Get Smarter

If you liked the remake of Charlie's Angels and are a fan of Austin Powers, you'll have a rollicking good time with the new film version of Get Smart.

Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway reprise the roles of Agents 86 and 99, respectively (Maxwell Smart and, well, Agent 99) made famous by Don Adams and Barbara Feldon four decades ago in what was one of the funniest and most award-winning comedy spoofs of the '60's.

Mel Brooks and Buck Henry created the original. Both consulted on the film.

If you're expecting the film version to pick up where the series left off, guess again--it's really more of a "prequel" to introduce the characters and set up a relationship, and set them in the present day, than a recreation of the series. Carell is well cast in the role made famous by Adams, and brings his usual dry charm; Hathaway makes great counterpoint as a Barbara Feldon wannabe. Alan Arkin is a nimble "Chief," and there are plenty of other nice casting touches, including James Caan as a bumbling President of the United States who can't pronounce "nuclear" and Bill Murray as a former agent stuck in a tree. Terence Stamp and Borat funnyman Ken Davitian (whose backside is probably as well known as his face by Borat fans) lend a hand as arch villains. Bernie Kopell, "Doc" from the television series "The Love Boat" and an original cast member of the television "Get Smart," has a cameo.

If you follow the action closely enough, you'll notice several nods to elements of other films, including scenes practically ripped off the pages of scripts for Austin Powers, James Bond, The Island, Charlie's Angels, Foul Play and goodness knows how many other films. I'd have to see it again more than once to catalogue them; no doubt someone else will.

Again, take note. Mel Brooks consulted.

The aerial stunt work alone makes seeing the film worth the price of the ticket. I marvel at how the filmmakers managed to transform a '60's spy comedy spoof into an action adventure film, but that they did.

Most of the audience bellylaughed throughout, as did I. It was a much needed and much appreciated comedy/adventure escape on a Friday night. I chose to see this over Mike Myers' The Love Guru, which also opened yesterday, because the latter was roundly panned by critics. (Austin Powers fans, take note.)

I think I made the right choice. If you're a fan of Maxwell Smart anyway, go see Steve Carell's version.

The ending is nicely set up for a sequel, and even a continuing franchise of the characters, which I will expect if this one does as well as I think it will.

Oh, and spoiler alert. There's a cute puppy at the end.