Get Smart

Another classic TV favorite gets the big screen adaptation this weekend in theaters.
 
"Get Smart" is the latest old TV chestnut brought to the big screen and the movie's strong point is in its casting.

Steve Carell is the closest sort of actor today to the late Don Adams' brand of humor, and Anne Hathaway is the new agent 99, Barbara Feldon's old role from the mid sixties Mel Brooks-Buck Henry spy spoof series.

The control agents, including Dwayne Johnson, are combating the resurgent chaos, the evil crime syndicate.

Oscar winner Alan Arkin on board as the new chief, Edward Platt's old TV role.

But by now, decades after the Flynt movies and other sendups, spoofs of the 007 genre have become trite.

But in the movie's favor are its action sequences, including a skydiving scene.

Terrence Stamp is the head of chaos.

He was Zog of course from Superman II and he's a great actor with Borat's sidekick.

But the film tries in vain to replicate the wit and bite which was so original back in the day.
 
'Get Smart' has a few funny moments, alright, but it's nowhere nearly as funny as the TV series, which I suspect had much more direct input from creators Mel Brooks and Buck Henry.

Movie critic Jeffrey Lyons said Steve Carell can't decide if he should ape Don Adams or bring his own talent to the portrayal.

The result is a middling comedy with some good action sequences, but it's surprisingly violent given its intended audience.