Watch Get Smart

Possible description: Get Smart (2008) is a comedic spy thriller directed by Peter Segal, based on the classic TV series created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry in the 1960s. The movie stars Steve Carell as Maxwell Smart, a bumbling but enthusiastic analyst for the secret government agency CONTROL, who aspires to become a field agent and impress his attractive colleague Agent 99, played by Anne Hathaway. However, after a terrorist organization called KAOS captures most of CONTROL's agents and plans to unleash a dangerous weapon, Smart and 99 are the only ones left to save the day.

The movie opens with an homage to the original TV series that introduces Smart as a socially awkward but resourceful agent who uses a variety of gadgets and disguises to gather intelligence on KAOS's activities. When the identities of the agents are compromised by a mole, Smart and 99 must go undercover as newlyweds to infiltrate KAOS's headquarters in Russia and stop their plan. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and villains, including a crazy tech whiz named Siegfried, played by Terence Stamp, and his silent henchman Shtarker, played by Ken Davitian, who try to foil their mission with traps, explosions, and brute force.

What makes Get Smart stand out from other spy comedies is its balance between action and humor, as well as its affectionate but not slavish tribute to the source material. While the movie includes many nods and winks to the iconic elements of the TV series, such as Smart's shoe phone, 99's cone of silence, and the phrase "Would you believe?" that Smart uses to bluff his way out of sticky situations, it also updates and subverts some of them for a modern audience. For example, Smart's catchphrase "Missed it by that much" becomes a running gag that highlights his lack of coordination and timing, and the jokes about gender roles and racial stereotypes are more nuanced and self-aware than in the original.

Moreover, the casting and chemistry of the main actors add depth and charm to the characters. Steve Carell, who was at the peak of his popularity after The Office and The 40-Year-Old Virgin, brings his trademark mix of cluelessness and sincerity to Smart, who tries to prove his worth as a spy while also dealing with personal issues such as his relationship with his mentor, played by Alan Arkin, and his fear of heights. Anne Hathaway, who had just received an Oscar nomination for her role in Rachel Getting Married, shines as Agent 99, who is initially skeptical of Smart's abilities but gradually warms up to him as they share more risks and victories. Hathaway also displays her physical and comedic skills in the action scenes and the banter with Carell, creating a believable and likable partner for him.

In addition to the main duo, the movie features a strong supporting cast, including Alan Arkin as the Chief of CONTROL, who is both exasperated and fond of Smart; Dwayne Johnson as Agent 23, a suave and competent agent who turns out to have a hidden agenda; and Masi Oka as Bruce, a young technician who helps Smart and 99 with the gadgets and the analysis. The villains are played by veteran actors who have fun with their absurd quirks and accents, such as Terence Stamp's Siegfried, who loves to laugh maniacally and quote Sun Tzu; and Ken Davitian's Shtarker, who communicates mostly through grunts and gestures.

Overall, Get Smart is a fun and entertaining movie that pays tribute to its source material while also standing on its own as a witty and action-packed adventure. Whether you are a fan of the original TV series or not, you can enjoy the charismatic performances, the clever gags, and the exciting set pieces that make this movie a smart choice for a night of laughs and thrills.

Get Smart is a 2008 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 54.