

Sorry, sweetie.  Saying that is like saying all the characters in a Pink Panther movie were NOT made to imitate the original (except the Inspector).

But it was kind of you to share what you thought nonetheless.

[Chris_]

I confess.  I was eleven when "Get Smart" came on TV.  I was fifteen when it was canceled.  I was never a big fan.  I thought it was too silly.  I was a hi-brow child.

I did like Barbara Feldon, though.

How did you grow up into a low-brow adult? ;)

And what was not to like?

[Chris_]

There is and always will be only one Maxwell Smart Agent 86.  Don Adams took that character to the grave.

I don't care how "good" it is, this movie is sacrilege - just like Steve Martin portraying Inspector Clouseau was.

I won't even watch it when it is "free."
 

Oh, I agree.     I watched the tv show in rerun format on Nick-At-Night when I was a kid, and still prefer it over the movie.

Thing is, with this movie, the characters have definitely been made NOT to imitate the originals (except for Maxwell Smart), but were given new life with a modern spin.  They made sure to pay homage to the original (shoe phone scene was my favorite) in some aspects, and they had folks from the original show appear in the movie.

I just needed a good comedy to go see, and I was told Wall-E is NOT Pixar's finest hour, so I went with Get Smart.    I thought it made a good summer popcorn flick to see, even if it was "sacrilege."    None of the other movies have any appeal to me whatsoever...at least until The Dark Knight arrives in theatres.

Sorry, sweetie.  Saying that is like saying all the characters in a Pink Panther movie were NOT made to imitate the original (except the Inspector).

But it was kind of you to share what you thought nonetheless.

     You're welcome. 

Good grief.  I tried to keep an open mind about this movie.  It had its good moments and bad moments, just like all others.   

No remake is ever better than the original.  I'm not naive like some here seem to think, and I don't think this movie is better than the tv show.

 As an example:  How do you think I felt about the Herbie The Love Bug remakes?  I grew up on those movies (I loved old tv shows and movies as a child), and thought the two remakes they did in recent years were absolutely horrible.   But I watched them anyway, to give them a chance to prove themselves (though they did not).   I provided my review, and you know what, it doesn't bother me that people are screaming bloody murder about it.   
 
I just don't like being talked down to, because *I* chose to see it.   None of the other movies currently in theatres don't appeal to me, and I won't insult those who choose to see Hancock or Wall-E, even though I feel those two movies are not worth seeing.

[Duke Nukum]

I'm a fan of the original series so I have been wondering if this should be of any interest.  Thanks for the review!

Does anyone else remember a sort of game show Don Adams hosted in the mid-1970's where he had a horrible perm and contestants vied to recreate famous scenes from movies?

[Lord Undies]

I confess.  I was eleven when "Get Smart" came on TV.  I was fifteen when it was canceled.  I was never a big fan.  I thought it was too silly.  I was a hi-brow child.

I did like Barbara Feldon, though.

How did you grow up into a low-brow adult?

I just got lucky I guess.

[Lord Undies]

There is and always will be only one Maxwell Smart Agent 86.  Don Adams took that character to the grave.

I don't care how "good" it is, this movie is sacrilege - just like Steve Martin portraying Inspector Clouseau was.

I won't even watch it when it is "free."
 

Oh, I agree.     I watched the tv show in rerun format on Nick-At-Night when I was a kid, and still prefer it over the movie.

Thing is, with this movie, the characters have definitely been made NOT to imitate the originals (except for Maxwell Smart), but were given new life with a modern spin.  They made sure to pay homage to the original (shoe phone scene was my favorite) in some aspects, and they had folks from the original show appear in the movie.

I just needed a good comedy to go see, and I was told Wall-E is NOT Pixar's finest hour, so I went with Get Smart.    I thought it made a good summer popcorn flick to see, even if it was "sacrilege."    None of the other movies have any appeal to me whatsoever...at least until The Dark Knight arrives in theatres.

Sorry, sweetie.  Saying that is like saying all the characters in a Pink Panther movie were NOT made to imitate the original (except the Inspector).

But it was kind of you to share what you thought nonetheless.

     You're welcome. 

Good grief.  I tried to keep an open mind about this movie.  It had its good moments and bad moments, just like all others.   

