Rated PG-13 some rude humor, action violence and language.
Directed by Peter Segal (The Longest Yard, 50 First Dates, Anger Management, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps)
Starring Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Arkin, Terence Stamp, Terry Crews, David Koechner, James Caan, Masi Oka, Nate Torrence, Kenneth Davitian
Get Smart…is a good laugh.
Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell) is on a mission to thwart the latest plot for world domination by the evil crime syndicate known as KAOS. When the headquarters of U.S. spy agency “Control” is attacked and the identities of its agents compromised, the Chief (Alan Arkin) has no choice but to promote his ever-eager analyst Maxwell Smart, who has always dreamt of working in the field alongside Control’s superstar, Agent 23 (Dwayne Johnson). Smart is partnered instead with the lovely-but-lethal veteran Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway). Given little field experience and even less time, Smart–armed with a few spy-tech gadgets and his unbridled enthusiasm–must stop the doomsday plans of KAOS and save the world.
Jonathan’s Word: I went into this film with low expectations. I’m not sure why… I think I had heard some buzz that it wasn’t that good. I was pleasantly surprised. This was really funny.
Todd’s Word: I actually went in with expectations that were too high. I thought there were a few funny parts, but unfortunately not a funny movie.
Jonathan’s Word: Wow… I can’t agree there. Carell was at his best. As funny as he is in NBC’s, The Office, I was hoping for more than just a replica of that character. Carell’s Maxwell Smart delivered! Smart was not some pathetic loser. He balanced the authentic Maxwell Smart goofiness with moments of success (I don’t know about you… but I’m not a big fan of a lead character who is a complete bumbling idiot! I want some sense of accomplishment and triumph.)
Todd’s Word: I disagree; he is at his best as Michael Scott. I’ve said this before…I’m a huge fan of Steve Carell. The Office is my favorite show on TV and I have the first four seasons on DVD. And by the way, Michael Scott is not a pathetic loser…O.K., never mind…you got me there.
Jonathan’s Word: I definitely think The Office is funny… but it’s nice to actually like a character. It’s hard to like Michael Scott. Maxwell smart offers a lot more than Michael.
As for the other cast? I almost always enjoy Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. This film was no exception. He was a great addition to the cast.
Todd’s Word: Wait, did you just say you almost always enjoy Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson?? Have you seen The Scorpion King? Is this another Reign of Fire conversation (or intervention)?
Jonathan’s Word: Note that I said “almost” always. The Scorpion King was pure action fodder. Walking Tall was a bad remake. But I loved him in The Rundown, Gridiron Gang and The Game Plan.
Todd’s Word: I totally agree. And you are right, he was perfect in this one.
Jonathan’s Word: Get Smart was just plain funny. The film had a few moments that had me in hysterics. Carell is a true jester. My sides hurt.
Todd’s Word: O.K., I laughed a few times…but for me it’s just a “Rental.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Jonathan’s Word: I watched the film with my whole family and didn’t regret it. The movie definitely included mild innuendo throughout, probably earning it a PG-13. But don’t confuse this with the PG-13 of the Austin Powers films, The Love Guru or Don’t Mess with the Zohan. This film was Mary Poppins compared to those. Just expect plenty of shots of Anne Hatheway in revealing attire, ample potty humor, and subtle innuendo on several occasions- the kind your little kids will miss, your grandma won’t hear, but your teenagers will definitely get.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
