Well, not really — It was hot, the theater was cool, and "Get Smart" was a lot of fun, particularly for those of us who remember 86, 99, Chief, and yes, even Hymie in this sexed up, high tech romp of a movie released this weekend.
Parking, well I can tell this part without giving away the plot, but frankly who cares. With consultants on board like Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, the originators of the TV version, how can this not be a summer winner?
The Chief lands an airplane outside the Disney Concert Hall in downtown LA. The look on the valets’ face as he pulls up in front is priceless. It’s not surprise at the plane, more frustration as to "what are we to do with it."
This is one of many double takes in the movie which pits Control against Kaos and has great cameos including Bill Murray, as the hapless agent 13, who is always inside something (tree, mailbox, trash can,,,)
Journeymen actors including Steve Carrell, Anne Hathaway, Alan Arkin, Terence Stamp and James Caan fill in the blanks and make this just a lot of fun.
Oh, Caan, who plays the "president", camps it up enough and actually makes the mispronouncing of "nuclear" and falling asleep to Beethoven’s 9th almost endearing. Writers Tom Arstle and Matt Ember join Brooks and Henry to poke warm hearted fun at a sitting president while bringing Max out of his bumbling shell of TVLand and to a hero that you can love for somehow being right, at least most of the time.
There are a few belly laughs, a lot of snickers, and a smile on your face during the entire two hours of "Get Smart." If you want to cool off at the movies, you could do a lot worse.
JVH