No remake is ever better than the original.  I'm not naive like some here seem to think, and I don't think this movie is better than the tv show.

 As an example:  How do you think I felt about the Herbie The Love Bug remakes?  I grew up on those movies (I loved old tv shows and movies as a child), and thought the two remakes they did in recent years were absolutely horrible.   But I watched them anyway, to give them a chance to prove themselves (though they did not).   I provided my review, and you know what, it doesn't bother me that people are screaming bloody murder about it.   
 
I just don't like being talked down to, because *I* chose to see it.   None of the other movies currently in theatres don't appeal to me, and I won't insult those who choose to see Hancock or Wall-E, even though I feel those two movies are not worth seeing.

I appreciate your review and I thank you for bringing it up.  It's a good chance for lively conversation.

I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable.  That was not my purpose or reason. 

[Chris_]

I'm a fan of the original series so I have been wondering if this should be of any interest.  Thanks for the review!

Does anyone else remember a sort of game show Don Adams hosted in the mid-1970's where he had a horrible perm and contestants vied to recreate famous scenes from movies?

Well, it has it's good moments, but I guess this is where I need to bring spoilers in, and some comments I left out of the original post. 

They did, unfortunately, sex the movie up somewhat (since apparently ALL movies these days require that, even the remakes of old tv shows.  This is where I have to scream "sacrilege" myself. )

Some of the moments made me laugh, like a  dance-off scene.  But there were others that did make me a little sick to my stomach.   They were totally unnecessary scenes, and added nothing to the plot.   I won't mention what they are, unless you would like me to.  And let me prepare myself for having to post about that one scene. 

[Lord Undies]

I'm a fan of the original series so I have been wondering if this should be of any interest.  Thanks for the review!

Does anyone else remember a sort of game show Don Adams hosted in the mid-1970's where he had a horrible perm and contestants vied to recreate famous scenes from movies?

The show was called "Screen Test".  It lasted about six month back in 1975-76.

[Schadenfreude]

Thanks for the review ACC. I loved Get Smart as a kiddo. They just don't make series like that anymore. Now we have reality shows served up multiple different ways, I just don't 'get' them at all.

[Duke Nukum]

I'm a fan of the original series so I have been wondering if this should be of any interest.  Thanks for the review!

Does anyone else remember a sort of game show Don Adams hosted in the mid-1970's where he had a horrible perm and contestants vied to recreate famous scenes from movies?

Well, it has it's good moments, but I guess this is where I need to bring spoilers in, and some comments I left out of the original post. 

They did, unfortunately, sex the movie up somewhat (since apparently ALL movies these days require that, even the remakes of old tv shows.  This is where I have to scream "sacrilege" myself. )

Some of the moments made me laugh, like a  dance-off scene.  But there were others that did make me a little sick to my stomach.   They were totally unnecessary scenes, and added nothing to the plot.   I won't mention what they are, unless you would like me to.  And let me prepare myself for having to post about that one scene. 

They did the same thing in the Pink Panther relaunch, which I more or less liked even though it seemed totally unnecessary.  Cut two scenes from that movie and it would be pretty decent.

Since there has never been a real good movie version of Get Smart I have kind of high hopes for this one, just like I did for The Naked Bomb. Even Don Adams starring in that didn't help it.  Also I have been racking my brain for the last really good parody of a genre and the only one that really comes to mind is the original Get Smart.

[Chris_]

Thanks for the review ACC. I loved Get Smart as a kiddo. They just don't make series like that anymore. Now we have reality shows served up multiple different ways, I just don't 'get' them at all.

Yep, Schade.  That's why I thank God for the channels that still play the old shows(and I thank my parents for raising me to enjoy REAL tv shows, even if they were just reruns when I watched them.)

 But these days, since I don't have a tv in Savannah (it's back home, and too big to bring here), it's been rather nice not watching anything at all.    I try to find old gems on YouTube when I have time, though.

[Chris_]

I'm a fan of the original series so I have been wondering if this should be of any interest.  Thanks for the review!

Does anyone else remember a sort of game show Don Adams hosted in the mid-1970's where he had a horrible perm and contestants vied to recreate famous scenes from movies?

