Old School with new school personality
When Buck Henry and Mel Brooks got together to produce a show about a bumbling secret agent named Maxwell Smart, they truly had no idea how far it would go. Originally played by Don Adams, who was just perfect for the goofy/clueless role, it captured a generation who were both intrigued by Ian Flemings’ James Bond and also scorned by an ongoing Cold War that meant life or death. Get Smart was a combination of both, but subdued through a large bit of comedy. In other words, it was perfect for an audience that needed to feel safe and needed to laugh.
Fast-forward into the 2000’s and the idea is now reborn in a time where, once again, the world is in need of a definitive hero and a hardy laugh. Steve Carell dons the goofy attitude and know-how that made Don Adams famous. He stars as Maxwell Smart, but this time around brings a bit more of a cocky attitude and an edge. While Adams certainly provided comedy relief in the original role, Carell provides that and provides a very tough and determined attitude. That, in itself, is a new concept for the old show. It makes this Maxwell Smart very tough, but not too tough (like Agent 23, who is played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson).
Smart’s quest this time is to become a secret agent like the other tough guys in his circle of co-workers who support a group called CONTROL. Their main enemy, KAOS, is causing just that as it has nuclear devices planted strategically across the United States and has threatened to give the detonators to unstable countries if the United States doesn’t pay them $200 billion dollars. Also working against CONTROL, KAOS has inflitrated their headquarters and has obtained information about all the agents working under the agency. This leaves one man available to go under cover to thwart KAOS’ plans… Maxwell Smart. Armed with his wits and a very capable side-kick, Agent 99, he sets off to save the world and hopefully keep his job.
Again, I can’t express to you enough how tough, yet funny, Carell plays Maxwell Smart. I was very surprised at his candor and his ability to kick some major ass. With that aside, I have to give some major kudos to Anne Hathaway who, by all intents and purposes, could very well play her own female agent. She’s also tough, more so than Carell at times, and is very convincing, which makes her perfect as Agent 99. Instead of the bubbly girl from the original show, she’s the annoyed agent who is just there to play Smart’s crutch when times call for it. The chemistry onscreen between the two is amazing and very fun to watch.
As for the supporting cast, Alan Arkin is hilarious as the chief. His dead-pan delivery and his tough, witty humor is a downplayed version of the always-on-the-edge Edward Platt. It’s refreshing, yet subtle. Now, what would be a movie with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson? Well, it’s not Disney and he’s not carrying a two-by-four, so it’s certainly a different role. Playing the toughest agent at Control, Agent 23, he is a great support role for Max and funny as sin when it comes to stapling things on people’s heads. Finally, I like Terence Stamp. He could play anything. From the Queen of the Desert to an enemy of Superman, the guy has range and he’s got style. Put him anywhere and it makes for a menacing, yet joyful character. He’s no different as the pawn in KAOS’ chess game.
Are there issues with the film? Well, just a tiny one. The film does move at a slow pace and the connection between Agent 99 and Smart isn’t really established quick enough. The movie certainly picks up towards the end, but it should have started a little bit faster at the beginning. Other than this, the movie is great, not perfect, just great.
There’s more here than we suspect
While DVDs are slowing becoming an outdated, not completely, medium, it’s still nice to see they’re better than the theatrical release. Coming to you in 5.1 and looking just as sharp, but not quite HD (we didn’t get the Blu-ray version, sorry), there’s still a lot to be had here. Add that to the fact that it comes with its own digital copy (which is brilliant!) and it’s worth getting the two-disc set. The best thing about digital copies is that you can throw them on a laptop and watch them on the go without the fear of scratching your disc or losing it. Best advantages, plus it saves energy on a laptop.
As for other extras, here’s what to expect:
– Get Smart Takes (good stuff)
– The Right Agent for the Right Job: Behind-the-Scenes Training
– Max in Moscow!: On Location or on a Soundstage? Watch and Decide (Really good stuff here… good luck!)
– Language Lessons: Spotlight on Linguistics Master Steve Carell
– Spy Confidential: Gag Reel
– Spying on Get Smart’s Bruce and Lloyd Out of Control
There’s some really witty stuff here, especially the Language Lessons. It’s a good set of features, might have been better, but I couldn’t tell you how. I’m sure there’s a way though.