Get Smart - Movie Review Thread - Blu-ray Forum

WriteSimply · 06-12-2008, 09:29 AM

If James Bond could be funny for an entire movie, he'd be Smart. Maxwell Smart.

Get Smart is Peter Segal's film adaptation of the 60s TV parody of Bond that is both entertaining and funny. Let's get one thing clear - this is not a Bond parody nor is it a parody film. This is Get Smart with a nod to its TV past and updated for modern film audience. The result is not only an exciting comedic spy film but one that doesn't undermine the intelligence of the audience. To that, credit goes to Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember, the writers.

The credit must also be shared to the cast who are excellent. Steve Carrell is on top of the material and gave it enough depth to Smart that he no longer just a two-dimensional bumbling character. In fact, he could actually be an action superstar if given a chance. His character get the most jokes and some scenes may make the audience roll on the floor laughing, if they could actually ROFL in a theater. The brilliant and beautiful Anne Hathaway raises her comedic chops here. Alan Arkin serves up a good dose of exasperated authority and Terence Stamp chews up the screen as a menacing but *****y Siegfried, the Kaos boss. Dwayne Johnson makes another terrific comedic turn as Agent 23 and Ken Davitian is funny as Shtarker, Siegfried's thankless assistant. Masi Oka as Bruce and Nate Torrence as Lloyd are hilarious as the geeky tech guys of Control, as are David Koechner as Agent Larabee and Terry Crews as Agent 91 as the sarky secret agents. This is an example of a great ensemble cast.

Not much can be said about the cinematography. Due to its 1.85 aspect ratio, it doesn't give enough breadth to show its beauty, not that DP Dean Semler didn't try. Note that Semler shot using the Genesis so the film has a video-like quality throughout. Editor Richard Pearson helped shape the film and give it its maximum impact. This is not a VFX-heavy film though what they do have matches well with the location footage, which is to say that it is believable. Sound design is not as immersive as it could be and that is a shame because this is an action-oriented comedy. The score by Trevor Rabin is excellent as he crafts his cues much like a thriller. He also updated the original theme to great effect.

Again, let's be clear. This is an action-oriented comedy that is both funny and thrilling, a mix that has never been done before. The chase sequence in the end describes the movie the best.

Get Smart is a hit and an unexpected pleasure. Be smart and watch it!

Running time: 1 hour 49 minutes.

fuad

Mxr5150 · 06-12-2008, 11:23 AM

I'm checking this out regardless of reviews, I grew up with reruns of the series as a child. I pretty much have to see it.

WriteSimply · 06-12-2008, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mxr5150

I'm checking this out regardless of reviews, I grew up with reruns of the series as a child. I pretty much have to see it.

I recall seeing the Don Adams series and his performance is almost like Mel Brooks. If you're looking for Steve Carrell to deliver that kinda performance, he won't. It's a strange combination of restrained and broad that works. If you've enjoyed Carrell's work as the lead actor in a comedy, you can definitely enjoy this.

fuad

Tanv54 · 06-12-2008, 04:20 PM

I can't wait to see this next week!

GreenScar · 06-12-2008, 04:51 PM

fuad, great review! I am excited to see this. It does look very funny. I remember seeing something about "I have a knife in my pocket...No THAT'S NOT THE KNIFE!" It had me laughing out loud at the trailer (at the situation).

So Get Smart is Smart! nice.

Blu Titan · 06-12-2008, 04:56 PM

Very nice review! I am a big fan of Maxwell Smart. In fact, the complete series set was my last DVd purchase over a year ago. Looking foward to the film.

WriteSimply · 06-12-2008, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonbird

I remember seeing something about "I have a knife in my pocket...No THAT'S NOT THE KNIFE!" It had me laughing out loud at the trailer (at the situation).

It's funnier in the movie. And yet you can sense danger at the same time. There are REALLY a lot more gags in this film that just WORKS!

If you've not seen the trailer, best not go online and look for it. It might dampen your enjoyment just a TAD. This and The Incredible Hulk are examples of an okay trailer resulting in a great experience. I'll be watching this again next week!

fuad

GreenScar · 06-12-2008, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WriteSimply

It's funnier in the movie. And yet you can sense danger at the same time. There are REALLY a lot more gags in this film that just WORKS!
fuad

I know. When I typed it out it didn't read funny at all. But the situation and the delivery was what was hilarious.

GreenScar · 06-12-2008, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WriteSimply

If you've not seen the trailer, best not go online and look for it. It might dampen your enjoyment just a TAD. This and The Incredible Hulk are examples of an okay trailer resulting in a great experience. I'll be watching this again next week!

fuad

I think there's like 7 minutes (or something) online of the movie. I decided to stay away becuase I was already sold. I think this movie will kill the Guru Pitka.

When are you reviewing that one?

SquidPuppet · 06-12-2008, 05:50 PM

If this one flys, and it looks like it may, there could be many sequels...like the Bond franchise.

I watched the show (not re-runs)

as a child and loved it. The dry humor/bumbling Max just works for me.

I'd love to see them include the character from the show "Hymie Schwartz" the robot agent. Anyone remember him?

WriteSimply · 06-18-2008, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonbird

I think there's like 7 minutes (or something) online of the movie. I decided to stay away becuase I was already sold. I think this movie will kill the Guru Pitka.

When are you reviewing that one?

Not reviewing The Love Guru. That's not being released here anytime soon.

Will be watching Get Smart again on Friday, paying for it this time.

fuad

Blu Titan · 06-18-2008, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonbird

I think there's like 7 minutes (or something) online of the movie. I decided to stay away becuase I was already sold. I think this movie will kill the Guru Pitka.

When are you reviewing that one?