Well, it has it's good moments, but I guess this is where I need to bring spoilers in, and some comments I left out of the original post. 

They did, unfortunately, sex the movie up somewhat (since apparently ALL movies these days require that, even the remakes of old tv shows.  This is where I have to scream "sacrilege" myself. )

Some of the moments made me laugh, like a  dance-off scene.  But there were others that did make me a little sick to my stomach.   They were totally unnecessary scenes, and added nothing to the plot.   I won't mention what they are, unless you would like me to.  And let me prepare myself for having to post about that one scene. 

They did the same thing in the Pink Panther relaunch, which I more or less liked even though it seemed totally unnecessary.  Cut two scenes from that movie and it would be pretty decent.

Since there has never been a real good movie version of Get Smart I have kind of high hopes for this one, just like I did for The Naked Bomb. Even Don Adams starring in that didn't help it.  Also I have been racking my brain for the last really good parody of a genre and the only one that really comes to mind is the original Get Smart.

Well, if you enjoy Steve Carrell's antics, then I think you will like this movie. 

[Duke Nukum]

Thanks for the review ACC. I loved Get Smart as a kiddo. They just don't make series like that anymore. Now we have reality shows served up multiple different ways, I just don't 'get' them at all.

Reality always seems like a dream-like concept on this planet, IMO.  I'm sure there must be some reality somewhere but I am not sure how I would recognized it if I should ever stumble across it.  Probably it would be like in The Matrix when Neo wakes up.

[Schadenfreude]

Thanks for the review ACC. I loved Get Smart as a kiddo. They just don't make series like that anymore. Now we have reality shows served up multiple different ways, I just don't 'get' them at all.

Reality always seems like a dream-like concept on this planet, IMO.  I'm sure there must be some reality somewhere but I am not sure how I would recognized it if I should ever stumble across it.  Probably it would be like in The Matrix when Neo wakes up.

lol.... I need to see The Matrix. Isn't that terrible that I have not seen the movie yet?

Reality is what you make out of life and what you receive back from it. I can't think of a single thing I would like to do less than watch someone else's reality. *snooze* 

[Schadenfreude]

Thanks for the review ACC. I loved Get Smart as a kiddo. They just don't make series like that anymore. Now we have reality shows served up multiple different ways, I just don't 'get' them at all.

Yep, Schade.  That's why I thank God for the channels that still play the old shows(and I thank my parents for raising me to enjoy REAL tv shows, even if they were just reruns when I watched them.)

 But these days, since I don't have a tv in Savannah (it's back home, and too big to bring here), it's been rather nice not watching anything at all.    I try to find old gems on YouTube when I have time, though.

I honestly don't watch a lot of tv. But I am inspired to rent an old series from netflix for nostalgia night.

[Duke Nukum]

Thanks for the review ACC. I loved Get Smart as a kiddo. They just don't make series like that anymore. Now we have reality shows served up multiple different ways, I just don't 'get' them at all.

Reality always seems like a dream-like concept on this planet, IMO.  I'm sure there must be some reality somewhere but I am not sure how I would recognized it if I should ever stumble across it.  Probably it would be like in The Matrix when Neo wakes up.

lol.... I need to see The Matrix. Isn't that terrible that I have not seen the movie yet?

Reality is what you make out of life and what you receive back from it. I can't think of a single thing I would like to do less than watch someone else's reality. *snooze* 

I like to think that "reality" is what one can get away with.

But for the life of me i don't see what the characters in a reality show are getting away with.  Except Lost, I kind of like that one.

See The Truman Show too if you haven't.  Sort of like The Matrix only with Jim Carey instead of that guy who plays Neo.  Bill.  Or Ted.

[ReardenSteel]

By complex means and through no fault of my own, I saw Get Smart twice this week. 

ACC is right. Steve Carrell was great and fwiw, I was a fan of the TV show.

This is a great summer movie and I would give it both my thumbs up. To think of it as a Pink Panther remake does the move a great injustice. By all means judge it for yourselves but I thought it was great.

Get Smart is a great movie. (I even liked "The Rock" in his role)

 

[Lauri]

 Plus there were some digs at Cheney.   

there were? I must have missed that... overall, a solid B. fun movie and totally kid friendly.