Get Smart (2008)

O Masterpiece
O Excellent
X Good
O OK
O Mediocrity
O Avoid

Review by Jason Pyles / January 3, 2009

I attempted to see “Get Smart” during its release last June by visiting any theater conveniently situated off Interstate 80 as I moved from Utah to West Virginia. No luck. Then I tried to see it again at the drive-in later in the summer, but our car mysteriously began evoking “Christine” (Stephen King’s 1958 Plymouth Fury), and literally wouldn’t permit us to finish the movie. Long story.

But finally, thanks to Netflix and the hospitable environment of my own home, I got to see “Get Smart” on my third attempt, and it was worth every effort.

This silly spy spoof is a must-see for fans of Steve Carell, who plays Agent 86, Maxwell Smart, reprising the same all-heart-but-less-skilled special agent that Don Adams played in the late ‘60s TV series of the same name. And Anne Hathaway is his much abler partner, Agent 99, who used to be played by Barbara Feldon. Though I haven’t seen much of the TV show’s reruns, the movie appears to be successful in echoing its source.

Funny comedies are a rare thing — at least for me — but “Get Smart” has several laugh-out-loud moments, so I warmly recommend it. “Get Smart” was directed by Peter Segal, who also gave us “50 First Dates” (2004), “Anger Management” (2003), “Tommy Boy” (1995) and “Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult” (1994).

Directed by Peter Segal
Steve Carell / Anne Hathaway / Dwayne Johnson
Comedy 110 min.
MPAA: PG-13 (for some rude humor, action violence and language)

U.S. Release Date: June 20, 2008
Copyright 2008: 326