Thus, far Love Guru is getting blasted in all of the critical reviews I have seen. 8 for 8 (spoiled) in http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10008757-love_guru/

Ferris · 06-19-2008, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

Thus, far Love Guru is getting blasted in all of the critical reviews I have seen. 8 for 8 (spoiled) in http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10008757-love_guru/

I can understand that. I've been turned off ever since I saw the first preview... I'm really tired of the Verne Troyer jokes...

WriteSimply · 06-27-2008, 10:33 PM

From Amazon. The BD thread is on on this link. Would be interesting to see what kinda antics Hymie gets into with Bruce and Lloyd.

fuad

jd13 · 06-28-2008, 04:59 AM

Funniest movie I have seen in a while.

Agent 86: Would you believe Chuck Norris with a BB gun?

TheDarkKnight821 · 06-28-2008, 12:41 PM

Pretty good flick. I thought the air plane bathroom scene was hilarious. Glad Steve is getting another hit under his belt after the Evan Almighty flop.

06-12-2008, 09:29 AM	#1
WriteSimply Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Sep 2006 Location:Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	Get Smart - Movie Review Thread If James Bond could be funny for an entire movie, he'd be Smart. Maxwell Smart. Get Smart is Peter Segal's film adaptation of the 60s TV parody of Bond that is both entertaining and funny. Let's get one thing clear - this is not a Bond parody nor is it a parody film. This is Get Smart with a nod to its TV past and updated for modern film audience. The result is not only an exciting comedic spy film but one that doesn't undermine the intelligence of the audience. To that, credit goes to Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember, the writers. The credit must also be shared to the cast who are excellent. Steve Carrell is on top of the material and gave it enough depth to Smart that he no longer just a two-dimensional bumbling character. In fact, he could actually be an action superstar if given a chance. His character get the most jokes and some scenes may make the audience roll on the floor laughing, if they could actually ROFL in a theater. The brilliant and beautiful Anne Hathaway raises her comedic chops here. Alan Arkin serves up a good dose of exasperated authority and Terence Stamp chews up the screen as a menacing but ***y Siegfried, the Kaos boss. Dwayne Johnson makes another terrific comedic turn as Agent 23 and Ken Davitian is funny as Shtarker, Siegfried's thankless assistant. Masi Oka as Bruce and Nate Torrence as Lloyd are hilarious as the geeky tech guys of Control, as are David Koechner as Agent Larabee and Terry Crews as Agent 91 as the sarky secret agents. This is an example of a great ensemble cast. Not much can be said about the cinematography. Due to its 1.85 aspect ratio, it doesn't give enough breadth to show its beauty, not that DP Dean Semler didn't try. Note that Semler shot using the Genesis so the film has a video-like quality throughout. Editor Richard Pearson helped shape the film and give it its maximum impact. This is not a VFX-heavy film though what they do have matches well with the location footage, which is to say that it is believable. Sound design is not as immersive as it could be and that is a shame because this is an action-oriented comedy. The score by Trevor Rabin is excellent as he crafts his cues much like a thriller. He also updated the original theme to great effect. Again, let's be clear. This is an action-oriented comedy that is both funny and thrilling, a mix that has never been done before. The chase sequence in the end describes the movie the best. Get Smart** is a hit and an unexpected pleasure. Be smart and watch it! Running time: 1 hour 49 minutes. fuad

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06-12-2008, 11:23 AM	#2
Mxr5150 Special Member Member since:Mar 2008 Location:Indiana Blu-ray collection:74 Blu-ray reviews:10	I'm checking this out regardless of reviews, I grew up with reruns of the series as a child. I pretty much have to see it.

06-12-2008, 04:20 PM	#4
Tanv54 Special Member Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Hazleton, Pa Blu-ray collection:830 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:1	I can't wait to see this next week!

06-12-2008, 04:51 PM	#5
GreenScar Blu-ray Knight Member since:Aug 2007 Blu-ray collection:148 Trading Score:2	fuad, great review! I am excited to see this. It does look very funny. I remember seeing something about "I have a knife in my pocket...No THAT'S NOT THE KNIFE!" It had me laughing out loud at the trailer (at the situation). So Get Smart is Smart! nice.

06-12-2008, 04:56 PM	#6
Blu Titan Super Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Edo, Land of the Samurai Home Theater Gallery:42 4K collection:41 Blu-ray collection:2864 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:92	Very nice review! I am a big fan of Maxwell Smart. In fact, the complete series set was my last DVd purchase over a year ago. Looking foward to the film.

06-12-2008, 05:50 PM	#10
SquidPuppet Blu-ray Duke Top contributor Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Club Loop Blu-ray collection:277 Blu-ray reviews:27	If this one flys, and it looks like it may, there could be many sequels...like the Bond franchise. I watched the show (not re-runs) as a child and loved it. The dry humor/bumbling Max just works for me. I'd love to see them include the character from the show "Hymie Schwartz" the robot agent. Anyone remember him?

06-27-2008, 10:33 PM	#14
WriteSimply Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Sep 2006 Location:Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	From Amazon. The BD thread is on on this link. Would be interesting to see what kinda antics Hymie gets into with Bruce and Lloyd. fuad

06-28-2008, 04:59 AM	#15
jd13 Active Member Top contributor Member since:Jun 2007 Location:Spring, TX Home Theater Gallery:15 4K collection:107 Blu-ray collection:618 Blu-ray reviews:6 Trading Score:1	Funniest movie I have seen in a while. Agent 86: Would you believe Chuck Norris with a BB gun?

06-28-2008, 12:41 PM	#16
TheDarkKnight821 Active Member Member since:Oct 2007 Home Theater Gallery:3 Blu-ray collection:68 Blu-ray reviews:1	Pretty good flick. I thought the air plane bathroom scene was hilarious. Glad Steve is getting another hit under his belt after the Evan Almighty flop.

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