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Bookmark this pageGet Smart (2008)
Director: Peter Segal
Synopsis
Big-screen version of the hit 1960s comedy about an accident-prone spy called Max Smart. The film version sees Smart, who works for the secretive government agency CONTROL, battling the dastardly KAOS with the help of Agent 99 and the newly created character Agent 23.
Movie review
From Time Out London
Clearly relishing a return to his bumbling, likeable ‘40 Year Old Virgin’ persona after four years as the equally bumbling but distinctly unlikeable Michael Scott in ‘The Office’, Steve Carell seems to be enjoying himself as tech-nerd-turned-secret agent Maxwell Smart. Adapted from the popular spoof TV series created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, the movie follows Smart and his leggy sidekick Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) as they hunt down terrorist forces that are attempting to infiltrate the secret government agency CONTROL.With its roots firmly planted in the ’60s spy-pastiche genre, it’s perhaps unavoidable that ‘Get Smart’ has a whiff of ‘Austin Powers’ about it. But, in fact, that over-familiarity extends to the whole enterprise, from the knockabout violence and slapstick pratfalls to obvious gags about aeroplane toilets and fat women. The overlong script takes no risks: its globetrotting plot is replete with signposted twists – the big last-act reveal will astonish no one over the age of six. ‘Nutty Professor II’ director Peter Segal consistently substitutes big bangs for big laughs – in the age of low-budget joys such as ‘Knocked Up’, this kind of overblown effects bonanza is beginning to feel decidedly outdated.
Some moments work. Bill Murray makes a welcome, if rather perfunctory, cameo as an agent trapped inside a tree, and the climactic car chase is exciting and remarkably well constructed. But overall this is a limp parade of recycled gags and gadgets: an action movie with no surprises and a comedy with nothing like enough laughs.
Author: Tom Huddleston
Time Out London Issue 1983, 21-27th August 2008
User reviews of this film
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- GetSmartFan said...
- Posted on Sep 01 2008 19:32 i love this movie its so funny XD And the cone of silence lol XD XD and i like when max always says Missed It by That much XD XD and when they said he was the new agent he said THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol XD XD
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- Lauren Jane said...
- Posted on Sep 01 2008 02:32 i went to see this move the other night!! I must admit it dragged a little but people cant say this film wasnt funny a mean c'mon !!! it was enjoyable and a fun family film. Also how gud of an actress is anne hathway shesssssss great !!! Gud film and funny moment wud recoomend =]
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- phil mk said...
- Posted on Aug 31 2008 19:25 I found it very difficult to like any of the characters in this film. The acting was adolescent, but the kill rate was surprisingly high, and it just wasn't very funny. I don't think the original "Get Smart" was adapted very well.
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- the girl of your dreams said...
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Posted on Aug 28 2008 12:32
woooooo!!!
cooooool!!! - Report as inappropriate
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- jen said...
- Posted on Aug 28 2008 11:59 this film is funny and absolutly fab. tata
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- BruceMcDougall said...
- Posted on Aug 27 2008 21:15 I forgto to mention: A lot of the scenes are shot in Moscow and the views are really very interesting if you're into travel-never go there in the winter.
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- BruceMcDougall said...
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Posted on Aug 27 2008 20:59
This movie was a pleasant suprise. It's amusing rather than hysterical but it's good family fun. As someone who wasn't a fan of the tv show I was pleased to find this movie much better than I expected. If you liked the tv show you will probably like this, although the original cast is not in it, because it's actually funnier.
It's one sight gag after anther with a lot of funny throw away lines that may sail over the heads of some because the humor is quite dry. If you don't laugh at some point you need to have your funnybone checked.
I especially liked the scene where they think Maxwell Smart is trying to blow up the plane and he ends up with his hands tied in the toilet-what happens as he tries to free himself is amusing.
A number of stars have smaller parts:
-If you like the tv show "Heroes", Ichiro is in this.
-The Rock is in this.
-Bill Murrey is Bill Murrey in this.
-James Caan plays President Bush in this but the political humor is fair to both sides.
It's an entertaining film and if it came on tv, I'd watch it again. - Report as inappropriate
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- MovieBuff said...
- Posted on Aug 27 2008 16:09 As a fan of silly comedy i didn't care what people thought of this film because i'm a fan of steve carrell and if he's in it i'm guaranteed a few laughs, but this film just didn't fit the bill, it is a film that is easy to watch and you wouldn't leave the cinema demanding your money back, in parts it was funny but this is because of carrell, its a film that will be priced at £5 in hmv in about 10months, but if you want to go to the cinema for a bit of banter then go for it but if your looking for laughs all the way through, give it a miss.
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- kirsty said...
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Posted on Aug 27 2008 11:38
this better be a good film im going on a date with a guy n the last film we saw was you dnt mess with the zohan..i have to say it was dispicable and disgusting very repulsive too...
so this best be good - Report as inappropriate
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- billie @erin said...
- Posted on Aug 25 2008 15:57 we have both had broken bones that were funnier than this rubbish
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- yeahhhh said...
- Posted on Aug 25 2008 14:27 i found it very funny; i laughed so hard it hurt. i thought it was excellent! i would definitly go and see it again :) well worth watching
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- footballer13 said...
- Posted on Aug 23 2008 17:55 how is it for under 12s
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- ben and josh said...
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Posted on Aug 22 2008 17:08
Josh: this film is the best film I've seen in the last 2 years
Ben: So funny i went with josh and my dad it was nearly empty i'm so surprised when its such a good film - Report as inappropriate
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- James said...
- Posted on Aug 22 2008 11:48 Extremly funny film definately reccomend it!!
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- chelly said...
- Posted on Aug 22 2008 10:31 the film is ok but they could of mad it funny but they didnt. i think the actors could do alot better as well
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Cast & crew
Director: Peter Segal
Cast: Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, The Rock, Terence Stamp, Alan Arkin, Terry Crews, David Koechner, James Caan, Bill Murray, Patrick Warburton, Masi Oka, Nate Torrence, Ken Davitian full cast
Rated: 12A
Duration: 110 mins
UK Release: Aug 22 2008
US Release: Jun 20 2008
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